Recently I have been thinking about leadership (you already know this if you have read my earlier blogs). I recognize that this has been a personal passion of mine that I continue to spend a lot of energy trying to expand my own knowledge.
 
In one of my learning communities we are taught that we tend to lead others from the same approaches we use to lead ourselves. The more I pause and just witness the actions of myself and others, the more I am convinced that this is true. I have learned over time that every person has leadership styles that are natural to who they are and the learning of other approaches is more about expanding a personal “tool box” from which you can chose the most efficient and effective method for a given situation.
 
Over the years I have studied and practiced a variety of leadership styles which I try to integrate in my life. I began my studies and practice with “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” the skill set most commonly accepted and identified in Stephen Covey’s body of work. An equally important balance to this approach was servant leadership known for the personal qualities needed to be a good “follower”. (This is Robert Greenleaf’s body of work.) Next I learned about authentic leadership which is about how you “walk your talk”. Your leadership is best known by what you image to others by how you live and who you are. (This is the experience/challenge of awakening, accepting and confronting your own weaknesses/less flattering parts of self and making the choice to change. You are taught that this process energetically creates the level of inspiration you offer to others.) I studied empowerment leadership which is about your ability to listen, support, ask questions, and offer neutral/clear mirrors of reflection so you can offer the opportunity for others to expand in their leadership. The final leadership style I will highlight (which I am currently studying) is Director or Commander Leadership. Knowing how to lead from the front and take command of a situation as your responsibility. (I confess this is the style that is the most challenging to me because it feels bossy and makes me feel unlikable, but I am stretching!)
 
I know that I am a life-long learner of leadership because it intrigues me and peaks my curiosity. It also expands my tool box in my own growth and development. I am a beginner in knowing how to use this expanded tool box and make mistakes often (and get to learn from that as well). The “art” of leadership is learning how to properly use this set of tools.
 
The reason I have been thinking about leadership so much is because inside each Great Start Parent Coalition is a network of volunteers who share a passion about the importance of early childhood and represent a variety of these forms of art (along with many other leadership approaches I didn’t mention or don’t even know about). As the parent coalitions grow and expand it is my desire to support our local partners in creating a place where all forms of leadership can be expressed and honored as the beautiful piece it contributes to this great mosaic.
 
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