Over the last few weeks we have spent a lot of time discussing leadership in our school.  We talked about how true leadership is about more than just being in a position of power, it’s about taking care of others and setting a positive example for the to follow. 

We have also talked about the two basic types of leaders: "Leaders In Power" and "Empowering Leaders".

So today I would like to ask you just a few quick questions to help you determine if you are a "Leader In Power" or an "Empowering Leader".  Ask yourself honestly:

Do you believe you have to be "in charge" to be a leader, or can you lead from any position?

Do you lead by example, or expect more from your people than you do from yourself?

Do you have a compelling vision that you consistently share with your people to motivate them?

Are you a GOOD FINDER, or do you focus more on what is wrong?

Do your make others FEEL GOOD about themselves and what they do?

Are you a good LISTENER and seek to understand how others feel?

Do you make others feel VALUABLE, or do you make them question their worth?

Do you GIVE credit and TAKE blame, or the other way around?

Do you give without expecting anything in return?

Do you offer SINCERE praise, or is praise just a tool you use to soften the blow of criticism?

Do you resolve conflicts or create them?

Do you INFLUENCE others to your way of thinking, or do you often use your title or position as a reason, for example "Do it because I’m the boss and I said so."?

And finally… the biggest question of them all:

Do people follow you because they WANT to or because they HAVE to?

That’s it!  If you answered those questions honestly you should have a good idea about what kind of leader you are. 

Both styles will produce results, to a certain extent.  But only by being an "Empowering Leader" will you truly be of service to others and make any real progress towards your vision.

You may also have noticed that the differences between the two types of leadership all come down to the way you interact with others in small things.  So it doesn’t take a LOT to make some big changes!!