When Leadership Matters

 It is truly amazing that most people have a hard time in acknowledging true leadership when they see it before their very own eyes.  Many are quick to point out the qualities of what should be in a “good” leader, their habits, passion and vision.  They can also point to what are the qualities of a “bad” or “poor” leader.  The real point is that there are leaders all around us; we see them every day, for leaders are people who lead other people with a purpose. 

The real problem is that we have a difficult time really understanding what leadership is and what it takes to be a so call “good” leader.   Leadership has difference meanings because of   situations, cultures and by career.  In some aspects a person can be seen as a leader due to their role within a certain community, context, event, and job or during a crisis.  In some unique situations, leaders and leadership takes various forms that are reflective of the needs of that organization, company or group of people.  And with all the issues we are facing within law enforcement, education, health care, social services, and housing; we need true leadership.   

Today, the greatest need for our nation is to have men and women to become effective leaders in communities, cities and across the nation. This includes having leaders at every level of our society, regardless of their age, race, ethnic background and religious faith.  We need leaders who are transformational, authentic, path finding and servants.  It is one thing to rise to the top of a company, a CEO, an Executive Director, manager, or an elected Official; but it is another thing to become a the leader when it matters the most and the quality of life for others is at stake and their lives do matter. 

In my view, true leaders are not known by what they say, but rather by what they get done.  And that is where we are falling short, we have a lot of people “saying it loud and saying it proud,” but where are the results or the noteworthy outcomes?  Some people are in leadership for their own personal gain and pretend to lead when helps them to look good.  I also know that leadership is without easy answers and that someone has to be in charge to take the credit or the blame.  But I believe that real leaders always emerge from the crowd when the stakes are high and failure is not an option.  What do you think?             
 

Dr. Andrew Calhoun, can be contacted at andrewiiicalhoun@gmail.com, and Facebook.   You can hear Dr. Calhoun each Sunday at Grace Fellowship Church, 3879 N. Port Washington Rd. Milwaukee 414-688-4964.