Leadership is defined as a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. (Northouse, 2017, p.5)
Nonetheless, i don’t believe leadership can be defined in a set of few words as its span is wide and vast. I, myself have always been intrigued by the actual meaning of leadership (one of the reasons for taking this course in the first place). While reading through the chapter i found myself applying a lot of the concepts to myself and to many leaders whom i actively follow. It was indeed very enlightening to know that there are so many different components to leadership. Also, it is very well stated that leadership is a process and its is not a linear one way event, but rather an interactive event (Northouse,2017,p.6)
I cannot agree more with this statement as i don’t believe there is anything such as born leadership. Indeed, there can be a few traits that can enhance it but true leadership develops over time and is available to all. Further moving on the one of the most important component of leadership, influence. Indeed, influence is the sine qua non of leadership and without influence leadership cannot exist ( Northouse, 2017, p.6). As it is very clear from the definition itself influence is the key component of leadership. Look at all the great leaders, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Dalai Lama, Obama and the list goes on, one this common among all of them is they are all very influential people.
Groups are the contexts in which leaderships occurs (Northouse, 2017,p.6). A leader is nothing without a group as without follower there can be no leader. Regardless of the size and magnitude of the group and movement, it is necessary for leadership to happen. Group and the leader work hand in hand to attain a mutual goal. Leaders act as mentors to the individuals and help and direct them to reach the mutual goal and utilize their full potential while doing so. Attention to a common goal gives leadership an ethical overtone (Northouse,2017,p.6). Having a common goals ensures that everyone is working to attain it for the greater good of the group or community and leader is not exploiting then followers for his/her selfish motives.
Power plays an important role in leadership. Being a dentist and working in an healthcare facility has taught me a lot about it. As stated in Northouse, there are different types of powers but the one that stands out to me is personal power. It is not about the position you are assigned but its about your own influence. It reminds me of one of my favorite book by an amazing mentor, Robin Sharma, ‘The leader who had no title’. This book has influenced me in a great way and it is just a testimony to the fact that personal power is indeed greater than positional power and it makes leadership available to to all. Great things happen when both these powers are combined. What do you think, can a leader exist and impact with just personal power or is positional power more of a necessity?