what we can learn about leadership from the wizard of oz

I recently launched a group coaching program called Emerging Nonprofit Leaders.  If you're in the group and reading this again, thanks for your willingness to try something new!  

One of the things we talk about and  I often coach others on is the topic of Leadership.  Of course there  are countless books, podcasts, seminars, trainings on this topic.  And that makes sense as there is an endless amount of potential to define what good leaders are, what they do, how they show up  - on and on it goes.

Often when I start working with a new client they'll tell me they just want to be a better leader.  After I ask them to define "better" many times one of these excellent leaders may share that they haven't received formal training, didn't get a diploma - in other words, they weren't given proper (said with a slight smile and nod of the eyebrow) Leadership Training.  

When I hear this, sometimes I think of the wonderful movie the Wizard of Oz.  I'm sure most of you know the movie and remember how the Tin Man wanted a heart, the Scarecrow wanted a brain and the Cowardly Lion wanted  courage.  And then we know that in reality, these same characters exhibited the qualities of kindness and compassion, intelligence and well, plain old courage as they journeyed on to Oz.  Once they were there - and after a bit of pretense- the Wizard bestowed upon the three of them the formal trappings of what they wanted.

My point here - besides some nostalgic reminiscing - is that leaders so often have and demonstrate so many of the qualities of a true leader.  Just a happy reminder:  You don't need to have formal training, a diploma or anything else to show up as you are, take responsibility and be an example of decency and compassion to be a leader.   It's in you already.  

When I work with you, I have the privilege of helping you see it for yourself .