ORGANIZATION AND LEADERSHIP 73 



The county agent may have a large part in this develop- 

 ment. It is his opportunity. There cannot be too much OP 

 too good rural leadership. "The more the agricultural 

 forces are stimulated the greater the need for leadership," 

 as Bailey has well pointed out. 



THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEADERSHIP 



Leadership may often be stimulated and developed by in- 

 spirational and idealistic talks to audiences made up of 

 the residents of the community. The possibilities of local 

 growth and accomplishment, the application of the golden 

 rule, the teaching of the doctrine that "it is more blessed 

 to give than to receive" and the appeal for service, all help 

 to establish ideals. The maintenance of high ideals by the 

 county agent himself both by act and by constant refer- 

 ence, and the bringing in of outside speakers gifted in pre- 

 senting ideals in an inspirational way, is usually one of the 

 largest factors in the growth of local leadership. 



Having discovered the leadership, its development and 

 training are matters of importance. While abstract teach- 

 ing and discussion of duties and qualifications of local 

 leaders has its value, the most important factor in this 

 development is undoubtedly the giving to men of things 

 to do. Men learn to do by doing. They gradually assume 

 responsibility as opportunity offers and duty calls. By so 

 doing they gain confidence in themselves ; according as they 

 do well and wisely, they gain the confidence of the com- 

 munity. One act of leadership may commit the individual 

 and often others as well to public duties and to efforts in 

 community enterprises. This leadership grows with in- 

 telligent use. 



No doubt one of the most important factors in the growth 

 of leadership is the responsibility which comes to individual 



