Entire books have been written on Leadership. This short essay can provide only an outline and summary of all that can be said and learned about this emerging topic.

Sometimes it is useful when describing something to begin by saying what it is not. Like an artist that creates a canvas to contain the subject in some context, let's begin with a container and then open it to discover just how large it truly is inside.

New Leadership is not about coercion or standing in front of the room based solely upon rank, privilege, role, or money. New Leadership is not prejudicial or closed to what is new in the world. New Leadership is not threatened by ideas, creative thinking or change.

In fact New Leadership is about embracing that which is ever changing - this moment!

New Leadership is characterized by words such as: co-active, empowering, collaborative, participatory, dynamic, open, fluid, creative, leads by example, enrolling, listening, relationship, flexibility.

These attributes point to a type of leadership where force is not wielded to dominate, rather power is demonstrated in actions, words and presence. Power that invites participation in the cause that is at hand. A New Leader does not always lead from the front. An effective New Leader learns to share with other leaders, other members of a team and other members of the community in which they participate.

New Leadership takes practice and there are skills and tools to assist in that practice.

The New Leaders program is one of the places where young people can learn skills as well as practice the art  and science of New Leadership. To better understand New Leadership, a partial listing of some of the skills to master are provided.

The Art of Listening - A New Leader listens constantly. There is listening to self (what is happening in my head and in my heart), there is listening to others. There is the listening of words and there is the listening of the meaning behind the words. There is the listening to the silence and energy between the words. Powerful leaders are powerful listeners.

The Authentic Leader - The New Leader is not imitating someone else, though they may have learned much from other leaders. Finding one's own style and fully inhabiting that way is discovered to be the most compelling leadership. Expressing our individual talents, sharing the words and emotions and passion that comes from the core, is true leadership.

Courageous Leader - The New Leader learns to trust.

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