What is leadership?

If you were to ask 100 people the question, "what is leadership", you would more than likely receive 100 different answers.  I would also propose that many of them would be surrounded by theme of directing, managing or being someone that "gets things done".  The online dictionary at reference.com says, a leader is "a person who guides or directs a group".  Websters says, "the office or position of a leader, capacity to lead, the act or an instance of leading."

I heard a definition this morning on the radio that was from Dwight D. Eisenhower, he said, "A leader is someone that takes all the blame when things go wrong, and finds someone else to give the credit to when things go right."  Interesting thought.  This is also similar to what Jim Collins describes in his book Good to Great, when he mentions "...the best leaders look in the mirror when things go wrong and they look outside the window when they go right..."

From these two individuals, who lived their adult lives nearly 40 years apart, the definition from them is a bit different then our originals.

The dictionary definitions, which I believe are nearly the common thoughts held about leadership in our society, is that it is about position, or ability or about directing people.  I am not saying those are false, just that they might not be entirely accurate and encompassing of what true leadership is.

When we hold leaders to only specific positions, or if we only think their role is to direct our guide, then we start to reveal why our nation and our world is starving for real leaders.  Leadership is not about position or power alone.  It isn't just about vision or guidance alone.  It isn't just about communication alone.  Even though all of those are vitally important for any leader to possess, leadership is open to all.  There are so many opportunities to lead in our lives, daily, that maybe the word courage should be used in our definition.

Here is our working definition.  Anytime, anyone, is in a position to influence the actions of another person, and they have the courage to do so, that is leadership.  That's it.  It is that simple.

Don't lose sight of the little moments, with family, your co-workers, your friends, and those you see as you experience life.  There are constant moments where you can say or do something that impacts those around you, and in that moment, and forever that they remember and use those teachings, you have executed leadership for the betterment of another.

Go ahead, get out there and lead!

The Art of Intentional Dialogue

Yes, communication is an art.  When done correctly, it takes on an art form all its own.  We all know people that like to talk, (I have been mentioned in those lists) and we all know people that can write, or speak, and even can spin great ideas.  Yet, to get the message across and ensure that action is taken in the proper direction, the best leaders must communicate as if creating art.

First, you need to be aware of your subject.  As a painter, you must know who you are painting, their age, gender, profession and intentions for the painting.

Second, you must know the set, including lighting, background and props.

Third, when creating a painting, the frame, colors used, and the canvas along with how and where the painting will be displayed are factors you must take into consderation.

Being an effective leader means finding a better way to communicate.  This art form is one that must be continually perfected and adjusted.  All of the same aspects as the painter need to be considered:

1.  Who are you speaking to?  Great leaders adjust to their audience.  They know that speaking to a seasoned veteran of the industry is not the same as speaking to a college aged entry level administrator.  Understand that their needs are different, their experiences are different and how they filter what you say will be different.
2.  What is the context?  Is the timing perfect, is the climate in the office or group up or is it down?  What type of pressures are you and the person (s) being communicated to under? 
3. How does what you are saying personally effect the receiver?  Are you delivering this message in writing, in person, to a group, or one-on-one.  All of these factors will contribute to how you say the what you say.

No question, that the final product, the art of what you say, is really in the how you say it.  Always form your conversations to be focused on the issue, and done so in a direct, yet gentle manner.  When you start thinking about your communications as important as the artist does their painting, you will then take care in how and what you say. 

The final thought on this, the right conversation at the wrong time is the wrong conversation.  Even the best modern painting will not appeal if it is being displayed in a romantic period gallery.  You need to know the right time to communicate.