 Today I want to touch on what is leadership.Â
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Let’s start off with a good definition of leadership from John Maxwell who says, “Leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less. People have so many misconceptions about leadership. When they hear that someone has an impressive title or an assigned leadership position, they assume that he is a leader. Sometimes that’s true. But titles don’t have much value when it comes to leading. True leadership cannot be awarded, appointed, or assigned. It comes only from influence, and that can’t be mandated. It must be earned.”
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So basically leadership is the influence of others in a productive, vision-driven direction and is done through the example, conviction, and character of the leader.Â
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Your boss (if you have one) may think he is a leader but he is really a manager. Why? Because he has no influence. Yeah, he may tell people what to do and people may be scared of him, but that is not leading. That is poor management!Â
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True leaders get people to do what they need to do by influencing them to do it by setting an example themselves, showing character, integrity, and respect for the people they influence.Â
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Here is an example, suppose you are in a sales position and your numbers aren’t up to par this month and your boss sits you down in his office and says, “You need to bring up your numbers because if you don’t you will know what’s going to happen! We can’t afford to have underperformers here at this company! Now go get me some coffee!”
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That is an example of a lousy manager with very poor leadership skills. If your boss was a true leader he would say something like, ‘I see that your numbers have dipped this month. What’s going on out in the sales field? Have you tried doing this ….? You’re one of our best sales reps and I know and trust you can bring your numbers up by the end of the month. What can I do to help you out?  Do you think it would be beneficial for me to go on some calls with you? Let’s put together a plan for the rest of this month and see how we can get your numbers up to where they need to be.”
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Big difference! You see in the first example the boss is flexing his POWER, showing his CONTROL, and is asking to be SERVED.Â
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While the second example the boss is GIVING POWER (EMPOWERING) by saying you can do this. He is HELPING OTHERS FIX PROBLEMS AND MOVE FORWARD by strategizing with you to see how you can bring up your numbers. Finally, he is SERVING you by asking if he can help you in any way and seeing if he can go out with you into the field.Â
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What it comes basically comes down to is communication and relationships. Leaders know how to communicate and they know how to establish strong relationships that will be a win / win situation. Just remember leaders empower, help others fix problems and move forward, and serve others. I just want to encourage you to think of how you can use these 3 important principles in your own life whether it’s at work or at home.Â
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The leadership training system that I am teach stresses on the two things that I mentioned above….communication and relationships.
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10 Comments and Pings on What is True Leadership?
Michael,
You make a number of great points here. As always, I enjoy your insights and understanding of what leadership is all about.
One principal I noticed that was key to a successful intercession on the part of the boss was the “empowering bosses” willingness to ask questions and listen.
Sometimes the EASIEST way to gain tremendous influence is to ask probing questions and then LISTEN.
Remember Dale Carnegie’s seminal book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People?” One of my favorite stories in the book was the woman Dale met at a very “high brow” dinner party. She did all the talking, he asked key questions and “turned up” his ears!
Five hours later she was telling the hosts Dale Carnegie was the most intelligent and interesting man she had ever met.
He had her eating out of his hand!
Thanks again for sharing your keen insights on leadership.
Joe Emmet
Hi Michael:
Excellent article, as always! Empowerment is the serving word and your writing showers white light upon the path.
Many thanks for your thoughts.
Dr. Linda Douglas.
great post! and doesn’t it feel so good to be and to empower?
i heard someone say about leadership, it’s when we are so connected and clear about who we are that we get into our vortex. and then we will attract the people that are also vibrating similarly and they will come into our vortex because they are a match to us. it’s not about what we do, it’s about who we are being that makes someone a leader.
Sue Vittner´s last blog ..Social Media Tips and Picking Up Chicks…Same Rules Apply
I believe that leadership is a big deal in the internet marketing field too, not just at a 9-5 job.
For example: If Michael Feil just started a blog and tried selling products from his blog to everyone he runs into, it will most likely fail.
But, if Michael empowers other people with high quality content and a willingness to help others grow their business, he will establish himself as a leader in his niche, and he will most likely succeed.
Thanks for the good post Michael! John Maxwell is the man!
Josh Rhyne
Josh Rhyne´s last blog ..Buzzirk Mobile Review
Nice message Michael. Keep up the great work. It’s appreciated. Aaron
Michael,
What an incredibly great post about leadership! I want to say thank you for sharing such valuable and transformational content.
As you mentioned in your post, leadership comes down to relationships and communication with a win win situation. Indeed, that is why I enjoy working with you. It`s VERY exciting to see you propel yourself to the top!
Btw: I LOVE your blog.
Eirik.
Eirik Ringstad´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at
Hi Michael,
Great post! I have seen and experience leaders who are great at relationships and other who are great at managing by bottom line numbers. Here employees are fearful of the boss.
The blessing is these are two great examples to learn from so we can show up differently and be more powerful leader by being present, supporting people and their needs and lead by example.
Thanks again Michael, keep up the great Leadership!
Make it a better than a terrific day!
Terry
Terry Petrovick´s last blog ..Are You Stuck in Social Media Quicksand?
Terry,
Thanks for the comment and the insight! I’m looking forward to our partnership and really taking this social media / network marketing strategy to the next level!
Great post Michael!
I like your writing style, it gives great insight into the type of leader you are and how you choose to share that with others.
Thanks for sharing,
Laura Agostino
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