Elements of Leadership

The subject of leadership has been on my mind lately. This concept, as described by authors Michael Hackman and Craig Johnson in their 2009 text on this topic is a "fundamental element of the human condition." Anywhere there are people, there is some aspect of leadership being exhibited. Good or bad, slight or over-the-top, we see it in virtually any interaction between folks. One person sways another or attempts to. People gather and perhaps without even realizing it begin deferring to one or another. That person to whom others defer or who becomes the one others look to for guidance or information, is the leader - even if their role as leader is for just a brief period of time.

What ingredients go into making one person a leader over others in most any given situation? "Why that guy?" many of us may ask. There are multiple reasons, of course, that include a person's expertise, the amount of resources they may have at their disposal, a particular attitude of apathy of those around him or her, or, we cannot forget, contacts they may have that others do not. However many reasons there might be, one key one revolves around how well they communicate. Are they articulate, knowledgeable, and engaging? Are they empathetic to others? A good listener? How transparent are they? Are they credible?

Depending upon one's answer to those questions and ones like them, it is these answers that help determine whether a person is embraced as a leader. If they are, then they are thrust into a position of being able to make difference in the lives of others. It must be noted that some people with all those qualities simply may not want to be in a leadership role. Just because they might be the smartest or most articulate,  they simply may not want to be the one at the microphone or behind the big desk.  This, however, does not mean others do not view them as being leaders. Possessing and utilizing effective communication skills can raise most anyone's profile and reputation.