What does it mean to be a leader today?  Are the characteristics required for leadership different today than they were a hundred years ago?  A thousand years ago?  John Jantsch of Duct Tape Marketing argues that a new breed of leader has emerged.  Though I doubt that the traits he mentions for this new breed of leaders are any different than traits that were always required from leaders--I do agree that these traits, our of all others, are more important in today's rapidly changing world than they ever were before. 

When the Mo Ibrahim Foundation -- dedicated to promoting African development in Africa, and especially good governance -- established the Price for Achievement in African Leadership, it was meant to encourage ethical behaviour and long-term thinking by the African leaders.  I remember first hearing about this prize in the context of Mozambique's leader, Chissano, who was the first winner of this award.  I also remember jokingly telling a colleague that the award should be given every decade, instead of every two years, or they won't have enough ethical leaders left on the continent.