Nature of Leadership Article

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Michael McKinney examines the nature of leadership. He also explores what constitutes a leader, and provides two historical examples of leaders. McKinney also dissects what characteristics are missing from what passes for many of today's leaders, and finishes with a call to action for every person to become a leader in some sense.

McKinney provides several clear definitions of leadership as well as examples of how a leader performs. He emphasizes the element of custodianship, pointing out that the custodian upholds those principles which are best for everyone. According to McKinney, the custodian does this even though those principles may not necessarily be in the custodian's best interests.

McKinney sites two historical examples of custodial leadership, Cincinnatus of the 5th century BC and George Washington. Cincinnatus served as dictator for exactly sixteen days, just long enough to defeat enemies of the Roman Republic (Lucius Quintus Cincinnatus, 2011). Centuries later George Washington would be compared to Cincinnatus. Both leaders selflessly answered the call to lead their countrymen in time of war, then voluntarily relinquished the reins of power once they had performed their duties. Their actions exemplified the leadership traits of public service and putting the needs of their countries ahead of their own agendas.

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McKinney argues that we must all be leaders, not just in government, but in business, and in our private lives. He further argues that leadership is not only about a vision of ideals and service performed for others, but that it includes "raising the sights and holding the focus of those we lead such that they are empowered to reach their potentials" (McKinney, 2000).

This essay also examines other less satisfactory models of leadership, including one McKinney designates nouveau-stewardship, which has as its guiding principle the notion that others have the knowledge and answers within themselves to be responsible stewards. McKinney points out the fallacy in this reasoning, namely that human beings are not their own best source of wisdom, because people act from their own "biases, desires, perceptions, and distractions" (McKinney, 2000). True leadership must necessarily help followers to create a more accurate and constructive view of reality, one that represents the larger picture.

In his thoroughness, McKinney also further describes what leadership is not, it is not consensus-building. Rather, it is the ability to….....

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