A Unique Definition Of Leadership
To get a consensus on the definition of leadership is no small task. The reason is we all have our own definition of leadership based on our experiences, beliefs, and values. If you were asked what makes a great leader you would probably have a list of characteristics that closely mirrors someone you consider to be great leader. Because we all have differing viewpoints on who makes a great leader, no wonder it is difficult to get a definition of leadership consensus.
Further complicating how to define leadership is the moving target of what leadership entails. Leadership needed in one situation looks completely different than leadership in another situation. For example, a business leader noted for making efficient use of time because they attended a time management course may not be the type of leader needed if you were stranded in the wilderness. Because the situation is different the leadership has to be different.
A Definition Of Leadership
One thing we can all agree on about a leader is a leader gets results. Not just any results, but the desired results. Getting desired results is the main characteristic of leaders. If you think about any leader you know what makes them a leader is they have the ability to get results. Just getting desired results does not make one a leader. Part of the leadership equation is how the results are obtained. A leader gets results in a way that endears people to them not repel them. A leader is does what Dwight D. Eisenhower said: “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it. You don’t lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not leadership.”
In order to get results in the right way a leader has to be able to connect people to a vision, goal, or objective. It is true that most people want to be a part of something larger than themselves. The leader has to understand first what a person would personally get out of achieving the goal and then be able to communicate in such a way to connect the person’s personal gain to the goal. This is a very powerful skill that has to be developed over time. The more mastery of this skill will equate to more results.
Another key component to getting results is the leader has to keep everyone focused on the goal or objective. One of the hardest things for human beings is to put in a consistent effort over an extended period of time. That’s why New Year’s resolutions often fall by the wayside. Notice how the gym is so full right after New Year’s you can hardly find a parking spot. Then by the end of January it is a little easier to find a parking spot and by March… well you could park and 18 wheeler anywhere you want to.
The leader keeps everyone focused and is there to encourage when the going gets tough. When your mind says quit, the leader keeps you going. Here again, the leader does not deflate or put down, but builds up and encourages.
While a consensus definition of leadership is somewhat difficult to get. We all can agree that a leader gets the desired results and goes about it in the right way.
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