Recipe for Responsible Leadership

by Rabbi Debra Smith

On the occasion of Presidents’ Day, I have been reflecting on the topic of leadership, specifically the traits that define a responsible leader. Whether one is a leader in their family, club, organization, community, or beyond, certain guidance is common regarding good leadership.

What is your recipe for  successful leadership?

According to research published in the Harvard Business Review and found in Chai Mitzvah’s Leadership Sourcebook for community learning, effective leaders demonstrate these competencies: strong ethics and a sense of safety; empowering others to self organize; fostering a sense of connection and belonging; sharing openness to new ideas and fostering organizational learning; nurturing growth in others.

In contemplating these qualities listed above: What would you add to that list? How would you rank in order the qualities on the list beginning with the most important? Do you feel these qualities are relevant today?

While leadership is always fraught with complications, we are living in a particularly difficult era for leaders today. I found reading and reviewing the list from the Harvard Business Review to be quite helpful to me as I thought about different leaders I’ve come in contact with over the years. It was also helpful to me in thinking about the qualities I hope to further develop in myself as a spiritual and community leader.

I hope the list provides food for thought for many of you. What is your recipe for successful leadership?

This blog is dedicated to Sister Eleanor Frances, my colleague and friend and an outstanding community and spiritual leader, with prayers for healing.