What Is Leadership?
About Leadership
There isn’t a universal definition of what leadership is. There is broader agreement on what leadership does rather than what it is. Similarly, there is consensus on what leadership does not do.
To understand what leadership is, we need to delve into its attributes or characteristics. Considering our diverse cultures, histories, education, and ideologies the list of characteristics will be extensive. The leadership context is also important.
Leadership is an often used and rarely well defined term. Discover what leadership is, what it is not and some of the latest thinking on leadership. More
Leadership is a broad term. Let's delve into why effective leadership is important and how it harnesses the collective power of people to achieve something of value. More
How can you judge whether a leader is good, great or excellent when there are so many factors and scenarios? Discover what goes into making an exemplary leader.
Developing leadership is an ongoing quest, not a one-time course or learning. It requires continuing focus, commitment to improvement and for the best implementation support from others. Learn what leadership development is and how it can be best facilitated. More
There are many misconceptions about who and what leaders are. Explore the realities about who can be a leader in our changing world. More
Leadership IS Evolving
Leadership is a natural phenomenon experienced by humans and many species of animals. Science, namely neuroscience, is expanding and changing our understanding of the human condition and leadership. Models and theories of human expression and organisational behaviour are being rewritten or replaced. Other fields of study such as psychology, economics, and entrepreneurship are also being reshaped as our knowledge grows. We have to be prepared to constantly challenge what we think leadership is or does and intelligently adapt as we learn.
Leadership Is Action
At its core, leadership is an action or set of actions that influence others or a team to act or collaborate effectively in order to achieve something of value. Without a purpose and other people, leadership is not present. Based on this description, leadership cannot exist as a thought or intention – only as an action or process involving other people. It has and continues to be an essential part of our humanity and our social reality.
Leadership Is Not A Role, Title Or Position
Leadership exists in all facets of life and is not a role, title, or position you are appointed to. It is not based on power or authority or hierarchy. Neither is there any mention of the scale of the endeavour or requirements for success. Our social narrative often superimposes these factors, which invariably distorts it.
Leadership And Management Are Not The Same
In business, leadership is often contrasted to management. These functions are equally important but are not synonymous as they require different skills and attributes. However, some functions overlap, causing ambiguity as to which attribute belongs to which function. Our lazy vocabulary often reinforces the confusion. Part of the development journey of leadership (and management) is to learn and navigate these fine distinctions to improve clarity and communication.
The Essence Of Leadership Is Influence
Influencing others to collaborate effectively to achieve something of value always starts with one person (you). Leadership starts with how you, as an individual, chooses to live your life. You bring all of you to everything you do. Influencing others relies on your ability to inspire and help other people to expand their abilities, achieve their goals along the way and become their best selves. This comes down to who you are, your personal and social awareness and your ways of being. Leadership is a set of skills and a certain psychology – which anyone can develop and master.
Develop More & Better Leaders
The goal of the Business Leaders Roundtable is to develop more and better leaders for the times and challenges ahead. It pays to prepare ahead of time!
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