"Stanley Pretty Paint remembers these words spoken to him by a family member: “Anyone can put on a war bonnet. But when you put it on after you earned it, that's when you're a leader.”
Pretty Paint, a Crow traditional leader, will know when he has the right to wear an eagle feather war bonnet, a mark of honor among many Plains tribes. Even though he plays a crucial role in some of the Crow Tribe's most revered ceremonies, the 47-year-old said he's still not ready to wear the war bonnet. People his age are still considered young adults among the Crow.
While Pretty Paint respects the war bonnet, too often, others make it a showpiece rather than revere it as a symbol of honor. Many of our people - those who run for elected office and those who vote for them - tend to forget what our communities should expect from those who move into leadership roles.
But in her recently released book, “Salsa, Soul and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Age,” author Juana Bordas reminds us of what it takes to be an effective leader. She offers much-needed and relevant perspectives in modern leadership through voices from the black, Hispanic and Native communities.
Bordas' book is timely. “The rapidly increasing cultural and racial diversity of the U.S. work force, consumer base and citizenry is propelling leadership to better reflect the values, world views and principles inherent in our multicultural age,” she writes."
Get the Story:New book inspires traditional leadership (The Missoulian 4/29) Relevant Links:
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