WHAT is leadership? In my recent works with leadership programs, I’ve realized that there are different perceptions of WHAT leadership is. To us, who have an interest in it, we can have a different understanding of leadership than those who have not shared our same valuable experiences. I say this so that we can take a step back and be aware of the possible misconceptions. Some people get turned off when they hear “leader” or “leadership” because they think of some Commander-oriented leader that was pushy with them. As leaders, one of our ongoing challenges is to purge this myth by educating people on what leadership is. Leadership is about using a PROCESS to positively influence others. This means you can be as much a leader by being a "crew member" where you are actively participating, suggesting ideas, and "leading by example" as well as the "captain" who most readily identify as the "leader". By being aware of yourself (knowing your strenths and developmental areas), you can better engage others in your leadership.
Author:
Katelyn Chapman
Leadership Graduate Assistant
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG)
