Lifestyles in Leadership

The dictionary says that leadership is:

1. the position or function of a leader: He managed to maintain his leadership of the party despite heavy opposition.
2. ability to lead: She displayed leadership potential.
3. an act or instance of leading; guidance; direction: They prospered under his leadership.
4. the leaders of a group: The union leadership agreed to arbitrate.

I think the 3rd definition is quite interesting: The act or instance of leading, guidance or direction. Powerful leadership is guidance, or influence. Not through force or intimidation, but through charisma, compassion and capability. The very nature of your being and presence in the world draws people to you and can create a force to make effective change. Powerful leaders can create other leaders through their leadership, and the philosophy of a powerful leader is to bring people to a point to where they don't need their leadership, because they can lead themselves.

The dictionary says that the definition of a leader is the following:

1. One that leads or guides.
2. One who is in charge or in command of others.
3. One who heads a political party or organization.
4. One who has influence or power, especially of a political nature.

This lens will focus on the 4th definition, but look at areas beyond a political nature.

Influence and power can have many different connotations. In this lense we will look at power being an influence of non-force, or not having power over another person, but having power within yourself.