What makes a leader?

If improving schools is, as we’re told, all about “leadership,” recent events in Philadelphia pose some questions about what that quality really is.  A couple of days ago, our now-ex-Superintendent, Dr. Arlene Ackerman, wrote that the District had gained “national recognition” for the progress that it had made on her watch.  But yesterday, as charges and counter-charges over her tenure escalated, she changed her message somewhat, citing serious problems and urging parents to “vote with their feet" and enroll their children elsewhere. (Where, she didn’t say, though she mentioned vouchers.) 

Of course, both things are true – progress was made, and there are also very serious problems.  As to the latter, however, Dr. Ackerman reportedly made it clear that, in her view, responsibility belonged to other people -- her own CFO, the Mayor, the president of the teachers’ union, and others. 

Doesn’t real leadership, in this field or any other, involve taking responsibility for what hasn’t gone well – not just accepting applause for the successes?  And shouldn’t this also apply to Dr. Ackerman’s bosses – the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and its School Reform Commission, which through legislation “took over” Philly’s schools ten years ago?  Like the ex-Superintendent, the Commonwealth and the SRC have taken credit for gains but have failed to address – or even talk about – failures and blunders as they occurred, and at this point seem to be saying nothing at all.  Is this leadership, and if not, is there really a reason for this “takeover” to continue?