The first question I ask leaders in every class I teach is, “What is leadership?” We spend an hour defining and sharing answers BEFORE the learning starts, so that all the learning we do together can either reinforce their core belief or refine it. Have you have tried to answer that question?
To help you along, here is a list of 100 definitions published by Lolly Daskal in Inc. magazine.
Let me add two:
Leadership is the ability to create and successfully manage the closing of gaps. ~ Scott Patchin
Leadership is an influence process. It is working with people to accomplish their goals and the goals of the organization. ~ Ken Blanchard
What is your definition? Creating it could be one of the most important things you do as a leader, because without it you risk spending a lot of energy trying to live into someone else’s belief. We are rarely successful trying to be someone else.
I invite you to share #103.
Listen . . Lead. Repeat often!
More learning: Take a look at my free ebook, Don’t Avoid Gaps, Lead Through Them