Transcript Leadership 101: What is Leadership?

Leadership 101: What is
Leadership?
Wednesday, September 30th, 2009
By: Jason Chapman ’03
Southwestern University
What we will cover:
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Definitions of Leadership
What Leadership is and isn’t
What skills/qualities does a leader
possess?
How do I become a better leader?
What is Southwestern’s definition of
Leadership?
Definitions of Leadership
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Leadership is the opportunity to give, not just
to get; to inspire an organization rather than
control it, to create value rather than extract
it. True Leadership is about having the
purpose and passion to make a positive
impact both in and out of the workplace.”
(Yale School of Management, 2009).
“Leadership is a process of giving purpose
(meaningful direction) to collective effort, and
cause willing effort to be expected to achieve
purpose.” Jacobs and Jacques (1990)
Definitions of Leadership
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“Leadership is the act of empowering those around you
to achieve their life goals.” (Miller, 2008).
“Leadership is the ability to work with a group of
individuals to create a team focused on specific goals;
to then mentor, monitor and motivate that team to
achieve those goals.” (Bortz, 2008)
Leadership is persuading others to act when they can
choose not to. Leaders must have integrity (say what
you mean, mean what you say), humility and openness
to change. Great leaders combine passion and
optimism with a realistic assessment of the facts at
hand.” (Zimmerman, 2008)
Leadership is….
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A process of getting things done
through people.
– Collaboration, Inspiration, & Recognition
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All about credibility.
– You must talk the talk and walk the walk
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Responsibility.
– The buck stops with you.
Leadership is…
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Doing or being willing to do what you
ask of others.
Giving people hope and building belief in
the future.
– “Leaders are purveyors of hope.” - Napoleon
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Is a challenge!
– If leadership was easy, everyone would be a
good leader.
Leadership is not…
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An exact science.
– There is no set of rules to follow, so it is
always an adventure.
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Waiting for someone else to lead.
– Leadership requires taking initiative and
challenging people to better themselves.
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Telling others what to do.
– "The difference between a boss and a
leader: a boss says, 'Go!' - a leader says,
'Let's go!'" (Kelly, 1995)
Leadership is not…
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Something you are born with.
– Leadership is a skill that can be learned
and improved on.
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A position or title.
– You can lead from anywhere in an
organization.
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Just about getting the job done.
– How you get the job done is also
important. Anyone can yell and scream,
it takes a leader to motivate.
Skills & Qualities of
Leadership
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Good Communicator
Trustworthy
Motivated/ Driven
Willing to take Risks
Forgiving
Skills & Qualities of
Leadership
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Caring
Competent
Forward- Looking
Passionate
So How Do I Become a
Better Leader?
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Clarify your own goals and values
Research Leaders of the past
Read…a lot!
Attend training seminars
Get experience
Ask questions
So What is Our
Definition?
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Let’s create our own Southwestern
definition of leadership.
Thanks for Attending!
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If you have questions, ideas for future
Leadership Series presentations, or
would like someone to come to your
organization’s meeting, let me know.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: x1874
Office: McCombs Campus Center 325