As the world becomes flatter and globalization creates a world village, it is imperative that leaders have the cultural flexibility and adaptability to inspire and guide people from very distinct backgrounds that represents the whole rainbow of humanity. Looming demographic shifts beckon us to prepare a diverse and multicultural leadership structure that can build a strong, healthy and viable future that engages all of America’s people. Because of its history, the United States has the unique opportunity to weave a multicultural society and be a model for diverse leadership.Since the Civil Rights movement over 40 years ago, communities of color have had a renaissance in leadership. Leaders who reflect a value system of generosity, community service, and mutuality are sprouting in unprecedented numbers. This book fosters a discourse to begin incorporating the best and highest leadership practices from communities of color in to a multicultural America leadership model. By transforming leadership into a more culturally diverse form, the doors will be open for a variety of people to participate. Collaborative, shared, and reciprocal leadership which are touted today as the most effective forms for the new century has very deep roots in communities of color. The continued marketing of contemporary leadership as predominately an Anglo invention is similar to the old American history books that left out the viewpoints of Native Americans, Black and Latinos. Many people today recognize the need to restructure and retell history to include the stories and highlight the contributions of all Americans. So too, leadership in America mustrecognize the advanced, highly developed, and pervasive leadership that has historically existed and is now burgeoning in communities of colorSalsa, Soul and Spirit: Leadership for a Multicultural Nation puts forth a multicultural leadership model that integrates eight practices from African American, Indian and Latino communities. This model offers leaders new approaches that will increase their interpersonal effectiveness with diverse populations by incorporating the influences, practices and values of a variety of cultures in a respectful and productive manner.
