Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards the achievement of a goal. Leadership stems from social influence, not authority or power. Leadership requires others, and that implies they don’t need to be “direct reports”.
— Kevin Kruse
We’ve learned that the term leadership means different things to different people. We promote the idea that “everyone is a leader” regardless of title since we all have the ability to influence others. (Admittedly, this opinion is sometimes met with controversy!).
We also say leaders are continual learners and that they “take others where they have not been before and would not go by themselves”.
Some of PeopleTek’s Certified Professional Leaders have shared their definition of what a good leader is:
Fabio Abreu:
A good leader is one capable of supporting the vision and making others believe and work together on it. It is the one who challenges their team constantly, making them grow and rise as leaders as well.
Karthikesan Adhinarayanan:
A good leader backs his/her team during the most difficult of situations, takes more than his share of blame, and takes less share of credit from successes.
Chinwe Anyika, PhD:
A good leader is someone who is inclusive, does not compromise quality in talent or outcome, humble, inspires, serves and coaches everyone to be the best of themselves.
Thomson Attasseril:
Leaders enable people to truly develop to their full potential, which they would not have done on their own, and have a positive impact on their lives.
Rosaura Du Toit:
A good leader leads by example, feedback is perceived as a gift, he is present, genuinely listens and provides constructive feedback looking for a win-win solution/goal for both individuals and teams.
Franco Gentile:
Leadership is the ability to influence a group to achieve specific goals. It’s taking people where they’ve never gone before and wouldn’t go by themselves. **BUT also possessing the self awareness to recognize when they, too, need guidance to go beyond their own constraints.**
Jen Hartman:
A good leader is someone who demonstrates passion, integrity, conviction and compassion in their everyday life. Good leaders take self-care seriously and encourage development of their people. They coach and mentor others, and listen more than they speak. They are impactful by how they empower and support the success of others. I aspire to be a good leader in words and actions.
Delora Kirby:
A good leader really listens to their team but makes the tough decisions to do what’s right for overall health of the team and company. They openly support their team members and privately coaches them on areas of opportunity. They protect the team from the day-to-day stressors and keeps the team focused and motivated so they would have a high EQ.
Note: More may be viewed by clicking here.
Are there any definitions you especially align with? Any you disagree with? What about one you would like to add? Let us know!
Leadership is both a research area, and a practical skill encompassing the ability of an individual, group or organization to “lead”, influence or guide other individuals, teams, or entire organizations. Wikipedia