Leadership is... Part 2

The opportunity to run for 1st VP of the PGI gives me a chance to evaluate how

I choose to lead. For the past 12 years, I have served on the Town Council of

Mulberry, IN. For the past 10 years I have held the office of president. I have decided not to hold the office of president after my term ends this December. Each year the council nominates and elects from the 5 member board a president and vice president and if nominated in 2012 I will decline. My reason stems from learning how other leaders served very effectively, while in leadership, and continued to have a very positive impact as they stepped aside. One book that I found very informative and helpful "Good to Great" by John Collins points out that solid effective leadership continues after that leader no longer holds the lead position. The author Jim Collins reveals the findings of in depth study by his research group of twenty one people who examined over six months all the key details of companies that went from good to great. One of the key elements to these companies impressive growth was their leadership. This type of leader prepares and helps those who will follow after to be ready to take the reins as he or she steps down.

My ten years as town council president are going to end this year by my choice. I believe leadership needs to set goals work to achieve those goals and then step aside. These companies that made the leap from ‘good to great’ had leaders with several distinct characteristics. One of these was “Ambition for the Company: Setting up Successors for Success. While it may seem strange to talk about leaving a position before even being elected, I think this is a fundamental part of good leadership. You build on the hard work of your predecessors, advance the cause while in leadership, and document clearly what you have been doing and communicate this information to those who will be your successors. Then you step away passing the baton to your successor and prepare to enjoy some potential free time.