Imagine a neighborhood where everyone looks out for each other, works together to solve problems, and shows kindness every day. That kind of neighborhood doesn’t just happen—it takes leadership. But leadership isn’t just for people with titles. Anyone can be a leader in their community if they choose to grow in the right ways. John Maxwell’s book The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader explains what makes a strong, trustworthy leader. While it’s written for business and organizations, these qualities can also help make neighborhoods better. When neighbors take these lessons to heart, they can change the places they live for the better. 1. Character Builds Trust Good character means being honest, dependable, and kind. Neighbors with strong character keep their word and help out without expecting anything in return. Trust grows when people do the right thing, even when no one is watching. 2. Charisma Creates Connections Charisma is about making people feel welcome. A smile or...

John Maxwell wrote a book called The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader . It’s full of lessons about being a good leader. But these lessons are not just for leaders in business or big organizations—they also apply to our neighborhoods!  Imagine a neighborhood where each neighbor as part of a team. It is a place where people trust and respect each other, where problems are solved together, and where everyone feels welcome. It is a powerful idea, and the book (and workbook if you choose to use it) offers a powerful opportunity for self reflection and personal improvement. In 2020, shortly after Missouri went into a lockdown due to COVID, I gathered some of my co-workers with MU Extension to teach all 21 chapters out of the book. We had nearly 100 individuals register join us online for the 21-session study. Links to the 30-minute class videos are linked in the heading of each quality or characteristic.  Let's look at the important lessons from the book, and how they can help...