A person's conception of leadership matters because it will likely have a strong influence on how he or she processes the writings, leadership coaching, and development practices he or she experiences.
We may have underestimated the enormous power of various conflicting conceptions. That power can work against us, in that it undermines our ability to get to a widely shared understanding of leadership.
Leadership starts with an ownership mind-set.
The concepts of leadership and ownership are tightly intertwined. Once you have developed an ownership mind-set and are willing to take responsibility for learning to be a leader, you will improve your effectiveness by empowering others to act in the same way.
Being a leader is often challenging, and frequently people fail because they haven't developed the capacity to play that role, particularly as the role evolves. Being open to learning, resisting the dangers of isolation, and accepting some level of vulnerability are critical elements of sustainable leadership.
Leadership is less frequently about ability, or power, or even resources. Far more often, it is about your mind-set and your ability to adequately understand your situation and yourself.
In mastering the essential processes of leadership, articulating a clear vision, setting priorities, and creating alignment with your vision and priorities is the first step. The second process is far more amorphous and complex; it focuses on understanding yourself.
Leadership is not a state of being or a destination where you finally arrive and can then relax. On the contrary, it is a journey that requires consistent diligence, focus, and attention.
However, you can't do this alone.
Leadership is a team sport. That is to say, your success is inextricably linked to the activities and contributions of others. You are highly unlikely to become a leader or develop your leadership capabilities all by yourself. Leadership is an interactive conversation that pulls people toward becoming comfortable with the language of personal responsibility and commitment.
Albert Einstein once said, "We should take care not to make the intellect our god; it has, of course, powerful muscles but no personality. It cannot lead; it can only serve." Leaders know and science has discovered emotionality's deeper purpose: the time worn mechanisms of emotion allow two human beings to receive the contents of each other's minds.
Leadership development is not an event. It is a process of participating in respectful conversations where the leader recognizes his or her own feelings and those of others in building safe and trusting relationships.
Leadership is a way of thinking that engages your special talents now and, ideally, for the rest of your life. It involves a process of learning and being open to adapting your behaviors.
Source: Robert Steven Kaplan: What You Really Need to Lead: The Power of Thinking and Acting Like an Owner
Can't Get Enough Leadership (ebook at $.99)