the condition of leadership adds new degrees of solitariness to the basic solitude of mankind. Every order that we issue increases the extent to which we are alone, and every show of deference which is extended to us separates us from our fellows.
[Ella Baker]'s second defining characteristic was her dislike of top-down leadership... 'She felt leaders were not appointed but the rose up. Someone will rise. Someone will emerge'. It was an attitude Baker shared with some of the older women in the movement.
Leadership is detachment: detachment from material goods, detachment from feelings as well as personal detachment. To lead is to get rid of the filters of the mind and the addictions of the heart, is to see through the fog not only the objectives clearly but also the way to pursue them.
It is the challenge for every leader to develop and invest in those he depends on, to ensure his or her vision is realized in the way it has been put upon the leader’s heart. These key people will enhance the success or taint the leadership image and brand of the visionary.
“Through their actions, their vision and their commitment to change the reality of domestic violence in America, our Connections Campaign partners are shining examples of leadership through advocacy. On behalf of the Hotline and the 1.5 million callers to the Hotline, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.”
“Sprint has led the industry in offering content-rich information and entertainment applications that are changing the way consumers use their phones. The addition of The Broadway Channel to Sprint TV demonstrates our leadership and commitment to bringing the best of entertainment to our customers.”
“Fifteen years into the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States, prevention remains the most effective way of addressing this disease, ... Business and labor have a crucial role to play in HIV/AIDS prevention, and I applaud these organizations for taking a leadership role.”
“If the Democrats had any leadership or any message, they could be poised for a good year. But in the absence of that, they have not been able to capitalize on Republican woes. Because of the size of the GOP majority, Democrats have to run the board, and I don't see that happening.”
Authenticity is a practice we choose in each present moment. It is not a plan or a destination to get to. The choices we make in the now are most important because in a fast-changing world, flexing to what’s happening now, and creating from it is a critical leadership skill.
If Ralph Nader runs, President Bush is going to be re-elected, and if Ralph Nader doesn't run, President Bush is going to be re-elected. We're going to run on the president's strong and principled leadership and his positive agenda for a second term.