Before we turn (in next post) to definition of leadership, we have one more preliminary stop. This one is about a slightly more layman’s view of the meaning of a word leader, and purpose of this stop is to distinguish between two meanings of the word.
To lead essentially means to do two things: to direct and to motivate. Therefore, whoever shows others what needs to be done and how it needs to be done, and motivates them to act in that direction, is, according to this essence, a leader. However, this definition leaves a lot of space and freedom in terms of who we use the word to describe. So let us look at two meanings of this designation.
First: to be an example to others
In the first group are individuals who guide and motivate others by their own example. This is a label given to those who achieve a particularly high level or are particularly successful in their own work.
We can be an example to others no matter what it is we are doing or what our (special) skills and abilities are. We can be writers, artists, doctors, teachers, athletes and so on. In our own work, we have found and developed a way that some others want to emulate.
So, we are talking about those who stand from the crowd or are “first among equals”. Being a leader according to this understanding has a lot to do with one’s personal attitude to the work rather that being associated with any specific leadership knowledge or skill.
Second: to create the conditions for others
In the second group interpretation is significantly different. A leader is someone who knows how to create conditions for high level performance. He or she directs and motivates others by creating clarity about what to do, how to do it and why.
An organisation is a group of people working towards a common goal. A leader is a professional who is able to build a shared commitment in this group and to coordinate actions of individuals. He or she understands what it is that makes a group work well and is able to create and nurture these elements.
Such a leader is not the first among equals in a group, but someone who has a very specific role to play in that group. It is a professional role that requires specific skills and has its results in quality working conditions.
Conclusion
This blog has three central threads of generated content and one is quality working life. To have or create it, we need to work in a community and in an organisation that sees leadership in line with the second meaning presented.
Working conditions are the result of actions of a leader. In order to create this result, he or she needs some very specific expertise. Leadership is a role in an organisation and good working conditions are what the organisation needs from the leader.
Paradim 