Leadership means different things to different people, but is often widely considered as the ability to influence, motivate, and enable others to contribute toward the effectiveness and success of the organisation or group. It’s about inspiring a shared vision, setting clear goals, and creating an environment where people can thrive and achieve their full potential.
We’ve put together 7 definitions of leadership which uncover different perspectives on what leadership actually means and which underpin the factors of leadership and essential leadership qualities.
7 Definitions of Leadership
While there’s no single, universally accepted definition of leadership, here are seven perspectives on what it means:
1. Leadership as Social Influence
- Definition: Leadership is the process of influencing others to achieve a common goal.
- Explanation: Leaders have the ability to impact the thoughts, feelings, and actions of others. They guide and direct people towards a shared vision or objective.
- Example: Nelson Mandela’s influence in uniting South Africa.
2. Leadership as Inspiration and Motivation
- Definition: Leadership is the ability to inspire and motivate others to contribute their best.
- Explanation: Leaders ignite passion and enthusiasm among their followers. They create a sense of purpose and drive individuals to exceed expectations.
- Example: Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership in India’s independence movement.
3. Leadership as Visionary Thinking
- Definition: Leadership is the capacity to envision the future and create a path to get there.
- Explanation: Leaders possess the ability to think strategically and creatively. They identify opportunities and set a clear direction for the organisation.
- Example: Elon Musk’s visionary leadership in the fields of electric vehicles and space exploration.
4. Leadership as Relationship Building
- Definition: Leadership is about building strong connections with others.
- Explanation: Leaders build trust, rapport, and collaboration. They create a positive and supportive environment where people feel valued and empowered.
- Example: A mentor who guides and supports the growth of others.
5. Leadership as Empowerment
- Definition: Leadership is about distributing power and authority to others through delegation.
- Explanation: Leaders empower their team members to make decisions and take ownership of their work. They create a culture of autonomy and accountability.
- Example: A manager who delegates tasks and encourages employee initiative.
6. Leadership as Adaptive Change
- Definition: Leadership is the ability to navigate and respond to change effectively.
- Explanation: Leaders are agile and resilient in the face of uncertainty. They embrace challenges and find innovative solutions.
- Example: A CEO who leads an organisation through a major industry disruption.
7. Leadership as Servant Leadership
- Definition: Leadership is about prioritising the needs of others over personal gain.
- Explanation: Leaders focus on serving their team members and the community. They build trust and create a positive impact.
- Example: A teacher who goes above and beyond to support students’ success.
It’s important to note that effective leadership often involves a combination of these different perspectives. The best leaders are able to adapt their approach and leadership style based on the situation and the needs of their teams.
Tips On Implementing Our 7 Definitions of Leadership
If you are considering how you can incorporate these different leadership perspectives into your own leadership style, we’ve put together some actionable tips you may wish to consider.
| Actionable Tip | Aligned Leadership Definition |
| Develop your communication skills in order to clearly articulate your vision and ideas to inspire and influence others. | Influence |
| Promote a positive and supportive environment by recognising and appreciating the contributions of your team members. | Motivation |
| Introduce strategic thinking which analyses situations, identifies opportunities, and sets clear goals. | Visionary Thinking |
| Practice active listening by pay attention to your team members’ concerns and ideas. | Relationship Building |
| Delegate tasks effectively by providing clear instructions and trust your team members to deliver. | Empowerment |
| Embrace lifelong learning by stay updated on industry trends and be open to new ideas or leadership coaching. | Adapting to Change |
| Focus on serving others by prioritising the needs and well-being of your team members. | Servant Leadership |
Final Words on Our 7 Definitions of Leadership
Leadership is a multifaceted construct which spans a variety of skills, behaviours, and influences. While there is no single definition, it is evident that effective leaders possess the ability to inspire, motivate, and guide others towards shared goals. This involves a complex interplay of factors such as vision, communication, relationship building, and adaptability.
Ultimately, leadership is about creating a positive impact and empowering individuals to reach their full potential.
