Leadership, Leaders, and Leading: Myths, Metaphors, and Myopias

Arguably, the most important need in society today is to create individuals who will take action positively and progressively to lead in the private organization, in the the public institution, or in the governmental agency. Leadership action should not be held hostage by the notion that only those in formal positions of leadership can lead. Anyone who has a part in a system of work that involves inputs, tasks, processes, procedures, systems, outputs, outcomes, schedules, and deadlines can take an active leadership role. In this article, the author challenges the notion that only a few can lead and the rest follow. There is a powerful, positive impact on productivity and morale when individuals act responsibly. Moreover, from a performance perspective, the most important lesson for leaders is the value of learning while leading. Listening and learning about leadership can activate emotional intelligence, critical thinking, effective diagnosis of information, ethics, and respect. (Contains 4 resources.)