"Leadership is a social process that influences others’ choice to be their best while achieving the mission."

Leadership is about creating choice for someone to be totally committed versus making a simple requirement to which they will be held accountable. Choice means higher morale, going the extra mile and quality effort with quality outcomes. We can all make someone do something out of our authority over them. But, if you want to create a sustained, determined effort then creating opportunities for people to choose to be their best out of their own conviction is essential.
Leadership creates clear goals and roles that are aligned with the mission. Telling someone once what their goal and role is on a particular project is not enough. It needs to be reinforced and they need appropriate accountability. Accountability comes in many forms. One, was the project completed on time? Two, were intermediate goals achieved? Three, micromanaging. (careful here) The first three can be pretty traditional approaches. Here are some more. Four, genuinely encourage someone’s effort. Be positive. Five, ask, “do you have everything you need?” Six, ask, “how can I support you further?” Seven, celebrate both intermediate and final achievements. Here’s the deal. Leadership has a mission and it is not influence or “feel good” without intended outcomes.
Again…the definition:
Leadership is a social process that influences others’ choice to be their best while achieving the mission.
Leadership Defined (1)
Achievement Through Performance Advancements
A Collaborative Workforce Starts with Collaborative Leadership
Creating a Workforce That Willingly, Wholeheartedly and Happily Chooses Effectiveness (Part 1)
Creating a Workforce: Understanding the World’s Only Two Psychologies (Part 2)
Creating a Workforce: Tap Into Employee Strengths to Be A Better Manager Now (Part 3a)
Creating a Workforce: Tap Into Employee Strengths to Be A Better Manager Now (Practical Thoughts) (Part 3b)
Creating a Workforce: Psychology 2: Choice…Increasing Productivity through Choice and Collaboration (Part 4a)
Creating a Workforce: Psychology 2: Choice…Increasing Productivity through Choice and Collaboration (Part 4b)
Creating a Workforce: Leadership Management Versus Boss Management (Part 5 and Series Conclusion)