Montana Leadership

"You already have some natural leaders in the classroom, but usually what the senior project does is bring out those hidden leaders that you haven’t seen before," Eva said. "It’s kind of that practicality thing. A lot of those students haven’t been able to shine in school with academics as (much as) they could when they’re out working with their hands and giving you a real product."

The creation of a statewide leadership development program, Leadership Montana http://www.leadershipmontana.org , is underway, with this Mission: "Š developing a sustainable core of committed leaders who understand these issues, are willing to listen to and learn from each other, celebrate cultural diversity and diverse opinions, and demonstrate a passion for the Last Best Place."

I also learned that managing people is as much an art as it is a set of principles and tactics. It’s a lesson that, I believe, is difficult for a lot of entrepreneurs, who are sometimes so engrossed in their brilliant idea that they believe people will automatically follow. That doesn’t happen. To turn vision into a company—an abstraction into a tangible—entrepreneurs must be leaders of people.

Do you know someone under 40 who fits this description? Then nominate them for the first edition of "20 Under 40." Fill out a nomination form at the IR’s Web site (http://www.helenair.com)

"Personally as well as professionally, there’s a great network you establish with the people you go through the program with," he said.

"It’s a chance to develop personal and professional friendships with folks and to give something back to the community," he said.

* The semester’s first film of the Leadership Film Series, Thunder In Guyana, had an unexpected but pleasant attendance surprise: a large percentage of community members. We have decided to step up our advertising on…

Leadership Montana is about creating what we want to BE, not just what we want to do. Those who have a passion for this state and their community, and are willing to accept responsibility for leadership, should consider this new and unique opportunity.

The most astute leaders know that no single individual is up to this challenge. It requires a team of energetic, capable people to help create and manage the initiatives that drive change across the organization.

Is Montana suffering from a lack of leadership? Or are our leaders merely under-utilized and misunderstood?

I have read countless tomes about what makes an effective leader. Words like motivational, challenging and inspirational are thrown around a lot. So are theories ranging from the need for emotional intelligence to principles of…