subject: Have You Fully Developed Your Leadership Potential? [print this page] Whether you're a teacher, a manager, or a parent, you should probably already know that powerful leadership does not revolve around the boss or the leader, but also on the team, whether it is in school, at the workplace or in your house.
Leadership has made some about face in this busy and driven times, top down leadership is no longer the buzzword in management, in fact a lot of people frown at this kind of management style.
Some form of leadership is now expected to be exercised by the various members of the team. If you ask any leader of consequence, they will tell you that in times like these, it is imperative that they be the best leaders that they can be.
Effective leaders are adaptable. Knowledge has become more essential to them as leaders, more than just prestige. Knowing when to let go is a value that all powerful leaders have; they realize that leaders can crop up anywhere and anytime, like in letting a young student share an inspiring thought, or moving the team towards a common goal as opposed to directing them, or in letting a child vent his anger to let him know that he also has some voice in the household.
Strong leadership flows continuously, with no specific direction; it can come from the leader or spread from the team, it flows where it's needed, to direct, to mold, to move and to inspire.
Strong leadership involves two very important words: purpose and responsibility; one should have in mind a certain direction to take, the capacity to lead the team, and the ability to shoulder the consequences.
What differentiates a good leader from an exceptional leader is the scope of their influence; a good leader excels only on their chosen field of specialization whether it is in the classroom, office or home, but an exceptional leader has no borders, their skill affects every area of their lives.
When a situation arises and change is needed, a powerful and superior leader is the one who steps up and take charge; they feel duty bound to do whatever is necessary to bring about a better solution. They're not afraid to wade in the waters, they just see what needs to be done and encourage others to lend a helping hand.
It is about molding other leaders. Learning how to find meaning is the mark of a true leader. Guiding towards the right direction is the mark of a true leader. True leadership knows how to bear consequences.
