The definition in the 2020 bestselling ‘The Leadership Book’ by Neil Jurd says: Leadership is increasing far beyond what a person could do alone, by engaging others intellectually and emotionally in pursuit of a “Clear and Compelling Purpose“.
Looking at this definition in more detail:
First, leaders achieve much more than they could do alone. Many people in senior positions work disproportionality hard, doing the work of several people but this is not sustainable and usually comes at a cost to health and relationships. Leaders have their effect with and through others, and this multiplies their impact.
Second, leaders engage others intellectually and emotionally: intellectual engagement requires thought and structure, emotional impact requires the leader to be open and honest with their team and to spend time forming positive relationships.
Third, leaders define and share the Clear and Compelling Purpose. Purpose serves to motivate others and focus their effort, and it should be defined in a way that is both clear (straightforward language and succinct) and compelling (so people feel energised to contribute). A key element of leadership is defining and sharing purpose, and then regularly reviewing the purpose to confirm it is still relevant. Where purpose in an organisation is unclear competing interests generate internal friction.
To view a video of Neil Jurd explaining his definition of leadership follow this link: Leadership Defined.
