Definition Of A Leader : What Makes A Leader A LEADER?
To delve deeper into what is defined into leadership, you will have to understand the various theories that explains what leadership is and how does one define leadership?
The theories that exist be it traits, behavioral, contingency or transformational take into consideration the role of a leader, what it does, the process and implications of the style of leadership. One thing is clear; the definition of a leader has been argued and debated for a long time. Throw in the classic like - is a leader born or made and the difference between a manager and a leader, one can actually get even more confused.
As someone in the working world, it is important to understand the role of leaders and also what leadership means. At some point, you will have to develop leadership skills yourself and it is never too late to start building these leadership skills.
A definition of a leader must take into account leadership. A leader in majority of the time finds himself in a position of authority but this position does not mean he automatically provides leadership. In fact, on many occasions we find people who are in the position of leader do not provide leadership at all.
So, a leader being a position of authority must provide leadership. This leadership must be able to crystallize the vision that needs to be achieved by the group of followers. A leader must give his people a sense of purpose, an objective to achieve, and to rally people towards this cause.
He is able to achieve this by building upon trust and respect from his people by loving his people. In fact, leaders are people who are not afraid to dish out tough love, meaning praise when credit is due but punish when a mistake is made. A leader makes tough decisions and prepares the team for the stress that will follow. He prepares his team for change and manages the disruption change brings to his unit.
He will also push someone under him to be the best that they can be. He challenges this person because he understands that as the people under him grows, he as a leader grows too. And the growth is good for the unit he is leading.
Which brings us on to leaders who are good at reaching an objective but not very skillful at creating relationships with his people. There are also those who are excellent at building bonds but aren’t competent at the task at hand. So, a leader by definition should be competent and being competent at deploying resources to achieve the team’s objective.
A leader needs to inspire the team and hence communication is an important aspect of being a leader. A leader needs to be able to speak to different levels of the organization in order to inspire his followers to rally towards the organization’s cause.
So, what is the definition of a leader? A leader is someone in a position of leadership that inspires a team of followers by earning their trust and respect via good example and being competent at what he does. He is authentic in building on this relationship with them and pushes them to reach their potential. He motivates them in times of change and manages the change in order for the team to reach the collective goal.
That hopefully is a succinct definition of a leader that will help you in your quest to build your own understanding of leaders and leadership.
Here are my recommended books and articles on leadership.
Harvard Business Review on Leadership (Harvard Business Review Paperback Series)
Harvard Business Review on Breakthrough Leadership
Lastly, Harvard Business Review on What Makes a Leader
| More Articles Related to Definition Of A Leader |
Define Leadership – Understanding It for Your Career Growth
Scholars have tried to define leadership in various ways for a very long time. Why is it important for your career growth?
Qualities Of A Great Leader – The 6 Common Qualities Of A Great Leader
What are the qualities of a great leader?
Leaders vs Managers: Promotion Advice You Can Use When You Know These Two Can Be One And The Same
What is difference and will it affect your promotion? What is the definition of a leader and the definition of a manager?
Traits of a Good Leader – Learn These Traits and Start Practicing Them To Be Promotable
What are the traits of a good leader? To say these are traits seem to indicate that they are born with them. I am using the term traits loosely and not in the academic sense of how professors who study leadership would describe.
Developing Leadership Skills for the New in Workplace
It is never too early to start developing leadership skills. Learn to develop the skills to bring out the leader in you.
Toxic Leadership
Suffocating under toxic leadership? Recognize the signs and make the best decision for your own career’s sake.
Develop Leadership Skill – A Criterion for Success in Your Career
To develop leadership skill isn’t as tough as you think. All you need to do is to begin sharpening these 2 skills.
Leadership Characteristics You Can Learn Even at a Junior Level
Leadership is sometimes described as a set of behaviors. Learn how to identify good leadership characteristics.
Build Leadership Skills at Every Opportunity
As you move on in your career you need to build leadership skills at every opportunity you can get. This can help in your promotion chances.
For more recommended readings on definition of a leader, leadership traits, leadership characteristics, etc. click here.
By the way, if you haven't signed up for our FREE ezine, you can do it here...
101 Great Ways to Enhance Your Career
3 years ago, I was invited to participate as a contributing author together with 100 other career experts to create a book called 101 Great Ways to Enhance Your Career. In my chapter, Work Attitude, I discuss how you need to define your attitude at work as critical step to career success. You will be getting career advice up close an personal from some of the best people in their fields like Brian Tracy.
101 Great Ways to Enhance your Career Today!
Over 100 of the World's Leading Career Experts have joined together to give you the complete collection of 101 insider secrets that show you how to instantly and positively enhance your career! In this new book, experts including Tory Johnson, Laura DeCarlo, Brian Tracy, Charlotte Weeks, Long Yun Siang will give you quick, simple and proven Career secrets. To learn more about this special offer go here: 101 Great Ways to Enhance your Career
Learn & Grow: Join Our Newsletter
What's Hot
Every month, we bring you new articles based topics suggested by you. We hope to be able to give you tips and suggestions, and provide answers to your questions that you will find helpful.
Being Happy at Work – 6 Tips to Be Happy at Work
Create Time – How To Get More Time In Your Day at the Office
Pursue Your Dreams – 7 Things to Keep in Mind and Do
Great Day at Work – How to Achieve a Happy Day at Work
Release Your Tension – How to Feel Relax Before Going to Work
Powerful Words That Keep You Motivated at Work
Start Here: The Newbies Guide
If you are new to this site and don't know where to start, start here by reading our most read articles.
Definition of Success?
How To Get Promoted
Define Your Attitude
Why Is Time Management Important?
Work Attitude Behavior & Work Behavior Attitude?
What Job Suits Me?
Attitude At Work: When People Don’t Like You
Positive Thinking In The Workplace
Personal Goal Setting
How To Find Your Dream Career
Positive Attitude in The Workplace
Define Leadership
How To Move Up The Corporate Ladder
Developing Leadership Skills At Work
Developing Positive Attitude At Work