Editorial April 13, 1998 Issue

Home-style heroes

Asking God to help us serve other people well is valid prayer.

Mary Metzner Trammell

Time was when the leaders we looked up to were mega-men and women. Great military officers, heads of government, business magnates—these were the types we often admired from afar.

Yet, today, experts say, the most influential leaders are more apt to be just around the corner. Or down the block. Or in your own home. They're people like teachers, nurses, Scout leaders, ministers, priests, moms, dads, grandparents, co-workers. "People feel they can admit to seeing inspiring stories in ordinary people," says British Industrial Society expert Jenny Davenport. "It's inspiration on a very local level," concurs Maher Tampoe of Henley Management College.^{Mark Henderson, "Local heroes win our respect," The Times (London), January 26, 1998.}

Along the same line, well-known American management consultant Stephen R. Covey says the most effective leaders in today's world are humble. Humble enough to believe in principles beyond themselves—principles like "fairness, service, equity, justice, integrity, honesty and trust." Humble enough to serve the people they lead. "Life is a mission, not a career," says Covey.^{From "The Second Annual Worldwide Lessons in Leadership Series," October 23–24, 1997.}