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Tommy Druen: Leadership Kentucky Previous Column: Dedication to the Journey By Tommy Druen In 2013, I had the privilege of participating in Leadership Kentucky, an organization that annually selects approximately 50 Kentuckians to explore the diversity of our Commonwealth and enhance their leadership skills. I applied at the suggestion of a friend, but honestly didn't expect to be selected. Not only was I younger than the typical participant, but lacked experience in local or regional leadership programs, which many applicants had. To my surprise, the selection committee saw beyond these factors and welcomed me into the program. When the class roster was shared, I'll admit I felt out of place. While I recognized a few names, a quick Google search revealed the remarkable accomplishments of the others. They were leaders in their respective fields, and I couldn't help but feel like an imposter. I was convinced I didn't belong and wasn't entirely wrong. Yet, my knack for participating in conversations--whether knowing what I was talking about or not--helped me blend in. My skepticism about the program wasn't limited to my qualifications. For years, I had dismissed the concept of "leadership development" as corporate jargon--a catchy phrase with little substance. I believed leadership was innate, a quality you either possessed or lacked, much like being right-handed or left-handed. While people could adapt, true leadership, in my mind, couldn't be taught. The year before, I attended the 50th-anniversary reunion of the U.S. Men's Olympic Basketball Team at Georgetown College. It was there that I met Johnny Bach, a legendary college coach who had served as an assistant for the Olympic team. At 88 years old, Coach Bach was still brimming with passion. We struck up a conversation, with him as happy to share stories as I was to absorb them. At one point he shared a piece of wisdom that I'll never forget: "Some teams, you lead to victory," said Bach. "But most of the time, you have to get behind them and DRIVE them to victory." That philosophy resonated with me. It reinforced my belief that leadership required a certain grit and determination--a willingness to propel others forward when necessary. With that perspective, I approached Leadership Kentucky expecting it to be a series of personality tests and self-assessments aimed at identifying strengths and weaknesses. Having taken similar tests in high school and college, I wasn't particularly excited. To me, they always felt like glorified parlor tricks of palm readers, revealing the "great mysteries" of life by leaning on broad generalizations and playing the odds. To my delight, Leadership Kentucky defied my expectations. There were no Myers-Briggs tests or scripted exercises like them. Instead, the program followed a threefold approach: fostering intimate and candid conversations with accomplished speakers, immersing us in the unique challenges and opportunities of Kentucky's diverse regions, and building a network of camaraderie among participants. Through this experience, I came to understand that leadership defies a single definition. Coach Bach's approach--driving others to success--may work in one context, while a quiet example or a compelling story might inspire in another. Leadership, much like art, is difficult to define, yet unmistakable when encountered. Leadership isn't about possessing a title or delivering a keynote; it's about knowing when to act, when to guide, and when to step back and let others shine. It's found in the smallest gestures--a willingness to listen, the courage to take a stand, or the patience to build consensus. Leadership is fluid, shaped as much by the moment as by the person. Justice Potter Stewart famously remarked in a Supreme Court opinion that while he couldn't define obscenity, "I know it when I see it." The same can be said for leadership. It's not a static checklist of traits but a dynamic force that adapts and grows. It's found in classrooms, on factory floors, in boardrooms, and around kitchen tables. You know it not because it announces itself but because it makes an impact--often quietly, but always powerfully. Leadership Kentucky taught me that true leadership doesn't come from a manual or a seminar; it comes from embracing who you are, where you are, and how you can best serve others. It's not about climbing a ladder but about building bridges. And as I reflect on my time in the program, I realize that leadership isn't about whether you think you belong in the room--it's about what you do once you're there. Tommy Druen is a native of Metcalfe County, with roots in Adair County going back to the 18th century. He presently lives in Georgetown, Kentucky and can be reached at tommydruen@gmail.com. This story was posted on 2024-12-03 09:42:17
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Saturday, Dec 7th, is Christmas in Columbia! Homemakers have Schermer Pecans for sale KBC Blood Drive on Dec 10 Campbellsville is on the KY Main Street Peppermint Trail Collecting of donations for Christmas Increasing Land Income from Hunting Winter weather awareness week begins now A Doublewide, Texas Christmas play in Edmonton Travel: Hohenzollern Castle in Germany Home Tour to be held Sunday, December 8 View even more articles in topic News |
 
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