My Definition Part 2

Leadership is the dynamic, interactive process of creating, communicating, and transforming vision into reality.

Leadership is an interactive process. It is not a solo experience. One who dreams alone may have great ideas, but only sees change in his head. Visionaries must share their ideas with others in order to provide leadership.

Effective leadership can be limited to two individuals. A mentoring or discipleship relationship is a good example. The process of discipleship involves two individuals headed toward a common goal. An apprentice and a master teacher experience this process of leadership.

However the most common setting for leadership involves groups of people – large and small. Often the definition of leadership involves a leader and followers. I have chosen not to include these specific roles because it tends to divide team members into one of the two categories. Even in a discipling relationship, the role of leader can change. How often does the mentor, the master, the discipler gain rich insight, challenge and vision from his/her partner.

I firmly believe that the process of leadership is so interactive that the role of leader can, and should, change often. I may be “leading” a discussion during a team meeting one moment and then, be following the creative lead of another team member the next. I may be casting the vision or be part of expanding the vision by hearing a kindred spirit add a great idea to the table. The best leaders know how to be good followers; and they know when to take that role and when not to push for the position of authority.

Leadership is interactive when the vision is shared, past on and developed by others. Leadership involves the process of communicating vision – communication only occurs when there is an interaction between people. Leadership is like music, but cannot be a solo act; it must involve an orchestra of individuals all playing their part. The interaction between musicians involves intonation, rhythmic accuracy, and a balanced interpretation of the composition. So it is with practical, effective leadership we must be in tune with one another; marching to the same cadence; practicing collaboration and unity.