Leadership principles refer to the approach to organizational leadership and the key functions of a leader in a structured setting. For community gardens, understanding leadership principles helps establish a baseline for determining which essential leadership qualities one should leverage or improve based on different leadership profiles. This foundation allows organizers to develop a custom leadership style that fits the unique needs of their community garden. The chosen approach should adapt to the garden’s situational needs, existing culture, and overall morale toward participation (Bradt et al.,2011).


Leadership principles require that community gardeners leverage their authentic leadership characteristics, and both the organization's context and culture, to drive the garden forward. These principles include consistent communication, innovation and adaptability, clear vision and goals, simple strategy execution, motivate others, teamwork and continuous learning (Locke, 2009; Ball, 2023; Western Governors University, 2020). 

These principles are often classified into three profiles for emerging leaders to utilize in response to any given scenario: leader as beacon, leader as architect and leader as catalyst. Leader as beacon is a profile that emphasizes the importance of being a visionary during times of adversity. Leader as architect emphasized the importance of building systems and structures responsibly, so all team members can be successful. Leader as a catalyst emphasizes cultivating leadership in others (Margolis & Mayo, 2022; Lomenick, 2013). Below are modified versions of these profiles for garden leaders to be more applicable in community garden scenarios.


Now that you have identified your personal leadership characteristics, and understand the function of leadership principles as they relate to your community garden, you can now begin to reflect on your leadership style. In Assignment 2 you will explore and reflect on three (3) of the 12 most common leadership styles, but the most successful leaders connect with and use multiple leadership styles to serve their organization or community. Complete Assignment 2 before continuing. Definitions of all 12 leadership styles are in the Module 2 Glossary.

Next, do 2.1 Assignment 2: Leadership Styles

Last modified: Thursday, 6 February 2025, 5:18 PM