I learned how to make a scarf yesterday. When I started, it didn’t look like it would
end up looking like a scarf. My husband
even chuckled when he left the house saying, “Good luck with that scarf!” But I really wanted to learn this new
skill. I reread the directions and tried
again, several times over. After a few
tries I got the hang of it and continued until I had a finished scarf. When Jon came back home he laughed and asked,
“Do you have a new scarf?” I proudly
wrapped it around my neck.
 |
| My new scarf! |
Of course when I finished the scarf, there are things I
learned that I want to improve on when I make my next one. I would like to make
it longer, try different materials, and different colors. I have learned this new skill, but now I want
to master it.
Leadership development is much like learning a new
craft. Some people believe that great
leaders are made, not born. Sure, some people are born with natural leadership
talent, and with practice, drive, enthusiasm, and experience a true leader can
be developed.
Good leaders are continually working and studying to improve
their natural skills. It takes a commitment to constantly improve in whatever
endeavor you choose. Reading this blog
is not enough to improve your leadership skills. What will make you a better leader is your response to each post. I am still learning about leadership,
too. Everyday, I look at situations and
try to learn from them. I continue to
learn and grow, and I hope to keep learning and growing until I die. Most leadership skills you already know and may
just need to be reminded of them. In this blog, I try to capture my ideas and
share them in little “aha moments” for everyone.
Leadership is defined as power to lead others; to guide them
towards a vision. Development means to
acquire more. So by definition Pilot
International’s Leadership Development Division’s primary goal is to acquire
more leaders within its membership ranks.
Motivated and enthusiastic volunteers are essential to successful clubs
and districts. Knowing how to inspire club members will help encourage
participation in projects and programs.
One of the responsibilities of leadership is to seek out and
develop the talent of those members who have never had a good opportunity to
demonstrate their abilities as a leader. A leadership development program will
enhance Pilots’ personal growth and further develop their leadership skills,
allowing them to better serve and benefit their communities, their families,
and their business endeavors.
If you are a Leadership Development Coordinator in your
District or Club, your duty is more than encouraging people to step up to take
on a Leadership position.
The club-level leadership development program was created to
increase effectiveness in clubs by cultivating members’ leadership skills. This
program may particularly benefit club members who don’t have the opportunity to
regularly supervise others or attend employee training programs. Although the
position is optional within Districts and Clubs, I encourage your yearly training
program to focus on Leadership Skills.
As Pilots we bridge the gap between today’s skills and
tomorrow needs by developing leaders not only in our organization, but also in
our communities. Your training should
include: communication skills, leadership styles, leading and motivating
volunteers, mentoring, time management, goal setting and accountability,
strategic planning, ethics, building consensus, and teamwork.
Not everyone can be a leader; some people just don’t have
it, and don’t want it. Skills and traits have been studied by
sociologists and others for many years. Can most people acquire these
skills? Yes, but it takes more than just
reading an expert opinion or two. If you
do not have the natural raw leadership talent (it has been written that only
3-5% are born with this talent), then you need to learn and practice traits of
Leadership if you are so inclined. A Great Leader may be hiding within you.
Plan with Attitude. Prepare with Aptitude. Participate with Servitude. Receive with Gratitude. And that should be enough to Separate you from the Multitudes.
Pilot International Leadership Development Coordinator
http://facebook.com/sldunik
Twitter @sherrilynndunik
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