Social Justice and Leadership

By Joe F Beeson

Social justice and leadership are very much linked together when we think of making a change in the world. Without leadership and different types of leaders, social justice would be much harder to achieve with any success. There are many different types of leaders including some no one would ever know were a part of the change in a society.

Lao Tzu, a Chinese philosopher had this to say about leadership "A leader is best when people barely know he exists when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves." This can be interpreted in many ways, Lao is "The Father of Taoism" and has many metaphoric writings dating back to ancient China. For me this shows the importance of having different types of leaders and the right types of leaders involved. I find this quote interesting but I do not think it means that the leader who did not receive credit necessarily wants that credit. Bringing together different types of leaders will sometimes have the effect of one person taking the credit or being the face of the success or change.

Some leaders do not want the credit and want others to receive the praise. The "best" leader meaning a person does not care about the recognition, because his job is done and that is all they need to feel accomplished. This can relate to social justice because many if not all leaders working towards any social justice are not working for themselves and what they can get out of it. But are working to change the quality of life of others as well as themselves or their environment. Social justice requires more than one leader and different styles or types of leadership. This quote relates to the ones working behind the scenes make everything come together to make a change. What makes change in our society, for the good or the bad? Leaders who empower others to become leaders? A group of people who are different from one another who share a common goal?

There are different types of leaders and styles. Change can't be made with one leader doing everything to make it happen. It can't be done without the followers that become leaders and bring more people in. We need different types of people with different views or mindsets to bring good ideas and knowledge. When most people think of a leader they have the image of an outspoken, vocal extrovert who seems to always know what to say. Today introverts are not considered typical leaders, introverts can be successful leaders but in a different way. In some situations, an introverted leader would not be appropriate and there are times where those extroverted skills are essential. Introverts tend to find themselves in leadership positions less often but most are capable of the job. With social justice, having introverted leaders involved is essential, because of their ability to listen.

In conclusion, yes leaders come in all shapes and sizes, some lack certain qualities, but that doesn't necessarily mean that person wouldn't be a successful leader. A great leader doesn't have to have every quality needed for success. The best leaders are those who recognize their weaknesses and surround themselves with others that have the lacking quality(s). Utilize the strength of others, surround themselves with successful confident people and give recognition to those deserving.