Leadership is the ability of an individual or a group of people to influence and guide followers or members of an organization, society, or team. It is a set of behaviors used to help people align their collective direction, execute strategic plans, and continually renew. Leadership is a contested term, and different definitions exist. Some U.S. academic environments define leadership as "a process of social influence in which a person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common and ethical task". In general, leadership encompasses the ability of an individual, group, or organization to "lead," influence, or guide other individuals, teams, or entire organizations.
Leadership is not just about holding a formal position of authority. Many people exercising leadership have no formal authority, and it is their actions, not their words, that inspire trust and energy. All leaders, to a certain degree, do the same thing. Whether you’re talking about an executive, manager, sports coach, or schoolteacher, leadership is about guiding and impacting outcomes, enabling groups of people to work together to accomplish what they couldn’t do working individually.
Leadership plays a central role in the success and direction of a business. Organizations depend on successful leaders to communicate their mission, vision, and goals, unite team members around those goals, and then achieve them. The terms leadership and management are used interchangeably, but they are not the same concept. Leadership roles involve creating and articulating a vision and inspiring others to work toward that vision.
