Here’s a portion of what I wrote leaders in Reno County on Monday, 4/8/13:
Now a quick thought on the practice of leadership. As you know part of the conviction of the KLC curriculum is that leadership is an activity, not a position and anyone can lead, anytime, anywhere. It starts with you, engages others purposefully and often is risky. I’ve written a lot about this during these winter and spring months and I remind you of it again today to ask a simple question: what are you waiting for?
I think many of us are way too timid. We’re looking for someone to give us a green light that acts of leadership will be safe things to engage in and it will be alright. But, engaging in acts of leadership is inherently risky. If you’re looking for someone to give you a green light, then, more than likely, you may have lost sight of the fact that leadership is an activity, not a position. So, what are you waiting for? Engage others. Step into acts of leadership and go after progress. (And yes, the behaviors to exhibit are managing self, diagnosing the situation, intervening skillfully and engaging others.) But, step into acts of leadership. Don’t waste your time or influence. Be about the work and actions of leadership today.