What is leadership?
‘Great leaders are those who have a strong influence without standing at the front of a crowd.’
Kate – WWDA Member
What comes to mind when you think about leadership? It’s a common term, but it can be hard to break down what it really looks like. When you hear the word leadership, you might think of the governing body of a country or a local council, but does that describe what leadership is?
What about when you think of a leader? Maybe you imagine a company CEO or a supervisor in your workplace, but again, that describes who might be a leader, not what being a leader means.
Let’s take it one step back and think about the word lead:
‘…to guide on a way, especially by going in advance’. [7]
Here, lead is described as a guide – maybe the pathfinder or advisor – the one who marches ahead, showing others the way. This is important to remember when we’re looking at how to understand leadership and leaders. It reminds us that leadership isn’t just being the one in charge; it’s helping others to navigate how to go forward. It’s saying, ‘follow me and we’ll get there together’. Consider it like a GPS in life’s journey, helping everyone find their way.
Leadership isn’t wearing a suit or sitting in an office. Leaders are the amazing people you encounter in school, at home, at work, out in the community or even on the internet. They might not have a leadership title or position, but they’re taking on leadership roles and modelling how to make a difference.
Have you ever spent time with children? Are you a parent, an older sibling, an extended family member, or do you work or volunteer in child-related fields? You might think it’s an odd question, but we promise it’s not!
Being around children, especially young ones, comes with many situations that require you to lead – and it’s a perfect example of how leadership could be showing up as part of your normal day. It might look like showing a child how to wash their hands, how to look both ways before crossing a street, how to play a game, or how to say a word. You’re offering guidance and support as you work together to achieve a goal.
Let’s have a look at some other everyday examples of leaders and leadership.
Family members and supporters
Have you ever considered your family members or other people that support you as leaders? It may be a parent, caregiver, aunty or big sister guiding you, teaching you, and helping you become the awesome person that you are today. It’s leadership at its most personal.
Remember, you don’t have to be related to someone to consider them family.
Friends
Do you have friends you admire and look up to? You might have a friend who taught you something new or supported you when you were having a hard time. Maybe sometimes you’re that friend! These are all important moments where leadership is shown whether you are:
- organising a catchup;
- showing a friend how to use a computer program; or
- helping someone when emotions are high.
Teachers
Think about your favourite teacher, from now or in the past. This can be from any experience where you learnt something new. What did they teach you? Teachers can be some of our biggest influences throughout our lives. They can inspire us, help us develop and show us new ways of thinking. They can (and often do) support us and teach life lessons that stick long after we have moved on to new things.
Neighbours and community
Your neighbourhood and community might have different leaders. Leaders can be quiet or loud. They might organise street parties, help newcomers feel welcome, or speak up for local issues. They may be someone who quietly picks up rubbish on the beach each weekend. They may or may not be elected officials, are often motivated, decisive, and compassionate. They show they care for the people and environment around them through their leadership.
Social media
Social media isn’t just for memes and cat videos. There are leaders out there – thought leaders, influencers, and many more – who often start conversations and shape opinions. They’re leading in the virtual world and advocating for change in our digital age.
7. Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Lead. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lead