Everyone Leads

What if leadership wasn't reserved for the few but was instead a calling for all – an ability we all hold and can cultivate?

1. Leadership Can Emerge from Anywhere

Leadership often conjures images of individuals in high positions, wielding power and influence. However, this book asserts that leadership can evolve from surprising origins – from small towns to youths, and from individuals without traditional prestigious qualifications. True leaders connect with others, inspire them, and rally toward shared goals.

Evidence shows that impactful leaders don't always fit into conventional molds. History demonstrates that significant figures often rise against the odds, relying on their street smarts, resourcefulness, and creativity rather than elite academic backgrounds. Leadership, then, is not innate to a select group but is a universal capability.

The Strive Partnership program in Cincinnati exemplifies this by focusing on the collective strength of students and educators. Instead of launching new initiatives, they coordinated existing efforts, boosting high school graduation rates significantly. This demonstrates how leadership, when inclusive, can uplift entire communities.

Examples

• Many groundbreaking leaders in history came from humble beginnings, challenging the notion that leadership is exclusive to the elite.
• Northwestern Mutual Life's research finds that qualities like resilience and problem-solving often matter more than formal education in leaders.
• Strive Partnership’s coordinated community approach improved education outcomes without new resources or programs.

2. Adversity Breeds Resilient Leaders

Paul Schmitz’s own life story reveals how significant challenges can fuel remarkable leadership growth. As a struggling young man battling self-doubt, addiction, and failing academics, he embarked on a journey of transformation that reshaped his life's trajectory.

Recovery and self-determination set Schmitz on a productive path. Facing his struggles head-on, he found grounding through small steps like taking a summer job and relying on supportive friendships. Over time, Schmitz turned his adversity into ambition, eventually becoming CEO of Public Allies and showcasing his evolved leadership skills.

By sharing his story, Schmitz reveals how collective struggles can turn into a fountain of leadership. His inclusive approach inspired colleagues and aligned teams at Public Allies, igniting change at a grassroots level while proving that leadership begins with personal growth and perseverance.

Examples

• Schmitz's recovery process taught him empathy and fueled passion for public service.
• His time at the Johnson Foundation and environmental work became key stepping stones in his journey.
• Public Allies’ growth under his direction reflects how lived experiences power leadership development.

3. Leadership Starts at the Grassroots

Leadership isn't simply a top-down phenomenon. It is often forged at the ground level, driven by communities' collective actions. From historical movements to modern activism, ordinary people have consistently shaped society by demanding change and solving problems from local levels.

The American Revolution and civil rights movements offer clear examples of grassroots efforts bringing change. Leaders like John Parker worked alongside others, taking ownership of causes larger than themselves. Similarly, progress today continues to thrive when diverse voices unite for shared goals.

Technology, too, plays a unique role in amplifying grassroots action. Though criticized for enabling weaker ties, online platforms now aid leaders in building stronger in-person interactions. Schmitz observed this firsthand while expanding Public Allies Milwaukee, using social networks to bolster collaboration.

Examples

• Citizen-led movements like the American Revolution changed the political landscape through collective action.
• The Civil Rights Movement exemplifies leadership from ordinary individuals like Rosa Parks and grassroots organizers.
• Public Allies Milwaukee used digital tools to complement and enhance interpersonal work.

4. Leadership Flourishes Through Inclusive Models

In modern leadership, collaboration, empathy, and inclusivity replace outdated hierarchies. The shift toward models like Servant Leadership redefines leadership as service to others rather than authority over them.

Servant Leadership is rooted in empowering communities, aligning with values over power. Similarly, Marshall Ganz describes leadership as enabling others to achieve shared objectives, emphasizing flexibility and humility. These approaches nurture communities and cultivate leaders who prioritize group welfare over personal gain.

This mindset encourages leadership to emerge from all societal levels, valuing diverse backgrounds and abilities equally. Encouraging teamwork and empathy reduces traditional separations of power, inviting broader participation in decision-making.

Examples

• The Servant Leadership model emphasizes empathy and service, ensuring leaders value those they guide.
• Marshall Ganz advocates leadership that enables collective problem-solving without elite control.
• Public Allies cultivated leadership across various social backgrounds, extending inclusivity.

5. Embrace the "Half-Full and Half-Empty" Perspective

A balanced perspective is crucial in leadership. No one person is perfect; everyone carries flaws alongside their strengths. By focusing on others' positive contributions while acknowledging weaknesses, leaders encourage empathy and reduce exclusion.

