I’ve done a lot of contemplation on what it truly means to be a leader over the last few days. That’s probably not much of a surprise for those who know I accompanied the participants in the Norwich High School’s Leadership Project on their retreat in the Adirondacks this past weekend.

After four days of listening to discussions on leadership and making the acquaintance of some truly amazing people (as all of the participants and adult chaperones were), I have reached some conclusions.

I have decided that, for me, a leader is someone who has a compelling vision with which they are able to truly inspire others. A leader is someone who cares deeply for and believes in their organization and the people around them. A leader is someone who has the courage to stand up for their convictions and does not waver in the face of adversity.

And a true leader, doesn’t just talk the talk; they walk the walk and lead by example.

I came to these conclusions, not after reading a handout or listening to a speaker. They were drawn after I spent four days observing such and individual in action. That person is Joe Maiurano. (The teacher, not the mayor.)

Joe was and is the driving force behind The Leadership Project, and anyone who has ever heard him speak about the program can attest to the fact that it is more than just near and dear to his heart. He has been living and breathing this program for more than six months.

When I met Joe for the first time last week, it didn’t take me long to realize how much he cares, not just about this program, but about Norwich High School and its students. He has taken that, along with his amazingly positive attitude (which is a revelation for a cynic like me) and all his energy and enthusiasm, and poured it into The Leadership Project.

His belief in the program is infectious and its goals worthy of commendation, and it is no wonder he was able to enlist support from one of the county’s largest companies, not to mention the district’s administration and the faculty members he asked on board.

What does shock me, is the intensely negative reaction this program elicited from those on the high school’s staff who were not asked to participate. That negativity sparked controversy and outrage through the community, as anyone who read the paper last week is well aware.

In the face of that negativity, that controversy and anger, Joe never wavered. Not to say that he didn’t have any moments of doubt during that time. He told me he had many sleepless nights. But his conviction in the value of his program and its ability to nurture and grow the students involved into agents of change in the high school never faltered and he stood strong. And I am so glad he did.