When you hear the word leadership, images of Lincoln, Washington, Kennedy, Reagan, Gandhi and Mother Teresa along with many other well-known leaders might pop into your head.
How about Alexandria Hogan, Max Renke, Jim Lewis, Arquianys Martinez, Raymond DiFiore, Rocky Morrison and George Herman? Do these leaders' names ring a bell? If you pay close attention to the content of this newspaper, they might.
Leaders come in all shapes and sizes and from diverse backgrounds. Some are called born leaders and others learn leadership through trial and error.¬�Leaders can lead in big ways (the president of the United States) while others lead in everyday life (at work, at school, in community groups and in churches and temples).
No matter what the situation, leaders determine the success or failure of any effort. Leadership author and guru John C. Maxwell often states, "Everything rises and falls on leadership."
In preparation for this column, I asked a 6-year-old what leadership means. It is a known fact that this young lady prefers to be first in any line. Her response to what a leader does hit the nail on the head. She said, "Leaders lead people. Like to a path that they can follow."
Reflected in this newspaper each day are stories about the successes and failures of leaders. Lately, we have read about the failures of some corporate and government leaders that have contributed to our present recession. There are often leaders who seem to have important titles but are seemingly asleep at the wheel. These people like the idea of a title but have never learned what it truly takes to lead people.
We tend to overlook leaders who make a positive difference every day. The leaders at work who keep us motivated don't always have a special title. They are emerging leaders who might not even realize their gift. Hopefully, someone with the ability to develop these types of people realizes their potential and can coach them to further success.
On the list of names above that might not be familiar to you are Haverhill's 9-year-old Mayor for a Day, a teen health activist, a man who left a legacy when he died recently, a 15-year-old high school graduate, Methuen's Person of the Year, an environmental activist and a Little League official forced to lead his league through hard times. These leaders may have received some training in leadership, but chances are that they just followed their hearts.
Imagine what leaders and emerging leaders could accomplish with some guidance and training.
Earlier this year, The Eagle-Tribune decided to take a leadership position by partnering with Suffolk University to present a series of three programs to address our present economy. The breakfast series was titled "Weathering the Storm." More than 200 Merrimack Valley and Southern New Hampshire business leaders attended the events. The series was deemed a success by the attendees, and their request to do more was loud and clear, so we are doing more.
¬�This coming Friday, May 8, we will present a learning opportunity for leaders and emerging leaders, along with the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce, the Great Salem Chamber of Commerce, the Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce and the business leaders of Osgood Landing. By way of a live video feed to Osgood Landing, we will participate in a leadership day being presented live in Atlanta, Ga.
This extremely cost-effective leadership training is designed for anyone to attend. Whether you run a company, a nonprofit organization, a school committee or a church group, you should attend. If you are a leader now, hope to be a leader some day or are just interested in what it takes to be a leader, you should attend.
If people have told you that you have leadership potential based on a success you had, you should attend. If you led a group that failed miserably, you should attend. If you lead hundreds, you should attend. If you hope to lead thousands but merely are learning to lead yourself, you should attend.
If you are a student, you should attend. If you are a CEO, you should attend. If you are a middle manager, you should attend. If you can share your leadership wisdom with others who wish to hone their skills, you should attend.
In other words, there is no reason you should skip this session. The small price of admission could make the difference in your next leadership opportunity. It could make a difference in your career, in your family, in your school, in your volunteer organization and most certainly in the lives of others.
We are all called to lead in big and small ways. A community that is filled with quality leaders at every level is sure to succeed. Not everyone can be a leader in every situation, but a better appreciation for leadership also makes you a better follower.
These are indeed challenging times that require leadership. Why not give yourself, your employees, your friends, your spouse, your children or your pastor the gift of leadership?¬�Join us this Friday. See the ad in today's newspaper or go to www.eagletribune.com for more details.
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Al Getler is the publisher of The Eagle-Tribune. He can be reached at 978-946-2110 or at agetler@eagletribune.com.
