The need for global leadership

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to get individuals understanding how to think differently about leadership and the process for creating ethical leaders with sustainable impact. Design/methodology/approach – The author uses his experience as a teacher, a state senator and his own learning experiences from studying and experiencing leadership from the top down. The author has taken concepts from his recently published book: A Leap of Faith: Going, Doing and Changing Ourselves and the World Around Us. Findings – There is a huge difference between having a position of authority and that of being a leader. One cannot lead anyone until first learning to lead one’s self. That we must shift how we think from reacting and repeating to responding and creating new possibilities. Research limitations/implications – This work is based upon the life experiences of the author. It is limited to that experience and his interpretation of what those experiences can mean for future leaders. Practical implications – These concepts can change reality for anyone both professionally and personally. These are concepts for changing ourselves and the world around us to provide meaning and joy regardless of one’s circumstance. Social implications – Create a way of thinking and a process for creating authentic, ethical leaders throughout the world whose impact will be both sustainable and resilient in the worlds of today and tomorrow. Originality/value – These are concepts taken from the author’s new book which is in the form of letters to his sons (and to us) about his life, experiences and how to be ethical leaders with lives of meaning and joy.