From time to time in conversations with Leaders it becomes apparent that there is confusion relating to what leadership is. Sometimes it is inaccurate use of spoken English using the words interchangeably and incorrectly, sometimes it is a genuine shortfall in understanding.
For example. Leaders may say, “I’m in the Leadership” and assume that automatically means that they are providing leadership. That having the title Leader automatically means that they are leading their team or enterprise. But that isn’t the case. They will only be leading their team or enterprise if they’re providing leadership.
So, to clarify.
- Leader (noun) – a person who rules, guides or inspires others.
- Leadership (noun) – the group who rule, guide or inspire others
- lead (verb) – to show the way by going with or ahead; to cause to act, feel, think or behave in a certain way
- leadership (verb) – the collection of actions which comprise leading.
The title Leader reflects the position the person holds whilst the description leader reflects their ability to lead others.
So how do you lead? What’s your leadership like?
Have you set a vision? communicated it? established your team? engaged with your stakeholders? secured the necessary resources? Do you have a way for monitoring progress? making informed decisions? managing risks, issues and change? Are you providing constructive and timely feedback to your team? And how is this evidenced by the impact you are delivering?
I believe that anyone and everyone is capable of being an effective leader. Good leadership doesn’t require a University education to be able to understand it and do it well. When we consider what constitutes good leadership – your ability to lead – it boils down to one thing – how are you creating the environment for everyone to function to the best of their abilities?
Which brings to mind my son’s football coach. When he first took over coaching the team he was an unemployed hod carrier. He’d never been on anything remotely resembling leadership training in his whole life, in fact, by his own admission, he didn’t know much about football either because he was rugby league fan! But he stepped forward to coach the team when the previous coach stepped-down and nobody else came forward. He took the time to research football skills and tactics and was fun yet no-nonsense with the boys. At training and at matches he provided a steady stream of positive and constructive feedback to all of the players. He phoned every parent weekly to ask for their views on the match and training and what else he could do to help the team be successful. As a result the team moved up a league each year for three consecutive years. The impact he has had on each of the players lives is significant.
What impact is your leadership having?