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# Introduction

> A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.

(John C. Maxwell, cited in Dempsey and Forst, 2011, p. 35)

Are you a leader? Do you – as Maxwell asserts in the quote above – know the way, go the way and show the way?

In recent years the concept of leaders and leadership has become increasingly popular, but what exactly is leadership? A quick search of Amazon.co.uk returns over 100,000 books relating to leadership and being a leader. Many of these books promise unique insights into the ‘secrets’ of leaders or organisations, while others outline a number of ‘proven’ steps that will transform anyone’s approach to being a leader. Is being a leader really so simple?

In this course you will examine the idea of leadership and what it means to be a leader in a modern-day policing organisation or a leader in your community. You will also look at how effective Policing with the Community can be achieved with shared goals. You will step away from the jargon and hype to understand what leadership means in practice and on the ground. You will look not just at key concepts of leadership but also the way in which these can be applied in a practical and realistic way. Underpinning this will be the important recognition that anyone at any level within an organisation can step up to leadership. Being a leader is not about a title, rank or position, but rather is about the attitude, skills and behaviours you demonstrate.

Upon completing this course you will have:

- developed a clear understanding of the concept of leadership
- reflected on personal leadership style
- considered what leadership might mean in different contexts
- understood the role of a leader in developing others and creating a positive workplace culture.

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OpenLearn - Step up to leadership
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