.leadership.

I have just finished skimming through my readings for a Systems of Care seminar that I am taking this semester. Tomorrow, Dr. Stanton Michels will be sharing about leadership and his experiences as the Chief of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Division for the State of Hawaii Department of Health (the organization I work for...a position that I personally do not envy).

My wise graduate school advisor once said that often, good policies for the collective come at the price at the individual (and vice versa). I envision Dr. Michels driving into work, spinning through the concerns of countless families and taxpayers and wondering how the hell to pay for it all. Not everyone can "win." Perspective can be a real pain in the ass, but I suppose that in these economic times, transformational leadership is necessary for change (and even for maintenance).

One of the articles I reflected on was written by Jim Collins ("Good to Great"). He recounted the successes of Level 5 (aka the best) leaders, such as Clarke (founder of Kimberly-Clarke...think Pampers) and suggested that they all possess 1) humility and 2) tireless will. This seems quite paradoxical; aren't the two concepts contradictory? Perhaps not. Take Jesus for example. Or Mother Teresa. Or Gandhi. All tucked massive humility into their pocket (so no one could see it), but rocked reality with their certain resolve. I don't know if you can train yourself to become a good leader: to sacrifice the individual for the good of the greater, to quiet your ego, to have creative vision. But, I sure hope that the leaders with my well-being in their care are reflecting on these qualities daily.