What is Your Definition of a Leader?

By Michael J Griffin

Reading daily blogs and insights on leadership, I find a constant “rehash” of many definitions for what makes a good leader. Whether it is living through Covid, World War II, or simply leading in your organization or team, some elements of leadership never change.

I read the “Daily Drucker” most every day. I regularly read leadership insights of John Maxwell, Jim Collins and other time tested authors to grow and fine tune my personal leadership competence to walk the leadership talk of what I believe is a world class leader.

This has led me to pen my personal definition of a world class leader that I try to live by on a daily basis. Here it is:

“A leader is one who is intentional to develop and maintain healthy relationships on a daily basis in their sphere of influence to achieve success, a greater good.” Michael Griffin

Here are other definitions of a leader from authors that I respect. Some of these quotes I have changed the word “leadership’ to “leader” for consistency.

“A leader is someone who can see how things can be improved and who rallies people to move toward that better vision.” Jacob Morgan

“The only definition of a leader is someone who has followers.” Peter Drucker

"A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way." John Maxwell

“A leader employs social influence to maximize the efforts of others towards the achievement of a goal.” Kevin Kruze

“A good leader is someone who can lead to good results, by using what he has in the best way possible.” Jim Collins

“A good leader has the capacity to influence others by unleashing the potential and power of people and organizations for the greater good.” Ken Blanchard

“Leaders have the ability to get extraordinary achievement from ordinary people.” Brian Tracy

“As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.” Bill Gates

“A good leader takes a little more than his share of the blame, a little less than his share of the credit.” Arnold Glasow

“Leaders have the capacity to translate vision into reality." Warren Bennis

"A leader raises people's aspirations for what they can become and to release their energies so they will try to get there." David Gergen

What is your definition of a leader? Have you crafted your own definition that you can lead others by? I suggest this weekend, reflect on these definitions and construct your own personal definition of a leader that you want to demonstrate to those in your sphere of influence at home, work and community. You might be amazed at what you come up with!

Keep Safe. Lead Well. Give others Hope.

Michael J Griffin
Founder ELAvate
John Maxwell Team Founding Member
6E Coach and Mentor