What is leadership?
Written By Roy Hirabayashi
“Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes others’ efforts towards achieving a goal.”
There are many paths to become a leader, and I believe that learning to be a better leader never ends.
It is an ongoing journey that requires a beginner's mind to understand how to use what you learn to face today. It is essential to understand that to be a better nonprofit arts leader is not just about learning to write a grant, financial report, or budget. Those are all skills that are required to help you manage and sustain your organization. Leadership skills go beyond management skills.
A good leader inspires others and is not there to impress others. In leadership, there is no room for ego. It is essential to focus on what is best for the entire group or team, not yourself or part of the group. An admired leader does not boss everyone else around while sitting back and not helping. A respected leader is working side by side to help finish the work. A leader does not mean you are the one that is always out in front. Shared leadership creates a solid foundation for the organization.
Compassion and empathy are foundational points to become a better leader. Patience and listening lead to understanding and empathy to guide your decisions. Easy to say but challenging to do.
We combine our shared experiences and many respected arts leaders in our community as guest speakers and mentors to examine leadership styles and challenges we face to help us become better leaders. As a result, better leaders will create more efficient organizations and a stronger multicultural arts community.
The Multicultural Arts Leadership Institute (MALI) is an opportunity for arts leaders of color to share experiences and learn from other seasoned experts in the local multicultural arts community. If you are interested in learning more about applying for a future class, please contact us.
For more information on MALI, please visit https://www.schoolofartsandculture.org/leadership-development