Critical global issues confronted on a daily basis in our world, produce controversies, which are paralleled in feelings about families, communities, and organizations. Every family and village routinely faces tough decisions. Increasingly there is criticism of the nation’s capacity to be strong economically, politically, socially, and ethically to secure a hope-filled future (Terry, 1993). The world needs leadership.

What is leadership, and what is expected of us as leaders?

Professionals who study leadership and leadership processes rarely agree on the theories regarding effective leadership. The mere study of leadership, in and of itself, generates numerous unanswered issues: What is vision? What is ethical leadership? What is service leadership? What are the strategies and skills essential to be an effective leader? In what situations will each style of leadership be embraced?

Answers to these and other questions are critical in today’s highly competitive world. Empowering people to take action for themselves and to bear the consequences for their actions is necessary for effective leadership. Having knowledge of leadership styles and building an understanding of how leadership influences development is essential for the healthy growth of individuals and family members. Individuals who demonstrate strong interpersonal leadership skills are the foundation of strong families. All people, not just those in formal positions of leadership, must understand that "leadership" changes–is a moving dynamic–where decisions are made by everyone, not just a chosen few at the top of a corporate structure. For example, many decisions are made within the family unit. At every level of society people must be able to communicate, work in teams, and solve problems.

Leadership education will prepare adults and youth to meet the expectations of the 21st century. Society-ready and globally competent, these persons will possess the ability to frame issues correctly and be empowered to call forth the necessary action in each situation confronted to resolve problems in peaceful ways.

The Cooperative Extension System is prepared to meet the challenge. Positioned in the community, it has a history of teaching people how to take action and make change in their lives. It has access across the land grant university system to research-based, non-biased information which adults and youth can use to make good decisions for themselves, their families, or their communities. Extension can implement a leadership education program for the 21st century that includes statewide coordination, resources and training for extension staff, and educational programs and resources to use at the county level with adults and youth, to prepare them to capably assume leadership roles in a global society.

SUB POW: 5.E.1. Developing Leadership Life Skills (intrapersonal and interpersonal)

Objective: 5.E.1.1. Clientele participating will enhance their leadership skills in one or more of the following areas: understanding self, communications, getting along with others, learn to learn/teach, decision making/problem solving, team building, and managing and working with groups.

Objective: 5.E.1.2. - No longer available for program planning after September 30th, 2002.

Objective: 5.E.1.3. - No longer available for program planning after September 30th, 2002.

Objective: 5.E.1.4. - No longer available for program planning after September 30th, 2002.

Objective: 5.E.1.5. - No longer available for program planning after September 30th, 2002.

SUB POW: 5.E.2. Leading Groups and Teams.- No longer available for program planning after September 30th, 2002.

SUB POW: 5.E.3. Building Leadership in Communities and Citizens.- No longer available for program planning after September 30th, 2002.

SUB POW: 5.E.4. Building Leadership in the Community

Objective: 5.E.4.1. Clientele working with groups will learn and utilize effective meeting management techniques.

Objective: 5.E.4.2. Clientele working with communities will develop and conduct a community-visioning program.