"Rotary Leadership" is just plain, old Leadership

April 7, 2008 

I had the opportunity today to peruse a new website that was recommended by Past Director Dave Linett, our International RLI Chair. 

On arriving at the site, I found that the content of the site was provided by PDG Chris Offer of Canada and Director Monty Audenart. I have known Chris for years, mostly based on his work with the International Membership Development Committee of Rotary International. I knew that anything he was involved with would be top caliber and worthy of a look. His new Rotary job, as a member of the Online Training Committee, explained why he was involved with this website.   

As usual, Chris boils it down to the "nitty-gritty" - "A Rotary leader is someone who Rotarians choose to follow. That's it. There is no more complex definition of a Rotary leader." 

And, I would further submit to you that a the things a Rotary leader does that generates that following is no different from the things that Rotary and non-Rotary leaders do in the business, professional, and for-profit world every single day.

That is what makes this particular site of value to leaders, those who want to refine their leadership craft, and those who want to help others reach their leadership potential. The resources are serious and established business world resources. These resources don't have to be bent, modified or tailored to fit Rotary. It turns out that "Rotary leadership" is just plain, old leadership!

Visit the site at www.rotaryzone22online.org. There you will find some Rotary content, but most importantly articles and resources by leading thinkers on leadership like John Maxwell, John Kotter, Jim Clemmer, Bishop Desmond Tutu, HR Chally, Gen. Colin Powell, and, of course, Chris Offer and others. The Links sections points to some outstanding leadership resources as well. 

A fuller understanding of leadership principals by our RLI Faculty and by all Rotarians will help us to accomplish our goals in RLI- to provide Rotary Education and Leadership Skills to Prospective Rotary Club Leaders. The stronger the club leaders, the stronger vision they can promote, inside and outside their club walls, to better their community and world.