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Do We Have the Leaders We Deserve?
Like many of you, I begin my day by reading a couple of blogs that I subscribe to. Most help me in my professional capacity and one or two I just find humorous and I do like to laugh. There are a couple that I read that are strictly about leadership, what makes a leader, how to lead, how to learn to lead. There is so much written about leadership it makes me question why we are experiencing a crisis in leadership in America.
Peoples' disappointment with the quality of leadership in our country and communities is unmistakable. As we enter another round of political campaigning, we wonder who is telling us the truth and who is just trying to win votes? Who will be the most likely to follow through on their promises? Who can we trust?
Before we spend any more time lamenting our lack of good leaders and pining for days gone by, let's look inward. What kind of leadership do we deserve?
Do we support the leaders who step up in our communities or do we stand back and watch, waiting for them to make a mistake so that we can feel better about not having not put our own reputations on the line?
Do we investigate the facts on issues that concern us or do we take the word of one media source and call it the truth?
Do we take the opportunity to talk and write about the issues in a thoughtful and respectful way?
Being a leader in any type of public position today is difficult. If we would like to see a better quality of leader we need to support those brave enough to take a risk and run for public office, from school boards to President of the United States.
Last Friday I had the opportunity to work with a wonderful bunch of leaders. Our volunteer board of directors all took time away from their own lives and jobs to come together and plan for the future of this United Way. They have a great vision for what we can become and how we can get there. They worked together, not always agreeing but respectful of each others knowledge, experience and enthusiasm. It was a fantastic day. I learned a lot about leadership just from observing all of them at work and I am eager to get started on making this United Way the best it can be for the communities we serve.
Starting today, let's support the people who are out there, do the work, leading the way. If you aren't satisfied with the job that is being done, step up, take a risk, you'll never know if you are a leader if you don't try! Lasting, positive change can only be made by all of us working together.
Maureen Nelson
One more thought on leadership for those of you who live in Red Wing. The Blandin Foundation is offering a great opportunity to help develop new leaders. The last group who attended are already quite visibly making positive changes in this community. Do you think you have it in you to take the initiative to lead? Look for more information in the side bar of this newsletter.
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