Leadership.  Such a lofty term.  Such a day-to-day in-the-dirt operation.  We tend to think of leaders as lofty beings.  People beyond our reach doing great things.  But, in reality, leaders are you and you and you and, yes, even you.  You may be a good example of a leader or a poor example of a leader — or,  as we used to joke sometimes, “I’m the non-example.”  On a more serious note, I’ve learned an awful lot from bad leaders — I learned things I did not want to do as a leader.  That can be every bit as important as knowing what you do want to do as a leader.

I still enjoy studying leadership and leadership styles.  I understand the value of leadership styles I do not value and, in fact, find abhorrent.  I see more clearly the value of a good follower — which is key to being a good leader.  I also see more clearly the need for leadership at all levels, including self-leadership.  Because, seriously, if you can’t lead yourself, how can you expect anyone else to consider you worth following?

Mothers and fathers are leaders — they are the first leaders we encounter, and they have a tremendous influence on us in our lives.  Teachers , coaches and bosses are leaders.  Co-workers and siblings are leaders.

Who are some of the best leaders you’ve encountered in your lives?