Why are There So Many Adjectives to Describe Leadership?

The reason, in my judgement, is because there is no universally accepted definition of leadership. Without a standard definition, we are free to improvise a definition to fit each situation. As a result, we make leadership a more difficult process than it needs to be, almost mythical in nature. It also makes it difficult to train future leaders, and develop current ones. Which adjective leader is required to show up and lead today? Every discipline has a set of principles that must be mastered and leadership is no different, it all starts with a definition.

During my military training, I was taught this definition: Leadership is influencing people by providing purpose, direction and motivation while operating to accomplish the mission and improve the organization.

This definition is the best I have found, because if you master the fundamentals of influencing, providing purpose, direction and motivation you don’t need a never-ending list of adjectives to describe leadership methodologies. Leaders interact with people no matter what organization or culture they operate in, and so should the definition of leadership be standardized accordingly.

I use this definition exclusively with my students and leadership candidates, as the foundation of mastering leadership fundamentals.

I’ll see you in the front row of success.