How do we define
Leadership

Leadership can be defined in many ways. Often, we know what leadership is, yet it can be difficult to articulate exactly what we mean when we say someone is a great leader. Leadership may have different meanings for different people. Leadership is not a title. It is a way of life. Leadership characteristics are part of every person and depending what characteristics we choose to nourish – these will be the dominant traits displayed. If you are a parent – you are a leader, if you are a coach – you are a leader. If you are the eldest sibling – you are a leader. It is not a place in hierarchy in an organisation that makes someone a leader.

Leadership has both good and bad qualities. Dependant on what we feed and nourish, these dominant leadership traits will display. This is represented in life – Yin and Yang, Night and Day, Light and Dark, Creation and Destruction. To know the good, we also need to understand the bad. This helps us to choose what we want to nourish. Leadership is a skill and can be learned. The more we practice effective leadership, the more it becomes permanent. Leadership encompasses many qualities and may include, but not limited to:

• Charisma
• Influence
• Emotional Intelligence
• Influence
• Authority

However, someone who possesses these traits does not make them a leader. Leadership can be defined as a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. (Northouse, 02/2018, p.5).

Leadership as a process means it evolves and grows over time. Leadership is observable through behaviours. A leader can be someone who is the most influential, regardless of their title. Leaders create new leaders, they identify these traits and develop them in others. Some people are born natural leaders, such as the Dalia Lama. Other leaders need to learn and hone their craft. Leadership is a responsibility that impacts the lives of many – it is challenging, yet also rewarding.

Leaders often have to pave the way and may not always reap the reward. Leadership is a journey. “Leadership development is not merely a one-time event but a critically important journey for individuals, teams, and organizations–a demanding process that requires the cultivation of genuine self-knowledge” (Sidle, C C 2005). John Maxwell (American Author & Speaker) is quoted as stating “Leaders become great not because of their power but, because of their ability to empower others”. How can you empower others? How can you develop effective leadership skills to create a positive impact not just for yourself, but also for others?