Leading people to be great is not easy.

Walk through any bookstore or search online and you will find a plethora of books dedicated to the subject of leadership.

Coaches, consultants and business experts profess to have the answers to the elusive question of what constitutes great leadership.

However, very few “experts” have led people into battle and achieved remarkable results and done it repeatedly for decades.

Theory and application are very different. 

Any definition of leadership needs to include what leadership isn’t.

Many people assume leadership starts when somebody becomes a “senior level manager”. The assumption is based on hierarchy and for many people hierarchy matters. The problem, it doesn’t. Pay grade doesn’t guarantee great leadership.

At the same time people get wrapped up in titles. As you know, titles mean nothing. Leadership begins the minute you decide to be a great leader then act like one. Many people with BIG egos have BIG titles. They SAY the right things but constantly contradict them self by not DOING the right things.  

Personality has little to do with great leadership. Many people believe great leaders are; dominate, charismatic, charming and overly assertive. We think of great commanders like Douglas McArthur. However, being an extrovert doesn’t guarantee great leadership. I know plenty of soft-spoken giants. 

We still use the term management in conjunction with leadership. Great leaders aren’t managers, but many managers are poor leaders. Management is great for; planning, coordinating, solving and measuring. It’s about managing THINGS. Leadership is about LEADING people.  

So, what does a great leader look like?

Here’s how some amazing people define leadership, but is their definition accurate?

“Real leadership is when everyone else feels in charge.” Bono

Empowering people is great. But what’s the ultimate objective? Encouraging people to be independent at the expense of clarity and vision only ensures chaos and lack of focus. Leadership requires spelling out a clear purpose and providing people with the support they need to make that purpose materialize.

“The secret of leadership is simple: Do what you believe in. Paint a picture of the future. Go there. People will follow.” Seth Godin

I love Seth, but this definition of leadership presupposes having people follow blindly is a good idea. Just because you have a vision of the future doesn’t mean the picture you paint is accurate. You need remarkable people to help you clarify and execute your vision. Otherwise, it’s a one man/woman show and that’s a dangerous proposition.

“My job is not to be easy on people. My job is to take these great people we have and to push them and make them even better.” Steve Jobs

Recognizing your people are great is wonderful. However, pushing them to be better requires; finesse, compassion, humility, kindness, love, empathy and patience. Driving people too hard without appreciating the need for balance isn’t serving the best interest of the organization. Setting high expectations without personal boundaries and mentorship designed to mold better people is merely producing a group of “hustlers” on a collision course with work related fatigue.

“To lead people, walk behind them” Lao Tzu

In theory this sounds fantastic, but is it the best advice? I would argue, walking BESIDE someone is a better alternative. Most people require direction. It’s a fact. By standing beside them, your presence is evident, but your message is clear. I have confidence in you. I will be close and offer support, guidance and vision. However, for us to succeed you will need to operate autonomously. Walking behind someone leaves the impression your timid and lack confidence. The psychological implications are simple. Why would I FOLLOW somebody that is walking BEHIND me?

Leadership isn't easy

Leadership is a rigorous process that influences people through; love, compassion, humility, strength, confidence, courage and conviction. People get remarkable things done because they truly have respect for great leaders and embrace their vision.

Key components:

·        Leadership is about influence, not manipulation, authority or power.

·        Leadership demands other people to ensure success, it isn’t about one person’s efforts.

·        Leadership isn’t about attributes, titles or hierarchy. Great leadership comes in many forms and it’s a path that’s highly variable.

·        Leadership is about achieving great things for everyone’s benefit.

Sum it up

Leadership is a decision based on values and principles that place people first. Giving someone a title doesn’t ensure success, leadership must be earned and it must be genuinely desired for all the right reasons.

How do you define leadership? Please like and share this article and include your thoughts in the comments section below. I love learning from you as well.

About Steve:

Steve Wohlenhaus is CEO of Weatherology, the leading company in the world at disseminating audio weather information.  Steve began his career as a major market television weather anchor in Minneapolis, where he received several Emmy Awards for science programming. Steve is an author and host of the podcast program Anatomy of Success. Reach out and connect with me on LinkedIn and grab the FREE Weatherology mobile app!