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Living for Today, Leading for Tomorrow

Leadership is a curious thing. Some leaders are born into the role, others acquire the skills over time, and still others find themselves thrust into a position of leadership because of events beyond their control. Leaders in cities and communities come from all walks of life.

Don't be fooled by official titles. Leadership comes officially from the top down - from the mayor and city manager, from the university president and the school district superintendant - and unoffiically from the bottom up, from motivated university students and faculty, from city workers who realize there is a better way and that they're empowered to make a positive change, from citizen activists who step up to promote positive change in the community.

I finally got up the gumption to watch United 93 tonight with my wife, the film about the everyday people who became heroes and leaders, as they stepped up to take back their plane that had been hijacked by the 9/11 terrorists. Their plane ultimately crashed into a field in Pennsylvania, instead of its intended target: the US Capitol. They didn't survive their ordeal, but those brave individuals took on the difficult role of leadership when it was thrust upon them and acted with dispatch to do what needed to be done.

The nature of leadership is taking charge when the situation demands it - of one's own life, one's situation, a needed effort - leaders take charge and motivate others with a common, inspiring vision. They show the way forward. They do what is necessary and what is right.

This movie shows us that leadership potential is imbedded in all of us - the key is stepping up and accepting the necessary role that is presented. It was difficult to watch this movie, but I'm glad I did, and I urge you to rent the DVD and watch it yourself.

A clear message of the film, besides the sacrifice and leadership those heroes demonstrated, is the fragile nature of our lives and the idea that we should live each day as if it were our last, because it may be. It sounds trite and appears a cliche, but, hey, it's true.

I was struck by the expressions of love by those hijacked in their last moments, as well. We just don't know when it will all end. I think that when one strives to live each day that way, as hard as that is to do, it becomes easier to step up and take the mantle of leadership.

In the end, why not be a leader? What does one have to lose? Leadership, when it's needed, when it's based on principles, is about doing the right thing, with an eye to what's important and a singular vision and a goal, and a willingness to act.

Posted on April 11, 2007 at 11:41 PM

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