Leadership For Our Present World

Leadership For Our Present World

Leadership as a social construction is a product of time and context.  Leadership is looked at as an answer for the human dilemma as posed by the issues of the time (social, political, economic, cultural/Religious, environment and the list goes on).  

In tracing the history of our understanding of leadership or attempts to understand leadership across the ages, I believe that what constitutes effective leadership is largely driven by an expectation that leadership will provide answers or solutions for the problems that exist.  Failure to do so, is interpreted as ineffective.

In all the different descriptions/discourses, one thing that I take away is that a leader does something or needs to do something differently.  Our perception and interpretation of that is also largely defined by context and time.

Our present time and our present world of complex interrelated challenges call for a different kind of leadership… authentic, dynamic, adaptable and empowering.  It also calls for a different understanding of leadership…leadership at all levels, individual leaders, collective leaders, generational leaders.  It demands everyone to be a leader and a follower at same time.  

At individual level we are no longer helpless followers but partners in providing solutions, influencing our peers, and driving change just where we are. 

What is one problem you can identify today around you that you know, you can help solve or contribute to the solution?  It does not have to be global; it does not have to be at the center of current attention and limelight.  One community problem solved, is one global crisis removed.