Connections for Community Leadership Lejuste Three Dimensions of Leadership Development 780 West Lake Lansing Road, Suite 200, East Lansing, MI 48823 Phone: (866) 532-2669 (toll-free) * Fax: (517) 333-2677 E-mail: leadership@prosynergy.org * Website: www.copower.org/leader/index.htm 780 West Lake Lansing Road, Suite 200, East Lansing, MI 48823 Phone: (866) 532-2669 (toll-free) * Fax: (517) 333-2677 E-mail: leadership@prosynergy.org * Website: www.copower.org/leader/index.htm Connections for Community Leadership Leadership Database The model of leadership development used by Connections for Community Leadership is based on the idea that leaders develop skills with practice. There are three components of leadership skill building – Self, Community, Visionary. This model is not a developmental model, each piece acts to improve the skills in the two other parts. Leadership and Self The focus of leadership within the self is to grow and deepen a sense of self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-awareness. These characteristics live inside a person and are necessary to the development of a strong leader. As an individual comes to trust their ability to make choices, to understand their current situation, and to know their impact on other people and the world, they will step up to leadership responsibilities with ease. CONTINUED ON BACK We Lead Curriculum CONNECT Proud & Powerful Cookie Gant Fund Support & TA What we offer... Informed Communities Leadership and Community Within the group, the peer members build relationships with each other based on cooperation rather than a chain of command. They participate together in conversations about their experiences as members of a shared social/cultural group, or perhaps as people who share similar values. As peers work on a shared project they talk to each other about various issues - they may identify barriers, analyze information, develop and take action, and consider the outcome of the action. During these activities members of the group become accountable for the task and to each other. They may experience conflict and the necessary conflict resolution. Some will learn basic organizing skills of making cold calls, building partnerships, or speaking with the media. Others may find an outlet for already existing skills – writing, art design, hospitality, bookkeeping, etc. All of these are skills of a good leader. This shared experience can increase self-esteem, self-confidence and self-awareness. It can also assist some individuals to articulate the voice of the people – a necessary skill for a visionary leader. Leadership and Visionary Practice A successful visionary leader often has a natural charisma or an ability to speak in a way that is easily understood that encourages people to follow. This person knows how to capture an idea and capture an audience. This person inspires movements and helps to develop strategies for significant societal change. A visionary leader continuously deepens the interior skills of self-esteem, self-confidence, and self-awareness. A visionary leader understands that they cannot lead without a community of followers who are willing to put the dream into action. Therefore, the visionary leader seeks relationships with others, is not afraid to promote the leadership of others, and always listens to the experiences of his/her group. Many skills of a visionary leader can be learned in the self or community aspects of this model. Qualities of Leadership There are 6 qualities of leadership that function in all three components of this model: worth, self-knowledge, desire, voice, action, reflection. They are demonstrated differently in each component. The Lejuste Three Components of Leadership Development is a model of practice. Leadership skills cannot be learned only from a book or in isolation, but at some point the skills must be practiced, the emerging leader must reflect and learn from that practice. No component comes before another component rather each part recognizes and strengthens the skills identified in the other two components. COMMUNITY Action & Reflection For Self For Others Understand the shared experience of inequality SELF Self-esteem Self-confidence Self-awareness VISIONARY Influence and direct action to change systems   Self-Determination Community Membership Visionary Leadership Worth I am worthy of respect I am worthy of joining others I am worth listening to Self-Knowledge I know my strengths and limitations. I know what I have to offer others. I know what my group can do. Desire: I know what I want. I know what my group wants. I know what needs to be done by my group. Voice I speak up for myself. I am part of a shared voice. I can voice my group’s issues. Action I take action I take action with others. I lead my group’s actions. Reflection I reflect and learn about myself I reflect and learn about my group I reflect and learn about my leadership.