Leadership is the ability to inspire a team to achieve a certain goal. It’s usually discussed in the context of business, but leadership is also how you, as an individual, choose to lead your life. The true leadership definition is to influence, inspire and help others become their best selves, building their skills and achieving goals along the way.
The importance of leadership lies in the ability to get things done. Leadership allows you to communicate a clear vision and then unite your team around that vision. The importance of leadership also shows in other aspects of life. It’s a set of skills you can take with you into relationships and on your path to personal improvement.
So, What is leadership? Leadership isn’t a position that you’re appointed to – it’s a skill and a tool you can continually cultivate and use to create lasting change. Leadership is also not something you’re born with or without – it’s a creative muscle you can strengthen and develop over time. Whether you’re a CEO of a Fortune 500 company or a college student trying to manage a pile of homework, leadership is about creating and sustaining positive, lasting change in your life and the lives of the people around you.
In developing a grasp of true leadership meaning, you must ask yourself not only what is leadership, but also, what is great leadership? Great leadership – quality leadership – is servant leadership. Servant leadership refers to someone who’s looking to influence others to serve the greater good. They don’t just want to get from Point A to Point B, and they’re not looking for an outcome that only benefits themselves; a great leader always has the big picture in mind. They’re searching for ways to not just help themselves, but to help other people and the community at large. They’re figuring out ways to influence their community and culture in such a way that everyone who’s part of it benefits. Serving the greater good is their driving force, also known as their purpose.
There are all sorts of different leaders in this world with myriad goals they’re aiming for, but there are a distinct set of learned qualities and styles that unify the best leaders. They are committed to using time, dedication, consistency and a distinct purpose to achieve their goals. You, too, can cultivate these skills and become one of the greats. By mastering your own set of leadership skills, you can not only fuel yourself closer to your purpose but also encourage those around you to harness their skills.