GLS helps many become better leaders

Leadership makes a difference. That might sound basic and somewhat trite, but it's the truth. Businesses, not-for-profits, churches and other organizations need men and women devoted not simply to managing people but leading teams and organizations. Good leaders learn, they cast vision, they take a proactive approach to developing strategies that enhance the workplace and move things forward for those they serve.

Leaders also need to be re-energized. Last week such an opportunity was available as the Global Leadership Summit was held at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Illinois. Now in its 20th year, the summit is broadcast live to sites around the U.S. and delivered by DVD to gatherings worldwide. It was expected that about 200,000 people participated in this year's two-day conference.

The Global Leadership Summit, led by Willow Creek's pastor Bill Hybels, attracts some of the most respected names in business, church and government. A few of the members of the 2014 faculty included Hybels, actor Tyler Perry, General Electric CEO Jeffrey Immelt, pastor Wilfredo De Jesus, leadership consultant Patrick Lencioni and pastor Louie Giglio.

La Croix Church in Cape Girardeau hosted a site, and about 500 leaders attended. Other churches helped make the local site possible, including St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Advance First Church, Meadow Heights Church and New McKendree United Methodist Church.

Hybels reiterated the point at the summit that when leaders get better, the organizations and teams also get better.

Thank you to La Croix Church for serving as a host. We hope that each of the leaders who attended finds practical ways to become better.

We encourage you to consider attending the 2015 Global Leadership Summit set for Aug. 6 and 7.