The shifts in technology, migration, and globalization have resulted in a new kind of leader. Like the rest of the world, the average leader has become better informed, better connected, and empowered through digital and social channels. This change is accelerating globally, as power, information, and influence are democratized through technology.
What is Leadership, then?
A simple question, and yet it remains to trouble famous consultants and laypeople alike. I've now written articles s on Leadership for employee engagement, and finally, it occurred to me that I never actually reflected on establishing Leadership.
Let's start with what Leadership is not…
Leadership has nothing to do with ranking or one's position in the hierarchy of a company.
Too many talks about a company's Leadership, referring to the senior-most executives in the organization. They are merely that, senior executives. Leadership doesn't automatically follow when you reach a particular pay category. Hopefully, you discover it there, although there are no guarantees.
Leadership has naught to do with titles.
Comparable to the point above, just because you have a C-level title doesn't automatically make you a "leader." In all of my talks, I stress that you don't need a title to lead. You can lead in your workplace, your community, and your family, all without possessing a title.
Leadership has naught to do with individual characteristics.
Say the word "leader," and most people imagine an authoritative, charismatic take-charge individual. We often imagine icons from history like Donald Trump. But Leadership isn't an adjunct. We don't need extroverted charismatic traits to exercise Leadership. And those with charisma don't automatically lead.
Leadership isn't management.
This is the big one. Leadership and management are not identical. Do you have 20 people in your downline and P&L accountability? Great for you; hopefully, you are a good manager. Good management is demanded. Managers need to coordinate, plan, measure, monitor, hire, fire, solve, and so many other things. Typically, managers grow the numbers, whereas, Leaders lead and help the people around them rise.
Each spring, I have a vision for my garden, and with loads of work, cucumbers, squash, and tomatoes become a reality. But does that make me a leader? No, it makes me a horticulturist.
So what is Leadership?
DEFINITION: Leadership is a method of social impact, which maximizes others' efforts towards achieving a goal.
Notice critical components of this definition:
Leadership originates from social influence, not power or authority
Leadership requires others, and that suggests they don't need to be "direct reports."
No specifying of personality traits, attributes, or even a title; there are various styles, various paths, to effective Leadership
It incorporates a goal, not influence with no planned outcome
A lot of my work is in the area of employee engagement and leadership development.
Technically, a leader could use social impact to organize others' efforts, but I think Leadership is about maximizing effort. It's not, "Hey everyone, let's line up and get to the top of that hill instantly."Yet instead, "Hey, see that hill? Let's see how we can get to the top together as a team.
Do those key elements work for you?