By Scout Nelson
A University of Nebraska–Lincoln team is introducing a fresh approach to leadership development, focusing on strengthening entire communities rather than individuals. This innovative model aims to build stronger leadership systems through shared responsibility, participation, and teamwork.
The project is being tested in Seward, where researchers and Nebraska Extension educators are working closely with local leaders. They are supporting a hotel development project while also encouraging broader civic engagement and inclusive community leadership.
The research team includes Lindsay Hastings, professor of leadership; Mary Emery, executive director of Rural Prosperity Nebraska; Jordan Rasmussen, extension educator and program leader; and Justine Yeo, postdoctoral research assistant. Together, they are applying leadership research directly within community projects.
“Research on leadership programs does show gains on the individual level, but we really weren’t seeing capacity at the community level being impacted,” Hastings said. “Rather than us coming in to put on a program, we have been embedding ourselves into existing community development work to try to enhance their work while they’re doing it.”
This new model highlights a shift in thinking. Leadership is no longer seen as just personal skills but as a system built on relationships and collaboration. One common issue in rural areas is the “Same 10 People” phenomenon, where only a few individuals take on most leadership responsibilities.
“With more and more time taken up by jobs, family activities, all the other volunteer organizations and various community needs, it has become harder and harder to find leaders,” said Greg Butcher. “By working through the university team, I was able to realize how important a sincere ask for help and leadership is.”
To solve this, the team promotes the “come with me” concept, encouraging residents to invite others personally to participate.
“It’s not about “you should go” to this meeting, but rather “you should come with me,” Hastings said.
Diverse participation also plays a key role.
“Our problem wasn’t going to be solved by having five people from the same area in the same room," Butcher said. "Having numerous minds looking at a problem from their varied perspectives helped shape the problem, define the goal and provide numerous possible ways to solve.”
The approach builds shared ownership and reduces pressure on a few individuals.
“What feels like more work is actually less work in the long run,” Hastings said.
“Thriving communities aren’t built by a few heroic individuals, but by intentional invitation and shared ownership among all neighbors,” Hastings said. “That said, every conversation we’ve had in each community has given me more and more hope about the future of rural Nebraska.”
For more information, visit https://news.unl.edu.
Photo Credit: nebraska-extension
Categories: Nebraska, Education, General