Defining Leadership

What is Leadership? This seems like a question that would be so easy to answer yet, people struggle with a response. Of course you will hear the automatic replies. Things like, "that describes the person in charge" or "he or she is the person that runs things". Herein lies the problem. Too often we associate leadership with the role or position and not with the make up of the person. By doing this we undermine the important function good leadership has in our society. How often are we influenced negatively by a person in a leadership position who possesses no true leadership characteristics or skills? I read a terrific book by Donald T. Phillips called Lincoln On Leadership (Warner Books). What has stayed with me is how Abraham Lincoln was described as a great leader. Not only because he was President of the United States, but equally as important, because he was compassionate, patient, knew when to put his foot down, was consistent, persistent, innovative, and persuasive. Finally, he is described in the book as having "an unshakable commitment to the rights of the individual." When I evaluate 'leaders' I like to hold them up to characteristics like the ones mentioned here and others and see how they rate. I have found too few great leaders so far.

The opportunities are there for the taking...leaders, it's time to take your place in the world!