Fast Company article. October 1999. "The Monroe Doctrine." By Keith H. Hammonds. Pp. 230-236.

This article was very inspiring to me. Education is my first love, so the article really caught my attention. I enjoy learning about new ways to work and how effective that can be for people of all ages. I remember when I was an undergrad and I was looking forward to moving from the learning to the teaching, a professor showed the movie "Stand and Deliver." I had such a mix of emotions about teaching after watching that movie. I was instantly afraid of what I might encounter in the classroom, such as apathy about learning or even violence. Just how would I handle that? At the same time, I was also inspired about the progress and motivation I was sure I could bring about in the classroom. Sometimes you have to be different to bring about progress.

I was intrigued to read Lorraine's impressions about being a leader and how difficult it can be at times, especially in getting ideas across to others. Challenges include being visionary, feeling responsible for progress, and putting thoughts and dreams into action. The benefits of being a leader are the ability to test a thought or theory and see it put into action, as well as notice the difference in such things as morale or trust levels from others. Leadership has other benefits, such as the ability to inspire others and set an example or to pass on new ideas.

I am still struggling with the concept of leadership as I evaluate the job I do with the 4-H program. I provide leadership, which to some people means that I make sure we have a meeting place secured, an agenda to work from and an accurate bank balance. To others, they expect that everyone in the 4-H program should be a leader, which is something that develops, it's not handed out just because someone is a member. Yet others have chosen not to accept leadership because it represents too much time, effort and responsibility and not everyone is willing to share that with others.

I truly enjoy working with kids. I find I spend more time with those who have chosen to take the leadership path, because they want to be involved, active and share with others. I am challenged in how I can work with those who've chosen a different path when I don't have as much contact with them. That's a continuous struggle for me in my job. It's also a challenge for me working with adults who react in the same ways. Leadership doesn't mean you're the only one to do the work, it means that you can provide guidance, advice and you know how to get the work done, through organization, planning or delegation, which is a great way of recognizing the talents of others.

In a recent visit with a co-worker, I asked her how she handles the same situation. Does she struggle with the challenges of the meeting the needs of all people who are involved with the 4-H program? She said she has come to realize that she will never be all things to all people. She has her talents that she uses as best she can in a leadership role. She has found ways to utilize the talents of others who have skills in areas she doesn't. Because she has recognized what her limitations are, she has been able to tap those who have excelled in other areas. As I later thought about what she said, she has used her talents as a leader. She has encouraged others to move forward and lead, while still providing that guidance and direction that many people seek. If I were to ask those other leaders that she has encouraged and guided, they probably wouldn't consider themselves to be leaders, they'd make some remark about just doing the work. That's a credit to this educator, who has given others the confidence to go forward and lead without them realizing what a service they are doing for others. Leadership is wonderful when it is quiet and yet doing great things for others.

Evaluating leadership around me is something I need to spend more time noticing and recognizing in others. I also know I can't do everything, but with the help of others and by encouraging others to use their talents and skills, I can make a difference. Leadership doesn't mean you are at the front of the pack being noticed, it means you have found ways for others to be involved and to keep them interested and involved. If only more people noticed that. Sometimes it's the people who don't get the public

-- Anonymous, September 20, 1999