The True Essence of Leadership: It’s Not About the Title

It’s true. You are a leader, no matter your title or position. Long-standing research done by the Center for Creative Leadership defines leadership as “a social process that enables individuals to work together to achieve results.” This supports the theory that because leadership stems more from personal characteristics rather than from one’s role or title within an organization, we are all leaders in our work and in our lives. You are a leader based on the way you choose to conduct yourself, what attributes you share with those around you, how you view the world, relate to others, and how you therefore empower and inspire (or discourage) people in your daily life. Indeed, we are all leaders, but it doesn’t mean we lead well.

A great leader is someone who brings her gifts, skills, passions, and values to bear on every interaction, project, meeting, communication, task, and presentation. You don’t have to carry a leadership or management title to exude your own authentic leadership style and to inspire others.

“Leadership is not so much about technique and methods as it is about opening the heart. Leadership is about inspiration—of oneself and of others.” -Lance Secretan, leadership theorist and author

Knowing who you are and understanding how you work best, what you do really well, and even what you don’t do as well that you can further develop—these are the starting points. Consider your professional mission and how it connects to that of your organization. Explore your values, interests, passions, and motivations. Are you in a career or a life driven by purpose?

Don’t let your job title or career stand for anything short of who you are and where you are going. Expand your understanding of what you bring, cultivate a great mindset, carry out your work with meaning, and wholeheartedly connect with and contribute to others for maximum impact as you journey through work and life. Connect with your authentic leadership style and jump start the career you desire or just enjoy the feeling of fulfillment along the way.