African Leadership University

What is leadership?

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Although the question of what leadership is may at first seem simple many find it difficult to answer. For some it is the ability to move a group towards a vision while for others it is about being able to serve. In our #LeadershipIs series, we ask leaders who embody ALU’s values what their definition of the phenomenon is. Check out some of their responses below:

“Leadership is about the questions you ask and not the answers you give. It is a lot like love. You recognize the real thing when you see it but it’s hard to define. It is the courage to call forth authentic action in the commons.” – Steve Boehlke, Leadership Consultant and ALU Advisor

“Leadership is setting a vision and inspiring people to follow and deliver on the activities needed to achieve that vision.” – Arun Sharma, Founder/MD at Infinite Potentials Consulting

“I believe that at the heart of every good leader is selflessness. Anyone can be a leader but good leaders are those who put the interests of others and the greater goal ahead of their own ambitions. They understand that motivating, empowering and enabling others is the key to the growth and success of any endeavour. When I think leadership, I automatically think ‘values’. I believe that strong values are an absolutely essential foundation for good leadership – values such as integrity and humility make for a steadfast leader who does what is right, makes the tough decisions and knows when to step down and let others lead.” – Nicola Hopwood, Founding Member ALU

“Leadership is both a complex skill, and an individually unique skill. To me, leaders come from all walks of life, and lead in different ways. But the commonality among all leaders is a belief in something that must be achieved, the ability to inspire others to also believe and commit time or money towards that purpose, and the technical leadership skills to turn that effort into results. Leaders make dreams come true.” – Enyo Kumahor, Founder of The Cobalt Partners

“Leadership is the ability to make things happen while empowering others with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to do the same.” – Yawa Hansen Quao, Founder of Leading Ladies’ Network

What is your definition of leadership?[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]