In her book Ethics, The Heart of Leadership, Joanne Ciulla quotes researcher Joseph Rost with these definitions of leadership over the years.
1920’s Leadership is, “the ability to impress the will of the leader on those led and induce obedience, respect, loyalty and cooperation.”
1930’s Leadership is, “a process in which the activities of many are organized to move in a specific direction by one.”
1940’s Leadership is, “the result of an ability to persuade or direct men, apart from the prestige or power that comes from office or external circumstance.”
1950’s Leadership is, “what leaders do in groups. The leader’s authority is spontaneously accorded him by his fellow group members.”
1960’s Leadership is, “acts by a person that influence other persons in a shared correction.”
1970’s Leadership is, “behaviors under control of the leader which he may vary from individual to individual.”
1980’s Leadership is, “to inspire others to undertake some form of purposeful activation as determined by the leader.”
1990’s Leadership is, “an influence relationship between leader and followers who intend real changes that reflect their mutual purposes.”
As a Leadership Coach, primarily in not-for-profit faith based organizations, my very personal definition of leadership in the ten years ending in 2010 is;
2000’s Leadership is, riding the wave, surviving crisis, avoiding potholes and intervening as necessary to provide a positive outcome both in organizational productivity and survival.
As we strive to achieve in 2015, the challenge for each of us is to review our current leadership style, then mediate on God’s word to find a leadership style that serves, motivates and demonstrates God’s love.
Leadership is learning to lead like Jesus.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group