Leadership: A two-way street

At the beginning of the semester, I learned that there is not a definite definition of leadership. The term 'leadership' varies with each individual. In general, though, most definitions reflect something about the individual's personal characteristics, relationships with others, processes, and context.

My definition of leadership is the process of positively guiding others in the right direction to reach a common goal in a way that will benefit the followers as well as its leader. Within my definition of leadership, 'process', 'positively guiding others', and 'guiding', are terms and phrases that connect with the broad definition of leadership.

In my leadership class, I learned that leadership can be a trait or a process. I believe that leadership is a process. This process includes both leaders and followers affecting one another. The process can be described as a transactional event. In my definition I used the word 'benefit'. Keeping in mind that leadership is a transactional event, it is therefore easy for followers and leaders to benefit. Think of it as a two way street; a leader affects or leads and a follower affects or leads. The result of this two-way street is leadership being available to both leaders and followers- benefit!

When a leader positively guides others, the leader is in his or her own Circle of Influence, as well as his or her followers. According to Covey, author of "7 Habits for Highly Effective People," a leader who is in the Circle of Influence cares about the situation, is clearly involved in the outcome, and can take actions that impact the situation. Those who act within the Circle of Influence have a proactive focus and impact where they can. For example, a leader or a follower could be concerned about the last group project they did that did not turn out well. The group received bad reviews and therefore developed the mindset that working in a group is bad. The concern of working with others became a part of this group's Circle of Influence. Therefore, the goal is to increase the Circle of Influence and decrease the Circle of Concern. In this situation both the leader and the followers can be proactive in leading self first. Then, as a group they can affirm what they want the goals of the group to be and stick to those goals.

Essentially, it is the role of the leader to have a positive influence on the group. Leadership applies to all facets of your life. By discovering the power that lies within, everyone can effectively lead others to make a difference.