Definition of Leadership

Commerce Leadership 351 Assignment 1: Personal Leadership

Definition of Leadership:

"Leadership is an influence relationship among leaders and followers who intend real changes

and outcomes that reflect their shared purposes." This definition can be found in the article

titled, "What Does it Mean to Be a Leader," by Richard Mason. I believe this definition of

leadership is most suitable because Tom Freston, CEO of MTV Networks, stresses that

leadership is strongly based on influence. He says that leadership means,

"Loving what you do and infusing others with energy and enthusiasm. By being influential

leader, Freston believes that we can create an inspiring vision where people have the freedom

to achieve exceptional results.

1. Leadership according to Don Quixote (documentary), assigned readings, and class

discussions suggest different skills, concepts, and understandings may be needed in the

21st century. Based on these sources, briefly explain what are the key leadership skills,

concepts, and understandings. Secondly, why are they important?

At its core, the duty of a good leader in the 21st century is someone who influences others to

improve the quality of life on earth as coined by Jason Connell in his recent webinar on

leadership. There are many leadership skills and concepts that first need to be learned in order

to become an effective 21st century leader. One of the key leadership skills is having the ability

to influence others. It is the most effective way to reach a common goal. In the article, "What

Does it Mean To Be a Leader," Richard explains that influencing others will bring about change

toward a desirable future. It is important because people will intentionally desire significant

changes because influence is multidirectional and non-coercive. I also believe that a person

must have an understanding of global leadership to succeed in the fast-pace age of the 21st

century. Leaders are called to think about the big picture and in a global context. In the article

titled, 'Leadership and the Birth of Global Leadership," global leaders are individuals who effect

significant positive change in organizations by building communities through the development

of trust involving multiple cross-boundary stakeholders and cultural complexity. Leaders must

realize that the evolution of technology has made the world a far more connected and

globalized community. A key concept needed in order to succeed as a leader in the 21st century

is the idea of Transformational Leadership. Transformational leadership develops followers into

leaders by changing their beliefs and values. According to class 6, slide 16, a leader can bring

about change through individual consideration, intellectual stimulation, idealized influence and

inspirational motivation. In the 21st century, it is important that leaders adopt socialized

charismatic leadership in order to gain the love and trust of his people. In class 6, slide 19, it

explains that socialized leaders serve collective interests who develop and empower others. A

prime example of an altruistic moral leader is Nelson Mandela. In an interview with Richard

Stengel, Mandela revealed his 8 lessons of leadership which I believe are crucial to being a great

modern leader. Some of these lessons are to keep your friends close-and your rivals even

closer, nothing is black or white, lead from the back and let others believe they are in front and

last but not least, courage is not the absence of fear - it's inspiring others to move beyond it.

According to the Rugby player named Pinaar, Mandela is also a transformational leader

because of his sheer humbleness, relationship building skills and his aptitude for caring about

other human beings as noted in class 6. The Don Quixote allegory teaches valuable lessons

which can be applied to up and coming 21st century leaders. Don Quixote was a man who

wholeheartedly