What does a leader look like?

Across culture, time, location and faith the coming together of people is our common thread. Humans by nature are social creatures. The degree to which each of us partake in community varies individually.

I think when we look at participating in community,religious groups or even family we have to set our agendas aside. As we lead we have to set aside our ego which is one of the hardest things for us to do. Well for me it is at least.

When I look at possessively influential historical leaders, I see similar attributes in there success. They all seam to realise that the movement, cause or mission they initialised isn't theirs. They do not own it. They gave it life, yes. They helped develop the frame work yes but they turn the implementation over to the participants.

In collage my Resident Director taught me so many amazing things. She was truly a mentor who's words I go back to time and again. When looking and working with community she helped me see that the role of an adviser or leader isn't to set a personal agenda but to facilitate the groups positive evolution.

Of course She went into meetings with an agenda and a direction but she listened. She knew what we created together would be better than what she had envision on her own. She had the frame work of the university but the community that was created was ours. It didn't belong to her, Resident Life or the University. It belonged to the community that lived there.

The activities we planned were the result of community assessment. Our job was to hear and empower others to act or participate. Important University required content happened in a way that got students not only to attend but have fun as they participated.

We met needs. We facilitated community. We all had a chance to thrive.