Leadership - is it simply what we believe ?

Leadership is Deeper than That


Over the years there have been many definitions of what we mean by leadership. Various traits and characteristics have come and gone with fashion. Below I will highlight how leadership goes deeper than simply how we behave.

Leadership has been variously defined as

“personal mastery “ and “ shared vision “ by Peter Senge ( The Fifth Discipline )

operating at the four levels of “personal, interpersonal, managerial and organisational” by Stephen Covey ( Principle-Centred Leadership )

a question of style matching situation via “ directing , coaching , supporting or delegating “ by Kenneth Blanchard ( Leadership & the One Minute Manager )

These begin to hint at what lies beneath a clearer understanding of what drives leadership behaviours.

I would ask you to imagine for a moment that our behaviours are a result our past experiences, our emotions and our beliefs. HOW we behave is an effect of WHO we are!

If you had the belief system that

- Everyone is out to get you
- Its not your fault
- No one cares about what you do
-
Then consider how this would effect your behaviour. You are hardly likely to come bounding into work, full of energy and inspiration!

Alternatively imagine if you could choose to believe that

- You have unique inner resources
- You know what you want
- Focusing on a result moves you closer to it!

Roger Harrop (Staying in the Helicopter ) believes that the 3 attributes of leadership are belief, passion and courage. I believe that we are remarkable creatures with an incredible capacity to develop.

What is your belief system? How does it effect how you behave? What could you imagine yourself changing today?


Paul Maisey