"Lead, follow or get out of the way." Lee Iacocca

 During the past few months, I've had the privilege of participating in Leadership Tioga 2006-2007.  Before taking part in this program, I thought that leadership meant taking charge, doing things my way and often by myself. What I didn't always get was that one cannot be a leader if no one is following and getting out of the way to avoid a situation is not leading either. 

 I've really been impressed with the members of this Leadership Class. Many are young people, just starting on their life journey and many of us have been around for longer than we care to admit. All of us came to this class in the hopes that we might improve our leadership skills and get to know more about ourselves. I don't know how my class mates feel, but I've learned more about myself than I really wanted to know, but I've also learned how to channel my personal skills and character traits in a more productive direction. 

 However, I've also learned that a good leader knows how to follow. The goals, needs and support of the people in our communities will determine the direction in which our organization will continue. The Board of Directors of CCNN work very hard to make sure that our resources match the needs of our citizens. I work hard to coordinate the Board's Directions. 

 CCNN, along with the Rural Health Network of South Central New York, the Decker School of Nursing and under the leadership of Tioga County REAP continues to lead the "Neighbors Helping Neighbors" project in the communities of Spencer/VanEtten and Richford/Berkshire. Through a grant by the Regional Appalachian Project, these communities will soon have service plans that meet the needs of the people in their communities. Each new "network" will have developed leaders in their neighborhoods that will work to fill the gaps in service and to produce new leaders. 

 As Coordinator of CCNN, I will lead the efforts to meet the goals of our organization and community. Many others will take the leadership responsibility for our many programs and services. They will need our help and support. Nothing can be accomplished without it. 

 As I said, Leadership requires us to know when to follow. I urge everyone to follow the examples of our many volunteers by finding a way to be of service to your neighbors.  If you want to lead a new project, I'll support your efforts, but I'll let you lead in your own way. I now know that there are as many ways to lead, as there are leaders in our community. So I promise to "get out of the way." 

 Thanks to Tioga Leadership for helping me become a better leader and a better community partner.