I have heard so many definitions of leadership that are very unique from one another. If you Google “leadership,” most of the definitions include a part on guiding people in the right direction. We have been told growing up that the leaders in our life are our world leaders, principals, our parents, etc. They represent people we have always looked up to. When asked about the leaders in our lives, who do we say? Do we say those people I mentioned above? More importantly, why do we say these people? The qualities these leaders in our lives possess are what defines our perspectives on leadership.
Typically the reason we think these people in our lives are “good leaders” is because of their ability to motivate a positive change in our lives. We want to have our actions reflect what those leaders normally do. Leaders bring out a positive change in someone, rather than manage what they do. It is important, when thinking of the people in our lives, to point out the influences that have brought out in your life. We want to surround ourselves with leaders who promote a positive good on us. In terms of the definition of leadership, a component to keep in mind is the positive influence they have made in your life and how that has impacted who you are today.
Another factor surrounding the “good leaders” in our lives goes to terms with the qualities they possess that you believe makes them a good leader. There have been numerous of studies done and approaches tested to set up a guideline for what is believed to make a good leader, but it all comes down to your own opinion. When asking my family what they believe are the qualities of a good leader, the words honest, supportive, patient, and loyal came up. When I’m asked this question, I would have some similar words, but also some would be different. Everyone has their own perceptions of leadership, which is why I believe you can’t necessarily define leadership. There are dictionary definitions of leadership out there, but the definition of leadership comes from your own perception.
How would I define leadership? I would define leadership as your own perspective of a good leader. To me, this would be someone who strong, supportive, and also compassionate. It is someone who puts themselves in the help of others to be a guide along the way. My definition of leadership can be much different than my friend’s or my sister’s, but the most important thing is that each perspective presents different qualities that possess a good leader. Leadership is from your own perspective but is overall someone who possess unique qualities that motivate us to make a positive change in our lives.
