Leadership.  An intimidating word!  You’ve been hearing your whole life that you should be a leader, not a follower.  But what does being a leader really mean?

Leaders inspire others.  They can identify a problem before it gets out of control. They find a way to connect with others and take them where they need to be.  They are the decision makers.  They show their leadership through results, not talk.  And they know how to achieve goals. A really great leader motivates people to do things they didn’t even know they wanted to do and leaves them with a feeling of personal accomplishment.  They let others shine.

In this world where we are too often more interested in taking the credit then accomplishing the goal, it is difficult to be a good leader.  It’s hard to put the objective ahead of ourselves and let others get the praise.  But if it was easy, everyone would do it. 

John F. Kennedy once said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.”  SDA embodies this sentiment by providing an opportunity for both to all members.  Who has inspired you?  What leadership role are you motivated to try next?  

Wendy Callahan is the Director of Financial Analysis

with Davis Brody Bond LLP in New York, NY