Leadership itself is an art and a science. It's the art of listening to what the group is saying, translating it back to them and creating a shared vision that all can work toward. Leadership then becomes the science of deadlines, being organized and knowledge. Throw in the ability to motivate, increase morale and the energy to do more than any two people, and you have created positive leadership.

Leadership is a learned skill. Few people are born with the ability to be effective leaders; most of us have had to learn from trial and error...and training. The majority of effective leaders didn't seek out a position of leadership for the power of the position. In fact, I think many would agree there is no inherent power in leadership, the power comes from those who have placed their trust in our leadership abilities- and we will do whatever is necessary to become worthy of the faith and trust these people have given us. Having stated this, I am amazed by how many people do not realize there is training available to them to help them develop the skills they already possess and gain new ones. Most colleges and universities offer courses on leadership, including topics such as "Leading for Social Justice" (offering from Kent State University Spring 2010). I believe the most effective training for Pagan Leaders is the National Pagan Leadership Skills Conference held in Richmond Virginia each summer. This conference allows a leader to become immersed in one leadership topic throughout the weekend. It's also very practical, from event coordination to group facilitation, this conference will work with each participant to not only learn the skills, but leave the conference with a viable action plan to take back to their home groups. I have never attended or taught at a conference that is as focused on meeting the needs of the participant as this conference.

Organizations will benefit from your desire to hone your leadership skills. How many times have you been in an organization that has wondered why an event didn't work the way it was "supposed to"? Or become frustrated at meetings that last "forever"? Leadership training helps you to address these issues- or whatever challenges your organization is facing. The skills you learn also help in your career, and even personal relationships. Learning these skill is not just about how an organization functions, you also learn about yourself and your attitudes and beliefs at the same time. If you're a current leader, or aspire to one day assume the mantle of leadership, learning the skills necessary for effective leadership is a necessity.

For further information regarding the National Pagan Leadership Conference go to:

www.paganleadership.org

Peggy Thompson has been teaching leadership for 10 years in a variety of venues from college campuses to the NPSLC. She holds a bachelor's in Anthropology and Criminology from Cleveland State University where she helped to found Cleveland State Pagans- a pagan student union. Currently she is earning her Master's from Kent State University; her program is Higher Education and Student Support.