Various Definitions 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. Leadership 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 emphasize 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 emphasized - since God seeks to work in partnership
with his people, then 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.