We think of leadership as a subject we study. We learn about leadership; choosing examples, dissecting them to understand. We want to see who did what when, drawing conclusions from the results of their actions. We would like to analyze our way into leadership. We can know a great deal about leadership without becoming leaders. We become the leaders we can be by practicing. Our own unique way of practicing leadership determines the leaders we each become. Leadership is not simply a... Read more

We act as if leadership were a magical secret power. We do not understand how or why we became leaders. It is a challenge for us to explain just what leadership is. Many of us believe we became leaders because someone else decided we were. We were chosen for a particular position, or for a training opportunity. We went to school, where we learned about things like planning and human resources. It is almost as if leadership were something that happens... Read more

We tend to think of leaders as people at the top. Leaders are at the top of their game, at the top of the organization chart. People who want to be leaders fight their way to the top. Some people even climb to the top of the leadership mountain. We believe that leadership flows from the top down. Leaders surround themselves with people to do things for them. Each of those people surrounds themselves with people to do things for... Read more

We think of leaders as people up in front, attracting our attention. We see leaders having plans, motivating people to put those plans into action.  We hear leaders talk, directing and influencing other people to do things. We believe leaders are in the spotlight, in the front of the room. People who want to be recognized as leaders sit up front, hoping to be noticed. I enjoy standing in front and talking, attracting attention, as much as anyone else.  I like to be... Read more