Leadership is like a megaphone...

The connection between philanthropy and leadership may either seem obvious or non-existent, depending on one's perspective. As economist Arthur Brooks (now, president of the American Enterprise Institute) has noted, the most generous philanthropists are everyday folks, not necessarily those who attract headlines and public attention; as a percent of income/assets, those with modest means typically see the need - and opportunity - to make a difference and use what funds they have available in acting philanthropically for the good of their community and society. Not to say the folks with great means don't represent the lion's share of total dollars given in any year by individuals - for that is certainly the case - but, it is to say that there's room at the top for those with the fiscal capacity to make a difference in society to do more. I suppose, there is always room for any of us to do something more than we currently are doing.

Which brings me to leadership and philanthropy - and, the question of the connection between the two.

I've begun this week participating in a unique leadership development program at James Madison University, known as Impact3 - one of 13 from across campus this year to be invited to take this academic year-long journey. There have been 63 individuals over the past six years who have gone before us. It's quite a program. An exploration that is thorough and thoughtful in its strategically structured approach to exploring what leadership means, looks like, and can accomplish - for the participants themselves, on the campus of James Madison University, and in our community/society, generally. That's the '3' of Impact3.

I'm going to chronicle here - to a certain extent - this experience this year because i believe that if one is going to consider all things philanthropic, then leadership likely belongs on the list of things to consider.

For Forrest Gump, he had to wrestle with the idea that 'life is like a box of chocolates.' For me, my task was to consider how 'leadership is like a megaphone.' It was a creative exercise on opening day. A day of introductions for the 13 participants, especially introductions to each other, the program's founding purpose, and its objectives for us this year. Broad strokes with a wide brush for starters; it's a big canvas, to be sure, and there will be time indeed for the fine brushes and the many details. It will be interesting to see what we add to this work - collectively and individually - over the year's time.

And, for me - I believe this experience will provide an interesting vantage to see and explore - and, to witness - the connection between leadership and philanthropy.