05Sep 2013 by CJ

Leadership means more than simply bossing people around

Life & Living
Each and every day, we all encounter individuals who refer to themselves as “leaders”. It’s unavoidable really - politicians, parents, managers, teachers - even our friends. But few of those who’ve chosen to brand themselves as such, truly have any idea what it actually means to lead. By definition, “to lead” means to “show the way by going in advance; to guide or direct in a course.” But far too often leading is confused with “bossing people around” – using power and dominance to show one’s superiority in stature. Such a practice increases bitterness and frustration, while decreasing the morale and self-esteem of those who often deserve better from their so-called “leader”. Leadership is not easy – which might explain why so many people fail at it. It involves relinquishing…
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24Apr 2013 by CJ

Leadership is more than just being the boss

Life & Living
I recently overheard a casual conversation discussing what it means to be a good leader. Though I’ve posted parts of this piece before, I feel it always needs repeating in a world filled with actors. I have a great deal of respect for those individuals in life who have a firm grasp of what it means to truly be called a “good leader” – and a great deal of contempt for those who pretend they are. I remember when I attended Growing Tree nursery school many, many years ago. One of the first games we played was “Follow the Leader”. The concept is pretty straight forward - one child is chosen to lead the group around the classroom or the playground like a group of baby geese following their mother.…
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08Nov 2012 by CJ

The way in which you conduct yourself is an example of leadership

Information & Education, Life & Living
From politicians to employers to heads of households – every one of us has a basic understanding of what an example of leadership truly is. For many of us however, I think we have the wrong impression. When we think of someone being the “leader” we often think of descriptive words like dominance, control, power and sometimes even fear. But a true, effective leader comprises much more than that, and Jim Rohn sums it up best. "The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly." Sadly we won’t stumble upon many such individuals who understand this balance as…
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