Leadership Definition http://www.teal.org.uk/Leadership/definition.

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Our Definition of Leadership

There are many diverse definitions of leadership. This page outlines a few common
approaches, and outlines the definition of leadership underpinning Christian Leadership
World. For this site, our leadership definition is defined as "enabling a group to engage
together in the process of developing, sharing and moving into vision, and then living it
out." We also emphasise the importance of a leader's character and integrity in building
up the trust necessary for the leadership to be exercised over a period of time. For
Christian Leadership, the importance of prayer must be emphasised - since God seeks to
work in partnership with his people, and prayer is the primary channel of communication.

Some of the common ideas that others include in leadership definitions include exerting
influence, motivating and inspiring, helping others realize their potential, leading by
example, selflessness and making a difference. For perspective, we include several other
common definitions :

Leadership Definition : The Collins English Dictionary. ( © 1998 HarperCollins

Publishers ) leadership (n) 1. The position or function of a leader. 2. the period during
which a person occupies the position of leader: during her leadership very little was
achieved. 3. a. the ability to lead. b. (as modifier): leadership qualities. 4. the leaders as a
group of a party, union, etc.: the union leadership is now very reactionary.

This dictionary definition of leadership focuses on the position (singular or collective),

tenure and ability of leaders. As such, it misses key points about the purpose and
hallmarks of effective leadership.

Leadership Definition : Peter Drucker : The forward to the Drucker Foundation's

"The Leader of the Future" sums up leadership : "The only definition of a leader is
someone who has followers." To gain followers requires influence (see John Maxwell's
definition below) but doesn't exclude the lack of integrity in achieving this. Indeed, it can
be argued that several of the world's greatest leaders have lacked integrity and have
adopted values that would not be shared by many people today.

Leadership Definition : John C Maxwell : In the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership,

John Maxwell sums up his definition of leadership as "leadership is influence - nothing
more, nothing less." This moves beyond the position defining the leader, to looking at the
ability of the leader to influence others - both those who would consider themselves
followers, and those outside that circle. Indirectly, it also builds in leadership character,
since without maintaining integrity and trustworthiness, the capability to influence will
disappear.

Leadership Definition : Warren Bennis : Warren Bennis' definition of leadership is

focused much more on the individual capability of the leader : "Leadership is a function of
knowing yourself, having a vision that is well communicated, building trust among
colleagues, and taking effective action to realize your own leadership potential."

Leadership Definition : Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester : For the

purposes of the Leadership Development Process of the Diocese of Rochester, their
leadership definition is "the process of influencing the behavior of other people toward
group goals in a way that fully respects their freedom." The emphasis on respecting their
freedom is an important one, and one which must be the hallmark of Christian leadership.
Jesus influenced many diverse people during his ministry but compelled no-one to follow
Him.

Other perspectives on the essence of leadership can be found on our leadership quotes
page.

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