Ability, Position, and Leadership
To avoid confusion, it's helpful to distinguish leadership skills (i.e., skills at building community) from knowledge or ability in a specific area and position with respect to a task or an organization.
It is unlikely that a banker, for example, will be perceived as a leader in the profession without the knowledge or ability to perform banking tasks. Similarly, an athlete will find it difficult to lead his or her team without the ability to perform on the field. Neither ability nor knowledge in themselves are elements of leadership, however. Rather, they are conditions or attributes that are likely to be necessary for an individual to build community effectively with others--in the workplace or on the team. They pave the way rather than ensure a successful march.
Position within a firm or on a team may also influence the opportunity for leadership. For this reason, presidents and quarterbacks may have the greatest chances of being perceived as leaders. Like knowledge or ability in a specific area, however, position is nothing more than a condition that may be necessary for community building. It is a fact, rather than a maudlin sentiment, that even a child may lead.
In sum, it may be easiest to build community in a neighborhood, school, or congregation when one (1) is knowledgeable of the setting and its needs and requirements; (2) is able to perform important and mundane tasks that are encountered daily in the setting; and (3) is in a nominal position of leadership, such as block captain, principal, or minister. But even with these advantages, one must understand and be able to use community-building skills to succeed.
These skills, which aim to create the 11 elements of community, are what comprise the essential ingredients of leadership.
It is unlikely that a banker, for example, will be perceived as a leader in the profession without the knowledge or ability to perform banking tasks. Similarly, an athlete will find it difficult to lead his or her team without the ability to perform on the field. Neither ability nor knowledge in themselves are elements of leadership, however. Rather, they are conditions or attributes that are likely to be necessary for an individual to build community effectively with others--in the workplace or on the team. They pave the way rather than ensure a successful march.
Position within a firm or on a team may also influence the opportunity for leadership. For this reason, presidents and quarterbacks may have the greatest chances of being perceived as leaders. Like knowledge or ability in a specific area, however, position is nothing more than a condition that may be necessary for community building. It is a fact, rather than a maudlin sentiment, that even a child may lead.
In sum, it may be easiest to build community in a neighborhood, school, or congregation when one (1) is knowledgeable of the setting and its needs and requirements; (2) is able to perform important and mundane tasks that are encountered daily in the setting; and (3) is in a nominal position of leadership, such as block captain, principal, or minister. But even with these advantages, one must understand and be able to use community-building skills to succeed.
These skills, which aim to create the 11 elements of community, are what comprise the essential ingredients of leadership.
posted by Bob Rossi at 10:23 AM
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