This is the first installment of an occasional series of thoughts on leadership, written by Doug Capelin, who along with his wife Beverly, created Deer Hill in 1984, and is still our Executive Director.

“Leadership” – it’s a buzzword. People say it’s a passport to the college of your choice, key to the career you want. But what is it?

We are all leaders (and followers) every day. Unless you are a total recluse, you move all day along a continuum with leadership at one end, and following at the other end. Leadership is not a set of tricks, a Level 300 course, or a popularity contest. Although coursework, initiative games, and a “set of tools” are truly valuable, leadership is essentially a practice, not a theory. The good news is that you already have what it takes to lead.

Where does leadership begin? With you becoming more aware of your brilliance, weaknesses, and passions. Why? Your effectiveness as a leader is rooted in self-knowledge: the authenticity and clarity of who you are as a person. Notice, I didn’t say you had to be smart, witty, charismatic, or even have good posture. Honor and respect yourself, but don’t cut yourself any slack, and most importantly, maintain a sense of humor.

To become a leader, then, you have to look inward first, but what about leading others? To be brief, in all of its many forms, leadership in a group setting is about projecting yourself into the fray with clarity (do you know what the heck is going on?), compassion (for yourself and others), and courage (taking a risk). Easier said than done – that’s why it takes practice.

Living life is all leadership training, whatever the environment, if you think about it. When you willingly and humbly embrace your own voice and vast human potential, you will find deep joy in guiding and empowering others … to do the same.

Doug Capelin (still practicing daily)