A simple definition of
leadership is that leadership is
the art of motivating a group of
people to act towards achieving
a common goal.
Put even more simply, the
leader is the inspiration and
director of the action. He or she
is the person in the group that
possesses the combination of
personality and skills that
makes others want to follow his
or her direction.
In business, leadership is
welded to performance.
Effective leaders are those who
increase their companys'
bottom lines
Leadership is a winning combination of personal traits and the ability to
think and act as a leader, a person who directs the activities of others for
the good of all. Anyone can be a leader, even if the only person they’re
leading is themselves."
Leadership has been described as the “process of social influence in
which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the
accomplishment of a common task”.
Leadership is "organizing a group of people to achieve a common goal."
The leader may or may not have any formal authority.
Arieu, A. defines a leader as "a person capable of inspiring and associate
others with a dream."
A definition more inclusive of followers comes from Alan Keith of
Genentech, who said, "Leadership is ultimately about creating a
way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary
happen."
“Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right
things.” Peter F. Drucker
“Don'ttell people how to do things, tell them what to do and let
them surprise you with their results.”
George S. Patton
“I must follow the people. Am I not their leader? “
Benjamin Disraeli
“A leader is a dealer in hope. “
Napoleon Bonaparte
Leadership Definition : Peter Drucker :The forward to the Drucker
Foundation's "The Leader of the Future" sums up leadership : "The
only definition of a leader is someone who has followers." To gain
followers requires influence (see John Maxwell's definition below)
but doesn't exclude the lack of integrity in achieving this. Indeed, it
can be argued that several of the world's greatest leaders have
lacked integrity and have adopted values that would not be shared
by many people today.
Leadership Definition : John C Maxwell : In the 21 Irrefutable
Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell sums up his definition of
leadership as "leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less."
This moves beyond the position defining the leader, to looking at
the ability of the leader to influence others - both those who would
consider themselves followers, and those outside that circle.
Indirectly, it also builds in leadership character, since without
maintaining integrity and trustworthiness, the capability to
influence will disappear.
Leadership Definition : Warren Bennis : Warren Bennis' definition
of leadership is focused much more on the individual capability of
the leader : "Leadership is a function of knowing yourself, having
a vision that is well communicated, building trust among
colleagues, and taking effective action to realize your own
leadership potential."
Leadership Definition : Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester :
For the purposes of the Leadership Development Process of the
Diocese of Rochester, their leadership definition is "the process of
influencing the behavior of other people toward group goals in a
way that fully respects their freedom." The emphasis on respecting
their freedom is an important one, and one which must be the
hallmark of Christian leadership. Jesus influenced many diverse
people during his ministry but compelled no-one to follow Him.
Leadership is the professed desire and commitment to serve others
by subordinating personal interests to the needs of those being led
through effectively demonstrating the experience, wisdom and
discernment necessary to leverage trust & influence to cause the
right things, to happen for the right reasons,at the right times.”
