How do you define Leadership?

Leadership has been interpreted by different people in different ways.
So, What is the actual definition of a leader? Each of us will have a different answer and these answers will be colored by our own bitter/sweet experience with leadership.

Instead of depending on a dictionary definition of leadership, let us work out a definition based on our experiences. Lets have a look at one of the most widely accepted leadership definition :
The most resourceful definition I came across was this:
 

A good leader is one who has made a lasting impact on people who he is not commanding.

He might have amassed a fortune starting from scratch like William Gates II, or he might have created awareness in people about conservation like Jane Goodall. Anyone who can influence people can be called a leader.

Nelson Mandela from South Africa has influenced many new policies in many countries, does he count in? Of course.
Mahatma Gandhi, a thin old man from India was the source of inspiration for Peaceful movements around the world. Does Gandhi fit in? You bet!
Steve Irwin of AXN catches crocodiles and is one of the highest paid entertainers. He is also in the forefront of many conservation efforts, will he qualify to be in this club?

 You know the answer.....So what is the common denominator for such people?

A good old saying goes like this.

A good leader is like a fine cocktail, a good mixture of diverse qualities.

Let us take a moment to go through these qualities. Leadership defined is not equal to leadership accomplished. Knowing is not the same as doing, but it is the first step towards doing.
 

Leadership Definition as per the Old World

If you look at middle level managers, principals of a college or a Govt. official from the old school, you may end up with a different definition of leadership. It may go something like "A Leader should have a loud and commanding voice, he should have moustache and people should not dare look into his eyes blah....blah...blah..."
 

Load of bull........

It may not be your idea and it is definitely not mine. But there still a lot of people think this way. With the progress of the world, the definition of a leader may refine but the core concept will always stay the same.
Doesn't that remind us of Stalin and other dictators? (That man had a boon of Leadership, or…… was it doom?)

The primary definition that we are focusing on is based on one's ability to influence. There are more areas on which a leader can be defined though. The ability to adapt and be flexible is one of the most coveted, off late.

There are also abilities of giving a vision, building motivation and more. Let's try and see if we can get some more definitions up here because more you have, more flexible you will be.
 

"Leadership is the creation and fulfillment of worthwhile opportunities by honorable means" - Herb Rubenstein
 

This idea of leadership is based on a new theory called ethical leadership. Herb emphasizes on teaching people what to do rather than what not to do while he brings out the reason for the word ethical in front of leadership.
 

"The only definition of a leader is someone who has followers."

This is more of the old school of leadership, but it does give us perspective to contrast with.

"leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less." - John C Maxwell

My heart goes with this one. if you look at history, most of the leaders emerged rather than being crowned or elected. They rose to power and often they did not even have a title. The best example of this can be Mahatma Gandhi. The term mahatma was given by the people. He did not hold a high position in any party but, all looked up to for guidance and leadership.
 

History is filled with such leaders. this is not a historical website, so let's get back to our quest for leadership.
 To get better focus you may want to write down in your own words a definition of leadership which encompasses all your values, it will be a great start for your pursuit of excellence. Next let's explore the most important characteristic of leadership.