Great leaders always have a vision. They are interested in finding a way to fulfill a need, or make a contribution. Leaders want to affect things for the better. Leaders employ critical thinking in demonstrating evidence for their beliefs. They never critique an idea without carefully considering the possibility of the idea first. Leaders welcome input to their own ideas, and value the opportunity to make them better. "Where there is no vision, there is no hope" -George Wash

This is a great article about certain examples of leadership exhibited by some of the humblest leaders, nuns. There are nuns that run schools, institutions and influence many people. They are masters of delegation, communication and ingenuity. Most importantly, they lead with a moral compass.This article isn't about religion, it's about leadership principles. It is worth the read if you are interested in leadership. Click on the pic for the article. “I alone cannot change the

Relationships are the means of leaders. Great leaders understand their achievements reside in the relationships to those they engage. They value vision over righteousness. Tyrants dictate processes and coerce loyalty; leaders build trust and value reciprocity. Great leaders never suggest a course of action they themselves would not do. Great leaders lead by example, and genuinely care about the people they inspire. "As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be thos

This is a great article from the New York Times Leadership series about the value of listening. Leadership is more about listening than speaking. The best leaders are always great followers. Click on the pic for the article. "A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent"

Great leaders are empathetic, and value other points of view. They often will pick you up before they pick themselves up. Leaders understand a foundational communication principle and apply it to leadership, namely, impacting communication is transactional with multiple dimensions, not linear like a one way street. Great leaders are in the middle of the process, accessible, like a spider web, not at the top talking down. Leaders love input, and value diversity. They are often

This is an interesting article from Forbes. This author makes some good points, however leaders can always learn something. Sometimes the best impact comes from keeping an open mind. It's always best to apply your own critical thinking skills to discern value for yourself. Click on the quote below for the article. "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent" -Eleanor Roosevelt #StudentLeadership

I’ve read a lot of articles about leadership development, seen a lot of leadership development programs, and come to realize that if someone tells you they can develop you to be a leader, question that statement. Leaders hone their skills over trial and error, and learn how to develop themselves from various experiences and knowledge. There is no rote way to learn leadership. Having said that, I think leaders can learn something valuable from just about any kind of knowledge,

Leaders value the task over the title. They are more interested in contributing to the greater of the whole than anything else. Leaders value solutions over hierarchy. Leaders have the ability to inspire consensus and do so more often than seeking it. A great leader doesn’t need to be an expert to solve a problem, because great leaders surround themselves with very smart and capable people. Leaders inspire others to work together by their ability to work with others. They are

Leadership isn’t one distinction that may be taught in a classroom. Student leadership is collaboration between students and mentors. Mentors of leaders must not be afraid to make mistakes, but must be accountable for making them. Students must know how to lead their imperfect selves by great examples of imperfect leaders. Great leaders are messy, flawed, and fail regularly, but it never stops them from finding a way. "Leaders don't create followers, they create more leaders"

Miss Kendra gave her speech about the value of leadership in college to about 100 area high school principles and guidance counselors. She was nervous but she faced her fear and brought down the house. Great job Kendra, I'm proud of you! "Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other." John F. Kennedy