Leadership Warning

A local journalist in the city I live produced a thoughtful piece on a recent edition of his newspaper that chronicled what is projected to be "Fifteen Leaders for the Future" (Birmingham News, Sunday, February 1 ). John Archibald warns this newly crowned group that being named to this years list may not have a good outcome. Like the dreaded Sports Illustrated Cover curse, Archibald takes us back to previous "winners" of the same acclaim. It's not a pretty picture. Some have forsaken the community they were supposed to lead while others are under federal indictment or in prison. Thankfully, some of those in whom was placed such hope have made the journey with a bit more success. It does raise a significant issue about leadership.

Leadership and the recognition of it's members can be heady stuff. It is a powerful and intoxicating drug that can consume the best of us. Need I mention a decade of corporate implosions as CEO's and Presidents followed their greed and lust into historic failures. And what about those these leaders were responsible for and to?

Leadership is more than recognition. It is more than a title or the authority that comes with it. Responsibility, character, humility, compassion, self control. These qualities are not an exhaustive list of what makes a leader, but they are common to leaders who inspire the best in others.

Ultimately, I believe the real test of leadership is time and trials. Both have a way of proving what is genuine and authentic.