What Leadership Means

Leadership. As hard as it may be to define, everyone can identify it when they see it. It could be the perfect words at a troubled time. Making a tough decision. Showing tenacity and perserverance through a storm.

John Wooden’s recent passing has given us all a chance to re-examine Wooden’s wisdom and observations when it comes to leadership. The Wizard of Westwood left behind a legacy of changed lives and advanced thought on leadership and what it takes to become a leader.

“I always tried to make clear that basketball is not the ultimate,” Wooden expained, “It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live. There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places faith in the hands of the Savior. Until that is done, we are on an aimless course that runs in circles and goes nowhere.”

For Rebecca Kleefisch, leadership is about connections. “Leadership involves a real connection and care for the people you’ve been blessed to lead,” she explained, “in Wisconsin, our leaders have forgotten who they represent and have chosen to follow their own interests. 2010 is not a year for politicians. It’s a time for real people to lead.”

Rebecca spent time on Facebook paying her regards to Wooden, including a link to an article and Wooden’s famed “Pyramid of Success.”

What does leadership mean to you? What leader has had the biggest impact on your life?