Almost everyone has that one question which they dread but which they are frequently asked. Usually it is directed at their passions or roles in life. For me, as a history major, it’s usually a variant of, “Why would you choose that major?” or “What can you do with a degree in that?” Of course, we all hope that these questions arise out of intellectual curiosity rather than ignorance or rudeness. After a few times, most of us will have developed a standardized response, ready to fire back.

Today, I would like to pose the infamous question that surely, you, as a reader of this blog, have encountered. In my experiences, when a “leadership layman” hears me discussing my study of leadership theory, this typical inquiry tends to follow: “How can you teach leadership, isn’t it all intuition?” I’m certain that, as leadership theorists yourselves, you can recite many more such irksome questions. I invite you to post below the most common leadership-related question or questions that bug you the most or perhaps even please you as an opportunity to share your knowledge. Then, maybe give a brief synopsis of how you respond to this question. If I’ve already taken your idea for a question, then go ahead and just share your answer to the one I mentioned above. My hope is that this serves as a mini support network for all those leadership crusaders out there spreading their knowledge under the burden of such naivete. – Jim Meehan

There is a new online journal for those interested in leadership.  Check out the International Leadership Journal.  Another great online journal is the Leadership Review. Check them out! – Scott J. Allen

There is much that can be discussed about with Obama and Leadership, the Election and Leadership, etc.  What is becoming clearer and clearer everyday is that Obama has been dealt a crappy hand from which to take office.  What makes me nervous about this whole “leadership thing” is that often people put such high and unrealistic expectations on one person (the leader) that they expect the leaders to do everything on their own; and people get mad when it’s not done to their expectations. We as people often fail to realize that they have a part in it all.

I was recently reading the “Hope Wall” – which is space where people have written what an Obama victory means to them and “What we should do next”.  I was pleasantly surprised that many people said that we need to help and that we all have a piece of this.  I have heard many people asking in the past week- “What is my role in all of this? I want one!”  This relates to the now-famous tag line “Yes We Can”.  This is a “We” thing.  It’s so incredibly important when we have so much opportunity for change that we are supportive even if tough decisions are going to be made (which they will).  Obama’s acceptance speech emphasized the hard road ahead and the need for all of us to work toward the change we see.  In fact, the one quote on www.BarackObama.com right now is “I am asking you to believe.  Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington…I’m asking you to believe in yours.”

Whether you supported Barack Obama then or choose to support him now, it’s up to all of us and it’s quite amazing to think of the abilities we have as an entire nation including our President-Elect as opposed to just one person.  – Paige Haber

Military.com has an interesting little game to determine your political leader profile. According to the website, “Every great statesman has a unique leadership style. Each reacts to an international crisis in a different way…Some political leaders, like Winston Churchill (left), were forceful and outspoken. Others, like Thomas Jefferson (bottom left), were quiet and worked behind the scenes. Despite different styles, both were eminently successful.” – Check it out. – Scott J. Allen