What is Leadership?

When I first moved to Arkansas, I spent much of my spare time volunteering with an annual women's conference sponsored by the University of Arkansas. One year when the conference chair quit unexpectedly, I stepped up to keep the conference running. I handled the publicity, organized the programs and special events, worked with the speakers and recruited even more volunteers to keep the conference going.

Still, I was shocked the following year when everyone just assumed I was now the conference chair. I had never considered myself the leader and the thought made me a little uncomfortable. I wondered if I was equipped to fully handle such a large event. But it seems I had already been designated the leader, simply because I stepped in when others wouldn't.

Leadership Isn’t Being Bossy

Some people have a mental image of a leader as the person who sits behind an oak desk and demands their employees or volunteers do all the heavy lifting. They’re available to take the bows…but not share in the workload.

While it’s true that managers like this do exist, they aren’t truly leaders. Leaders get in the trenches with their people, inspire them with a bigger vision and encourage them where needed.

Leadership Starts with Your Life

Your first leadership role is being the leader of your own life. Embracing leadership starts with owning responsibility for what shows up in your life rather than playing the victim or running a constant blame game. 

No matter what happens in your life, you're in charge of doing something about it. It doesn't matter who's to blame for a situation or event. It’s on you to take ownership and determine what happens next.

Leadership Leans in to Listen

When some people think of leadership, they think of billionaire CEOs issuing memos and creating new regulations from a great distance away. But the best leaders aren’t distant beings who are far removed from the day-to-day lives of their team members, employees, volunteers, or students.

The best leaders take the time to listen to their followers. They’re willing to hear feedback—even if that feedback is negative. They can respond to criticism without retaliating later and they can separate their vision from their feelings.

Leadership Loves People

The most effective leaders love their people. They genuinely want to see them succeed and try to make sure they have the tools they need. They don’t just see a team member or volunteer as another cog in the machine.

Instead, they care about helping those around them become the best version of themselves. This means they inspire others by building them up and believing in them. They encourage growth and support it when their followers take smart risks.

 

Leadership can mean different things to different people. The more you get clear on what leadership looks like to you, the easier it will be to lean into your values and honor those who are working with you.