What It Means to Be a Leader
Defining Leadership
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a leader is described as a powerful
person who controls or influences what other people do — a person who leads a
group, organization, country, etc.
John Quincy Adams, the 6th President of the United States, summarized leadership
succinctly: "If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more
and become more, you are a leader."
Leaders vs. Managers
The terms "leader" and "manager" are often used interchangeably, but there is a
notable difference. A manager is responsible for overseeing processes and ensuring
tasks are completed. In contrast, a leader influences, develops, and guides people
toward growth and achievement. While a leader must be clear about their goals,
they should also be flexible in how those goals are accomplished.
"Leaders are people who do the right thing; managers are people who do things right."
— Professor Warren G. Bennis, Learning to Lead
The Nature of Leadership
Leadership is not about a title or position; it is not something that can be given
or displayed on an office door. Leaders can be found in any position, but not
everyone fits the mold of a leader. The title "leader" is earned through actions
and character.
Trust is the essence of true leadership. In his book 21 Irrefutable Laws of
Leadership, John Maxwell emphasizes this in Law #6 — Law of the Solid Ground:
"Trust Is the Foundation of Leadership." Leaders build trust by consistently
modeling competence, connection, and character.
"The leader finds the dream and then the people. The people find the leader and then the dream."
— John Maxwell, The Law of Buy-in
Traits That Set Leaders Apart
- Emotional Intelligence
- Self-awareness
- Self-management
- Understanding needs of others
- Transparency
- Character
- Competence
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Clarity
"Your ability to recognize and understand your emotions and your skill at using this awareness to manage yourself and your relationship with others."
— Drs. Travis Bradberry & Jean Greaves, The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book
While IQ is innate, emotional intelligence is a practical skill that can be
developed. Together with trust, emotional intelligence forms the foundation of
effective leadership in both personal and professional life.
Lessons from Experience
Throughout my professional career, I have learned from great leaders who earned
the trust of their staff. These leaders valued, encouraged, and empowered their
employees to grow and excel. Conversely, I observed "leaders" driven by their
titles and positions, who sought success without regard for their teams.
About twenty years ago, I believed myself to be a leader, but a challenging
experience taught me what true leadership means. As a manager of a registration
department, I focused solely on completing tasks and improving efficiency.
However, my staff grew unhappy and complacent, comparing me to a "tyrant or a
dictator" who only cared about results.
After Human Resources intervened, I reflected on my approach and realized the
importance of connecting with staff and building trust. This moment marked the
start of my journey to learn the values and principles of genuine leadership.
A leader must recognize mistakes and learn from failures. When you value, validate,
empower, and equip your team members, positive outcomes follow. The most meaningful
rewards I have received came from staff members, whose messages spoke volumes and
truly resonated with me. This is WHY I do what I do.
The Leader's Responsibility
Leaders are responsible for creating a nurturing organizational environment where
employees feel empowered, appreciated, recognized, inspired, encouraged to express
creativity, and safe among each other. Such a cohesive environment leads to
organizational success.
"Customers will never love a company until the employees love it first."
— Simon Sinek
Even with the best resources, materials, facilities, and products, an organization
cannot succeed without employees — the most valuable asset — being appreciated
and validated.
"No company, small or large, can win over the long run without energized employees who believe in the mission and understand how to achieve it."
— Jack Welch, General Electric
"Leaders Touch a Heart before They Ask for a Hand. You cannot move people to action unless you first move them with emotion. People do not care how much you know until they know how much you care."
— John Maxwell, Law of Connection
The Essence of Leadership
In summary, being a leader is about influence, trust, connection, and empathy.
As John Maxwell beautifully said: "A leader is one who knows the way, goes
the way, and shows the way."
