Leadership Definitions
Posted by Barb on August 10th, 2009
I am not an expert in the area of Leadership, but I do have a genuine passion for Leadership. I read books about leadership. I take classes. I attend seminars and conferences. I teach others about leadership. I volunteer for activities that will utilize my current capabilities and also stretch me to grow. I ask for feedback. I do self reflection. In a nut shell, I do a lot of different things so that I can become a better person and a better leader. I feel as if I have learned a lot and yet I also feel that I have so much more to learn. I thought blogging would be a good way to share my perspectives and learn from others.
Just for fun, I thought I would look up the definition of Leader. To my surprise, the source I used had 56 different definitions.
You have the noun definition which includes:
- a person or thing that leads.
- a guiding or directing head, as of an army, movement, or political group.
- a horse harnessed at the front of a team.
Then you have the definitions that are verbs (used with objects)
- to go before or with to show the way
- to influence or induce
- to guide in direction, course, action, opinion, etc
And you have the definitions that are verbs (used without objects)
- to act as a guide; show the way
- to go first; be in advance
- to result in; tend toward
- to make the first play.
There are a few things that jumped out at me. Leadership is about being out in front. Leaders guide, take action and they get results!
But what makes some leaders, great leaders, that we want to follow and others feel more like you’re looking at the horses behind? (Recall the one definition of “a horse harnessed at the front of a team”)
If you are reading this, I’d love to hear what you think about it.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:15 pm
I like the guide and influencer definitions. A leader can’t do all the work and shouldn’t even try. Instead, they should help the whole team get to the objective. Sometimes pointing the way and sometimes saying follow me. In all cases, they have to influence the team to head in the right direction.
Nice start with the blog. Good luck.
August 17th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
Thanks for visiting my site and adding your comments!
August 17th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
I have given this some thought as I’ve sent out so many resumes that say I’m a leader. What do I mean when I say I’m a leader? Here is what I came up with: I provide leadership by setting vision and rallying people to the cause; effectively delegating; holding others accountable; and giving and receiving trust.
I’ve also heard it said that a leader credits the team with successes and takes responsibility for the failures.
August 17th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Phil – Thanks for sharing your perspectives on leadership, I think you have captured some of the important attributes of great leaders!
August 17th, 2009 at 9:23 pm
One aspect of leadership that I try to keep in the forefront is to paint a clear picture of our goals and objectives, and a concrete articulation of what success would look like. Then I “paint the white lines” for my team to stay within, and ask them to help me drive us forward.
August 18th, 2009 at 9:41 am
One of the best things I have learned in the leadership roles that I have held is to not only ask to be reviewed by those above you, since there is always someone above you, but also to seek out constructive criticisms from your peers as well as your reports. Some professionals that I have met feel that this is a sign of weakness to your “troops” but I think it shows those that you are leading how much you really are working WITH them, while also being the driving force in leading them as well.
August 18th, 2009 at 9:44 am
I think there is also an aspect of leadership that includes being aware of the current state-of-mind of the group being lead, such that the leader knows when it is appropriate to be dynamic, engaged and forceful, and when to step into the background and just provide guidance. A leader must be perceptive.
Leadership is a great topic for a blog. I look forward to further posts.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
I like what John Maxwell says “Leadership is influence, plain and simple”. It’s fun to see the comments on this blog, and think about the different types of leaders. Mark sets the direction and really lead from the front, others steer the ship from the rear, but all are very effective influencers and leaders.
August 18th, 2009 at 12:37 pm
Hi Barb,
Add this to the blog. It will make sharing of blogposts easier.
August 18th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
This is a great idea, Barb, to have a discussion and gather ideas about leadership…it is such a huge word and as you pointed out, it can be defined with many different meanings and actions. Thanks for doing this.
I liked the comments, too, especially about learning the culture or “state of mind” of the group being led. It seems important to know your audience. I have often made the mistake of assuming we were all on the same page.
August 18th, 2009 at 6:19 pm
I personally like the verb definitions. I feel this represents a great leader in my eyes. The noun definitions sound too impersonal or cold. Part of being a great leader is being in touch with people and not just being at the top or front of something.