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What is Leadership?

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Leadership entails the ability to set direction and garner support for it. Leaders don’t necessarily have subordinates, they have voluntary followers. They know the importance of buy-in. Good leaders also place high value on communicating the goals. In order to inspire others, they know they must inform others. Misinformation, or no information, can often be traced back to the reason behind failing to rally the troops for the cause. When employees don’t see the benefit, it is difficult to motivate them.

Leaders appeal to others, inspiring them to sign onto the cause. Many of the greatest leaders of the twentieth century possessed a great deal of charisma. While this is certainly not a requirement of great leadership, it is a tremendous tool at the disposal of those who posses it. The general public and employees alike love someone with whom they can connect. Charismatic leaders have an uncanny ability to find support for even the oddest of ventures. For those leaders of a more melancholy nature, don’t lose heart. A leader who shows a genuine and sincere interest in the concerns and heart desires of others will be equally as effective.

Finally, leaders have vision. While management is entrusted with executing the direction plan, it is leadership that has to craft the plan. While there is a running debate as to whether leaders are born with vision or not, there are training exercises available to expand and build upon one’s leadership qualities.

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