Often, our very senior leaders that have been our bosses, mentors, and role models in the past, never needed to use some of the necessary attributes required for success in the next 10 years. Yet, in other aspects, these same senior leaders have necessary wisdom and important insight to pass on. I believe that it is in rare cases that leadership is 'natural'. However, it can be learned, practiced, coached, and developed. We have some serious and complex issues to address in this world, and we have to rely on today's generation of leaders to create economic, societal, environmental, organizational and community models and action that truly work in a global context.
Leadership is a service to others or to community.
Leadership can breed contempt and suspicion in some of those who choose not to lead, and so must be exemplary and transparent. It takes judgment , feedback, learning and reflection on experiences. It requires a facilitative capacity and flexible style that seeks to balance competing demands, ensures ethical integrity, and nurtures relationships. Leaders will choose whatever is 'the right thing to do'. Leadership is an act of self-selection.