November 29, 2014

Five Essentials of Leadership

When you look for a definition of leadership, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. There are a multitude of perspectives out there about it, in addition to a good number of myths. But, for me, that’s what makes the topic so interesting. It’s one of those concepts that doesn’t just have one clean-cut description. I think of it as a kaleidoscope — there are many different things to see and discover, especially as a change in situation can require a different leadership approach.

To add to its multifaceted identity, it carries with it a lot of importance. If you think about it, the presence of effective leadership in our companies, nonprofits, governments, and communities can have a tremendous impact on many, many people. The application of leadership can grow companies, solve big problems, alter policy, change lives, and determine the future. And the absence of it, or of an effective version of it, can cause equally as much damage. There’s a lot at stake here.

So that brings us back to the question of “What is it?!” In all my reading, studying about and living through leadership, I believe there are a handful of core, must-have aspects:

Leadership is about influence: In contrast to authority or power, influence is the capacity to affect the thoughts and actions of others. This occurs without compulsion but happens organically due to the relationship and respect that exists between a leader and followers, or because of the pure merit of the leader or their ideals. Additionally, having influence does not require that a leader be a person of certain position or title.

Leadership aims towards a shared vision: Leadership is aspirational. It looks into the future and to what’s possible, towards a shared goal and vision for the team — something to be accomplished. This vision is most effectively formed collaboratively within a team, but is then championed and further influenced by a leader.

Leadership creates followers: This occurs naturally, as effective leaders possess a certain gravitational field that attracts others due to a palpable sense of clarity, momentum, action, integrity, and vision. True followers can not be compelled. Again, the ability to create followers doesn’t require that a leader be of any certain position or title.

Leadership empowers others: The focus of true leadership is on empowering team members rather than on building up the leader themselves. A leader is attentive to each of the respective team members and cares about empowering them to step into their greatest potential.

Leadership is authentic: Most simply put, leaders walk their talk. They set an example for others on a team. They keep their word and they communicate openly. Because of their authenticity and integrity, they create relationships of trust.

Summary

• Leadership, a rich topic of many definitions, carries with it great importance for the future of our organizations and communities
• Though there are multiple perspectives on leadership, I believe there are five essential elements:
  • Leadership is about influence
  • Leadership aims towards a vision
  • Leadership creates followers
  • Leadership empowers others
  • Leadership is authentic

Try This Out

• Begin a discussion with your colleagues about what constitutes leadership. Start with a clean slate and see what essentials rise to the top. Even if the outcome doesn’t match my proposed list of essentials, it will get everyone thinking about how they want to personally show up as a leader.
• Focus on one of the five essentials that you feel farthest from as a leader and build capacity in that area.
• Think of what leaders are present in your life. Pick 1 you think is a really effective leader and reflect on their qualities.
• Pick an influential historical or political leader and read about their work and its impact.

Favorite Leadership Quotes

“All Leadership is influence.” — John C. Maxwell

“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” — Warren Bennis

“A leader’s role is to raise people’s aspirations for what they can become and to release their energies so they will try to get there.” — David R. Gergen

“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something because he or she wants to do it.” —  Dwight D. Eisenhower

“As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.” — Bill Gates