Unpacking the Essence of Leadership
When it comes to defining leadership, opinions vary widely. To help you develop your unique leadership style, we’ve gathered insights from seven accomplished experts and authors.
A Multifaceted Concept
At its core, leadership is about achieving objectives through collaboration. As Dr. Paul Hersey, co-author of Management of Organization Behavior, puts it, “Working with and through others to achieve objectives.” This perspective highlights the importance of teamwork and collective effort.
Inspiring Others
However, leadership is not just about achieving goals; it’s also about empowering others to reach their full potential. Stephen Covey, author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, believes that “communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves” is a key aspect of leadership.
Motivating Others
Dwight D. Eisenhower’s definition takes a more pragmatic approach, stating that “leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” This underscores the importance of motivation and buy-in from team members.
The Mark of a High-Performance Leader
Jack Welch, author of Good to Great, outlines a more comprehensive definition: “A good leader or high-performance leader is someone who has energy, can articulate a vision and inspire others to perform, makes the tough decisions, has the skill to deliver, and never fails to deliver the financials.” This definition emphasizes the need for leaders to possess a range of skills and qualities.
Leading by Example
Anna Runyan, founder and CEO of a career development platform, defines leadership as “setting a positive example for others and encouraging, supporting, and motivating the people that he or she comes into contact with.” This perspective highlights the importance of leading by example and inspiring others through one’s actions.
Leaving a Lasting Impact
Sheryl Sandberg, author of Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, takes a more nuanced approach, stating that “leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence.” This definition emphasizes the importance of leaving a lasting legacy.
The Ultimate Test of Leadership
Finally, Indra Nooyi, CEO of PepsiCo, offers a more pragmatic definition: “Leadership is hard to define and good leadership even harder. But if you can get people to follow you to the ends of the earth, you are a great leader.” This perspective highlights the importance of inspiring loyalty and devotion in one’s team members.
Your Turn
Now that you’ve seen these diverse perspectives on leadership, what’s your definition? What qualities and characteristics do you think are essential for effective leadership?
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