Peace Journalism- research from Morocco, Turkey, and Sri Lanka
  • Home
  • Nomad Blog
  • Internship and Research Blog
  • Play With Your Food
  • Spring Research
  • Fall Research
  • Gallery
  • Have A Suitcase Heart

THIS CENTURY'S LEADER

7/9/2013

0 Comments

 
Picture
A leader has no power. The power is in his community and foundation.

There were various comments over our trip on how to redefine leadership. Strung together they crafted a fresh type of position.

The new definition flips hierarchy; the leader is a server within his community and team, not the commander. This also ties in the need for the leader to be connected on the ground by being involved in field work, not just the politics.

The strength of one’s community is strongest when the leader recognizes the various talents within the foundation, so individuals are encouraged to take their own lead on projects in their field. It’s important for the leader to have an eye for strengths and talents within the people.

Attention to detail is critical for any work, however the redefined leader does not focus on the minute aspects. That is the responsibility of the specialized talents addressed and highlighted already.

This bond and network of talents also avoids any feelings of inferiority by the people. There must be a mutual respect, which can be gained by the leader taking initiatives and proving the hands-on approach both in thinking and lifestyle.

All of this requires a deep connection to a community or unit, however criticism is a key trait to a successful leader. There should be multiple occasions of the leader stepping of out of the comfort community circle to be exposed to those who are different.

This not only provides insight and builds connections, but it is a chance for raw feedback from those who don’t really care about feelings. They care about actions.

It also exercises the leader’s ability to be multi-faced and omnipresent, which were other aspects of the redefinition. Flexible communication skills are also necessary for these engagements to be both meaningful and balanced.

As the leader moves through this involvedness, it is more than a role of servitude and building up others. In the mindset of Shramadana with Sarvodaya, “We build the road, and the road will build us.”

One who works to construct will be able to look back and see not only a finished project but a progressed self.

Through it all, the self is the most challenging obstacle. As Lotfi Lamrani said, “war happens in the mind, not in the battlefield. ”


0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    Author

    Chelsea Giles
    Multimedia Journalism
    Communication Major at
    Virginia Tech

    2013-2014 Lifestyles Editor for
    The Collegiate Times
    Blacksburg, VA

    July 2013 International Office volunteer for
    Sarvodaya
    Moratuwa, Sri Lanka

    July 2013 Part-time Media Intern for
    The Nation
    Colombo, Sri Lanka

    Archives

    July 2013
    June 2013

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.