"Stop waiting and searching for the leader you can believe in and be the leader you can believe in."
Need A Speaker? There are so many definitions and many of our business leaders have expressed them. For example, Peter Drucker, the brilliant inventor of Management By Objectives or MBO’s, states, “The only definition of a leader is someone who has followers.” This seems a bit over simplified but certainly is emphasizing a particular aspect of leadership. I remember watching the series, “Band of Brothers” and at one point Easy Company’s leader was replaced with an officer who was to lead them into battle. However, he did not have the men’s respect and had no experience or courage to do so. He had followers as he had a position of authority but he certainly was no leader.
Warren Bennis formerly an MIT professor and founding chairman of the Leadership Institute at the University of Southern California, described leadership as “the capacity to translate vision into reality.” Every weekend many Americans cut their grass anticipating that it will look good when completed. They have a vision, tools to complete the job and then make it a reality. Are they leaders? Possibly, but where are the people they are leading?
Bill Gates of Microsoft fame says it this way, “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.” He has clearly included people in his definition but mobs can be empowered and not be connected to a vision or goal or purpose. Years ago I watched a city council meeting empower people to speak up and they did. They were angry and took over the proceedings while yelling, screaming and threatening. The city councilmen left the building. The mob having gained control then disbanded without having accomplished anything but venting various dis-unified points of view.
“Leadership is influence—nothing more and nothing less” describes John Maxwell. People may not speak truth to their manager because they fear repercussions. The manager has influence (depending on how you define it) but that does not make them a leader.
So, I said all of that to say this…here is my definition of Leadership as of 8:16am on Monday, 5/5/2014.
Leadership is a social process that influences others’ choice to be their best while achieving the mission.
Warren Bennis formerly an MIT professor and founding chairman of the Leadership Institute at the University of Southern California, described leadership as “the capacity to translate vision into reality.” Every weekend many Americans cut their grass anticipating that it will look good when completed. They have a vision, tools to complete the job and then make it a reality. Are they leaders? Possibly, but where are the people they are leading?
Bill Gates of Microsoft fame says it this way, “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.” He has clearly included people in his definition but mobs can be empowered and not be connected to a vision or goal or purpose. Years ago I watched a city council meeting empower people to speak up and they did. They were angry and took over the proceedings while yelling, screaming and threatening. The city councilmen left the building. The mob having gained control then disbanded without having accomplished anything but venting various dis-unified points of view.
“Leadership is influence—nothing more and nothing less” describes John Maxwell. People may not speak truth to their manager because they fear repercussions. The manager has influence (depending on how you define it) but that does not make them a leader.
So, I said all of that to say this…here is my definition of Leadership as of 8:16am on Monday, 5/5/2014.
Leadership is a social process that influences others’ choice to be their best while achieving the mission.
De-Stressing / Breathing Series (for leaders and others)
De-Stressing & Breathing (1): Pythagorean Style
Breathing and De-Stressing (2): Change How You Feel By How You Breathe
Breathing and De-Stressing (3): An Unusual But Effective Breathing Technique
De-Stressing & Breathing (1): Pythagorean Style
Breathing and De-Stressing (2): Change How You Feel By How You Breathe
Breathing and De-Stressing (3): An Unusual But Effective Breathing Technique
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