James Strock
The cliché is that every day should be Earth Day.
We’ve all become more attuned to the ways in which all of our actions–individually and collectively–can create environmental costs.
In the nature of things, we also have more opportunities to serve and lead as environmental stewards.
21st century environmental leadership is emerging in distinctive ways from its 20th century antecedents.
Malala Yousafzai. UK Department for International Development [CC 2.0] via Wikimedia Commons.
Where can we find them?
The premise–stated or unstated–is that there’s a leadership gap today.
Who can argue against the spectacular failures of leadership in large institutions? They range from the White House and Congress (whether in the hands of the Democrats or Republicans); to Wall Street and back around to Main Street; in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors (including religious institutions); around the world.
It’s easy–perhaps too easy–to find reason for disappointment. And yet… there is also reason for optimism.
It’s often said that these are among the worst of times for leadership… it’s also, arguably, the best of times.
This list is updated quarterly. Please send your suggestions of other inspiring 21st century leaders.
Vtornet (Own work) CC-BY-SA-3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Serve to Lead identifies an emerging trend of 21st century leadership: private lives becoming interwoven with public lives.
That trend is becoming ever more conspicuous. It’s at the core of recent scandals relating to sexual affairs involving high executives in U.S. intelligence, the military, and a renowned defense contractor.
Where are we now?
The disruption has begun…
Serve to Lead outlines the Information Age trends that are disrupting leadership, management, and communication in all fields. The passage of time is making these changes ever more evident. Effective, 21st Century Leadership is quite distinct from traditional leadership. Leaders need a new, updated toolbox in order to serve effectively.
The emergence of 21st Century Leadership in business is unmistakable. Its rise in non-governmental organizations is also well underway.
These changes have placed outliers in sharp relief. Perhaps the greatest outlier is our politics and government.
It’s past time to disrupt politics.
For this reason, I’ve written Disrupt Politics: Reset Washington.
credit | Martin Falbisoner CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.
Among many good-government types, there’s a reliable refrain: We need more moderates in Washington!
Such sentiments are doubtless well intended. It’s easy to see where they come from. The division and contentiousness in Washington is dysfunctional by any standard.
Nonetheless, the yearning for more moderates is misplaced.
James Strock