Leadership is defined differently by different people, with some definitions given below:
- Leadership is the process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task.
- Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen.
- Leadership is the ability of an individual or a group to influence and guide followers or other members of an organization.
A leader isn’t just the person that manages others in a team or directs others on what duties to carry out or someone with a high position in an organization. Leadership isn’t just about one’s position or the number members they direct, but leadership is about influence.
Not everyone in an organization is suited to leadership, and there are those who do not even aspire to leadership, but everyone in an organization is a leader where they are. This means that leadership doesn’t have anything to do with positions or titles, but with how much influence you wield. Looking at leadership this way opens your eyes to what you are capable of where you are in your organization.
The real ‘leader’ in an organization may not be the Managing Director or the CEO, but their personal assistants. The personal assistants are the ones who determine who can see the boss when they can see the boss, or even if anyone should see the boss. Whatever position you find yourself in is one of leadership. You need to develop yourself there and be strategic about using your influence in the accomplishment of your organization’s goals.
Shaping Your Leadership Mindset
Knowing that leadership isn’t about your position, but about influence is the first step towards growing a solid leadership mentality. Other things you need to know to shape your leadership mindset are:
- What you DO speaks louder than what you SAY – Joel Osteen once said that he had driven into a parking lot, and as he opened his car door some debris flew out. He debated about picking them and dropping them into the trash, given himself reasons why he shouldn’t (the wind was blowing, for one), but in the end, he ran after the debris, picked it up, and dropped it in the trash. As he walked into the store he saw a couple watching him, and he greeted them. They responded, and told him that they watch him on TV, and when the debris blew out of his car, they were watching to see what he would do. People are always watching to see what you do, because that tells them more about who you are than what you say.
- You are not the Fire, you are the Igniter – Leadership often dictates that you set things in motion, then take the back seat for others to shine.
- Always be ready to Improve – Growth is necessary if you want to make a difference in your sphere. The willingness to learn and grow is important in shaping a leadership mindset.
- Don’t Focus on being the Smartest Person on the Team – Leadership isn’t about showing off, but about carrying everyone on the team along.
- Communicate Clearly: Do Not Assume – Rogienel Reyes said that, ‘Assuming is the root of all disappointments.’ A key leadership quality is clear communication. Talk to people and hear what they have to say. Be on the same page so that you have as little disappointments as possible.
- Seek to Understand before being Understood – Listen first, understand what was said, then speak. Worse than making assumptions is misunderstanding someone simply because you didn’t take the time to listen. Shaping your leadership mindset requires that you listen to others and understand their perspectives before you seek to make yours known.
