All - does leader have to be defined as business leader? I know we all want to guard against sounding too touchy-feely, since we're all going to go off and conquer the world, etc. after graduating from the top MBA program of our dreams...but wouldn't it be effective to pick a different kind of leader? How about someone in your neighborhood who started a successful community center from the ground up, or a grass-roots politician in your area who is actually doing something to help his or her constituents, or an investigative reporter who writes a series of articles exposing a coverup, or even a local minister who works with troubled young adults...ok, obviously I live in NYC, so there's an awful lot of that around, in terms of examples to use. But all of the people listed above have the capacity for effecting great, sweeping positive change. Must you choose a famous corporate person?
I'm afraid you will all think I am terrible cheesy for suggesting this, but I think I could tell a great story about any of the individuals above, and in doing so, hit all of the key points that make a true leader and resound with me: strength of character, determination, struggle in the face of adversity, creative vision, optimism, and ultimately, real success.
Your thoughts?