A Leader is Hard to Define
We each have a mental image of a strong leader. Sometimes we picture great leaders throughout time: Abraham Lincoln, Genghis Kahn, Nelson Mandela, or Alexander the Great. Sometimes we get a picture of a general leading his troops into battle or a fire chief charging with his men into a burning building. Other times, we think of the traits of a great leader like bravery, passion, insight, or commitment. Though there are many definitions of and quotes about leadership, my favorite is a hybrid of statements by Bill Gates, visionary of Microsoft, and Warren Bennis, widely regarded as a pioneer in leadership studies.
This paper discusses effective leadership, covering key concepts including storytelling, inquiry, context, and systems leadership. Much of the content is based on course materials, prior work, and additional research. Monographs supplement the main topics. Leadership Profiles” focus on both recognized leaders and unsung heroes from my life as illustrations that embody leadership characteristics I admire and to which I aspire.
What is Leadership?
A single definition of leadership (or of a leader) is elusive.I like the definition shown, and within it are important key words:
Capacity – capabilities and abilities together with the knowledge of how to use them appropriately
Empower – assign responsibility and authority
Others – people who need guidance and direction (those to be led)
Translate – to cause change, metamorphosis, or transformation
Vision – a desired and future state; a picture of the future that inspires
Reality – an actual current state or condition; an aspiration that is achieved
In Winston and Patterson’s paper, An Integrative Definition of Leadership, we see the complexity and layers involved in leadership. They note ninety-two discrete dimensions of leadership, four domains of intelligence (mental, physical, spiritual, and emotional), and three levels of awareness (personality, individuality, and universality).
The word cloud that begins this paper contains many of the characteristics associated with leaders and leadership. Some of these are universal traits we associate with all “good” and “decent” people, such as moral, ethical, honest, and hard working. While all desirable traits, these alone do not distinguish a leader. Others traits are personal strengths unless taken to extremes. Assertiveness easily cross the line into aggression
tenacity to stubbornness, self-confidence into arrogance, and a leader must walk a fine line. A solid manager needs to be organized, consistent, sensible, and fair, but a leader requires something more unique. What makes some people rise above others?
From the teachings of this course, I think a leader first needs the ability to do a situational analysis. This involves “As-Is” and “To-Be” understanding. With a solid appreciation of these, a leader then needs to map a path from what is now to what is desired for tomorrow. A SWOT analysis is one of several useful for this. Here, strengthts

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