Paul Schmitz introduces the Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD) framework, which views people as both "half-full" and "half-empty." This nonjudgmental approach strengthens relationships, avoids alienation, and builds teams that leverage each other's strengths for progress.

One principle of ABCD encourages avoiding judgment based on past errors. For instance, Schmitz's friend famously said, "You can't define someone's life by the stupidest thing they've ever done." This approach encourages people to accept complexity and work with it.

Examples

• ABCD is built around community strengths rather than divisions, fostering collaboration.
• The Privilege Walk exercise at Public Allies showcases disparities thoughtfully, encouraging reflection.
• By rejecting "us vs. them" mentalities, leaders ensure inclusive progress.

6. Leadership Thrives in Diversity

Diverse experiences enrich leadership. The recognition that unique perspectives improve teams and solutions may seem simple, but implementing this can lead to a profound transformation.

Public Allies embraces diversity through innovative recruitment practices, valuing applicants who may not have traditional qualifications but bring life experiences, passion, and resilience. This strategy respects the unique contributions every individual makes to solving problems and connecting across divides.

Fostering diversity helps corner deeply embedded societal inequalities. Exercises such as the Privilege Walk help leaders discuss power dynamics and reflect on their privileges, creating an open dialogue about disparities and enhancing mutual understanding.

Examples

• Public Allies recruits leaders from unconventional backgrounds, focusing on potential, not prestige.
• Schmitz's workshops encourage young leaders to critically engage with others’ experiences and biases.
• Diversity training fosters inclusivity by valuing unique perspectives and backgrounds.

7. Modern Leadership Maximizes Technology Wisely

Technology is an increasingly vital tool for leaders. While critics argue it weakens connections, Schmitz suggests technology enhances leadership by enabling widespread collaboration and quicker action in grassroots organizing.

During Schmitz’s time with Public Allies Milwaukee, digital platforms supported recruitment and strengthened in-person networks. Leaders capitalized on these tools without losing the importance of personal connections in their communities.

Inclusivity and diversity benefit from thoughtful technology use, which facilitates broader reach and prevents traditional barriers. Technology thus becomes a bridge connecting leaders and communities across geography and life experiences.

Examples

• Public Allies Milwaukee leveraged social media to foster local collaboration in leadership development.
• Digital programs allow grassroots organizations to both coordinate efforts and provide resources more efficiently.
• Social media facilitates dialogue around power dynamics, amplifying diverse voices.

8. Leadership is Built on Accountability

Leaders succeed best when they hold themselves accountable before asking others to follow their lead. Recognizing faults and biases fosters empathy and trustworthiness among peers and subordinates.

Schmitz emphasizes avoiding the "blame game" and taking ownership instead. For example, addressing power dynamics collaboratively nurtures inclusivity. Leaders who admit mistakes create an environment where constructive criticism and growth thrive.

This accountability-oriented approach builds solid relationships and transparent teams. Persevering through mistakes together contributes to a shared purpose.

Examples

• Reflection exercises help Schmitz’s teams address leadership biases.
• Opening dialogues about accountability strengthens decision-making processes.
• Honoring experimental failings fosters growth and resilience.

9. Shared Leadership Builds Stronger Communities

Leadership's ultimate goal isn’t just authority; it's empowering others to take charge. Schmitz promotes shared responsibility where leaders encourage peers to step up, creating durable systems.

One way to achieve shared leadership is by identifying untapped potential. Public Allies Milwaukee’s approach strengthened organizations by recognizing the strengths of unconventional candidates. Focusing on shared missions often increases productivity and satisfaction for all members involved.

Schmitz notes that shared leadership reflects democratic ideals, where every voice matters equally. True leadership uplifts communities rather than prioritizing personal advancement.

Examples

• Public Allies enabled young, underprivileged individuals to become leaders.
• Greater shared leadership aligns with democratic systems and values.
• Encouraging community ownership generates sustainable solutions collectively.

Takeaways

1. Practice inclusive leadership by recognizing diverse strengths and backgrounds, fostering a culture of collaboration.
2. Use the Asset-Based Community Development approach to focus on strengths and build resilience rather than fixating on flaws or conflicts.
3. Embrace technology as a tool to amplify connection and accelerate progress while keeping personal interaction central to leadership.