THE ESSENCE OF LEADERSHIP

What is leadership? Some view it as leading by example, "showing the way" and telling others how to follow. However, others see it in a more passive manner, where by inspiring and encouraging others you inadvertently lead with the goals and dreams of others in mind and in heart.

Celebrating with one of my gorgeous team members
on her recent promotion.

You may wonder why the concept leadership weighs so heavily on my mind considering I predominatelywork for myself? That may be the case, however decent and genuine leadership is required everywhere, whether it be workplace or in the local community. I have the privilege of working beside a gorgeous team of Independent Consultants, all conducting their own individual global online business. My role is not one that dictates, controls nor demands. My sole purpose as a leader is to inspire and encourage others to see the true worth of their own potential and to encourage them to take their own steps in their pathway to success. It is so much more than just creating personal success, selflessly assisting others to achieve amazing things brings more joy and satisfaction than traveling any road on your own. 

My husband trekking with the team from Leaders in Life.
An amazing development program.

 In a sense I am also a leader to my family. There was an interesting parenting metaphor discussed recently, about being "A Light House Parent". Someone who rather than hovers to protect their child from the slightest harm, they are viewed as a steadfast and constant source of orientation and guidance as children maneuver their own childhood journey. Interesting concept, there is never a right or wrong answer with parenting due to the uniqueness and individuality of all situations, however I do see the value and similarity it poses to passive and gentle leadership.

Therefore to celebrate leaders who act and speak with integrity, compassion and empowerment I've compiled my favorite quotes on Leadership.

"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader" JOHN QUINCY ADAMS

"A leader is a dealer in hope" NAPOLEON BONAPARTE

"As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others" BILL GATES

"Earn your leadership everyday" MICHAEL JORDAN

"Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others" JACK WELCH

"Leadership is lifting a person's vision to high sights, the raising of a person's performance to a higher standard, the building of a personality beyond its normal limitations" PETER DRUCKER

"Average leaders raise the bar on themselves; good leaders raise the bar for others; great leaders inspire others to raise their own bar" ORRIN WOODWARD

"The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not followers" RALPH NADAR

"The key to successful leadership today is influence, not authority" KENNETH BLANCHARD

"Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other" JOHN F KENNEDY

"Management is about arranging and telling, leadership is about nurturing and enhancing" TOM PETERS

What does being a Leader mean to you?