Developing Leadership Skills
Leadership means many things to many people. Some define a leader as a person who has commanding authority and influence. Some traditional examples of leadership are calling a meeting to order, determining an agenda, being elected to a position such as President of an organization. However, leadership can also mean initiating a conversation, starting a discussion, getting people going, or heading them in a direction that accomplishes positive societal change. Leadership means working with and through people and processes to act and to accomplish goals.
Leaders are developed by their experience and the opportunities they take to build skills. Thus, leadership is a lifelong process of developing and learning. Leaders tend to be most effective in working with volunteers and in reaching goals when they know their own leadership style, recognize the styles of the people they work with and adapt their own style to the situation.
Volunteer organizations usually retain volunteers and build a sense of loyalty to the group when leadership is shared by all and when all leadership styles are recognized but also are used to add strength to the organization. Personal satisfaction and growth, not a salary, motivate volunteers. What works in an organization of paid employees may not work in an organization of volunteers.
Leadership is the responsibility of every person in the group. An effective group includes many leaders each contributing special skills towards achieving group goals. An effective leader enables every member to reach her potential.
A Leader Should
- Challenge: Be willing to change the status quo, take risks, accept inevitable setbacks and fail. Use this as an opportunity to learn.
- Inspire through a shared vision: Believe she can make a difference through her ability to attract and persuade.
- Enable others to act: Encourage collaboration and an atmosphere of mutual respect.
- Show standards of excellence: Set an example. Plan and create opportunities for achievement.
- Provide the spirit: To keep hope and determination alive.
The materials in the Effective Leadership section can help members to examine different leadership styles and to improve important leadership skills.
