Understanding the definition of a “leader” is necessary to actually becoming a leader. If the definition is not clear, then the vision of the leader is foggy, muddy and messy. Leadership is defined as “the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal.”
Peter Drucker says: “The only definition of a leader is someone who has followers.”
Warren Bennis thinks: “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.”
Bill Gates explores: “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”
John Maxwell considers: “Leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less.”
To tie it all together, Kevin Kruse comments, “Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal.”
Leadership has also been defined as getting work done through others. This, to me, sounds more like management than leadership. Becoming a leader definitely requires you lead groups to great success that could not be done without the work of the members of the tribe. However, this definition relies heavily on a hierarchy and positional authority.
In today’s world, becoming a leader is more about investing in people and trusting that they have the skills to do the work and to collaborate with others to accomplish the goal.
There is also the concept that leaders are born and not made. The person who represents a primary and dominant is the leader. Leadership in tribes and throughout the animal kingdom is often determined through a fight for control, usually to the death or disability of the loser. This concept relies on brute strength and keeping the leadership position only as long as the individual is strong. The tribe follows because they are committed to obeying the dictates of the leader, not because the leader accomplishes the work needed to be done through the tribe. This type of leader is the “top dog.” The leader is not necessarily concerned about building relationships with members of the tribe or about being a good motivator but rather a manipulator.
Another way to look at leadership is related to making a change and creating a better future than to what the current direction would lead. This type of leadership revolves around individuals who have the courage and fortitude to take a stand and speak out to be heard. This leader could be seen as a change agent, not a conformist. This type of leader does not require a formal position, but rather a challenge to make change. Becoming a leader is possible for anyone under this definition.
That is the beauty of what I do. There are no right skills and no formal authority needed to take this dare.
Does the thought of becoming a leader scare you? Have you never thought of yourself as a leader?
How have you seen leadership displayed at work? If you were going give advice to leader, what would it be. On the other hand, I would be willing to bet that you have taken a leadership role in some aspect of your life and would do it again. Let me know.