How do you define "Leadership"?

Submitted by DavidHasenbalg on October 20, 2008 - 4:02pm.

I was recently in a conversation with some fairly senior executives at the company where I work and the topic of leadership came up. As I listened to the exchange it became clear that what one "leader" was considering as important leadership qualities was very different than what another "leader" was considering the same. Then I asked them to take a step back and define it to we can all make certain we are seeing the same thing. It was quite impressive how difficult it was for each of them to put into words what they defined leadership to be.

I have to say I wasn't surprised. This is something that I've seen by reading many different books about leadership. There doesn't seem to be a common definition of what it is. For example, Warren Bennis has said leadership "is like the Abominable Snowman, whose footprints are everywhere but who is nowhere to be seen." Dwight Eisenhower said leadership is, " The art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it." Daniel Goleman says leadership is "the act of getting something done well through the actions of others." The U.S. Army defines leadership as "Influencing people- by providing purpose, direction, and motivation- while operating to accomplish the mission and improving the organziation." While there are some similar elements to these definitions, they are certainly varied.

The day after this exchange I was driving my 10 year-old and 8 year-old daughters home. My 10 year-old is on the student council of her school. They have received visits from elected officials and community leaders and have been asked to become leaders in their school. So, I posed a similar question to her. I asked her, "When you think of leadership, what does that mean to you?" She paused and thought for a minute and then said, "I guess I'd say it's being a role model to others and teaching them the right things to do so they can make the right choices on their own." That is arguably as good a definition as I have ever heard.

Now, that is my question to this group of experts. "How do you define leadership?"

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Hmmm leadership

By jamie baker on October 23, 2008 - 1:21am

This is a really good definition of a leader. However, while ina management class my professor described a leader " one who has followers." Although true, I dont think this counts as a full definition of a leader in present times. Pardon my candor because I do not need to be rude, but present times have given the term leader or leadership more responsibility. Think of the workplace 20 years ago. A pay check was enough motivation to get an employee to do their job. Now it seems that it takes a great deal of inspiration, compassion and motivation to get people to do their jobs (which they already get paid for). This has become the responsibility of leaders in the workplace. To me this is sad. Why cant people just go to work and do their jobs... why do they need to be babied. Dont get me wrong. I think that there is a need for GREAT LEADERS in the world. Who inspire people to do the right things, but come on at your job.... you shouldnt need some one to beg you to perform your job. just my insight. by the way my definition of GREAT leadership is leading by example... having followers who believe in you and your purpose so much that they want to do the right thing.

Leadership Definition

By Rajesh Krishnan on October 23, 2008 - 9:54am

Leadership definitions are plenty and each correct from their own prespective. I like the definition of Covey, that in my opinion is applicable in every situation and occassion. He defines Leader as a person who has the ability to influence the thought and action of others. Key words being ability to influence and he talk about infuence and control in depth...

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