An Introduction to
Individual and Shared Leadership
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Historical Leaders
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Boot Camp Survival Tools for Dealing with Change
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Imagine this scenario: You are deep in a dense forest, miles from the nearest outpost of civilization. You know what forest you’re in because you mapped out your hiking route along established trails. But while trying to find shelter during a torrential downpour you left the marked trail, lost your map, and became disoriented. Now it’s getting dark. You’re not worried about survival because you’ve packed food and matches and have a tent to sleep in. But you have no idea how to find your vehicle tomorrow. More heavy rain clouds are brewing, and orienting will be difficult without a sunrise or sunset to provide clues.

Just what will you do?

Critics would say that things wouldn’t be so bleak and hopeless if only you had packed one additional tool that no hiker should be without: a compass!

Today’s leaders often find themselves lost in a “dense forest” of rapid change, new technologies, diverse ideas, and demanding followers. Many of a leader’s old tactics don’t seem to work in the current situations (kind of like no sunrise to guide you). It can seem pretty dark and threatening at times… even downright scary even!

Just what is a leader to do?

Many leadership authors and researchers would suggest that like a hiker in the forest, each of us as leaders needs to prepare for the rugged terrain we may face. We also need to pack that one additional tool that no leader should ever be without our compass of a personal leadership philosophy that keeps us trained on our individual values, mission, and vision.

That internal compass can guide us through even the most difficult times.