A study on leadership

For you, my 5 faithful readers... Are there still 5 of you?
I'm going to attempt a study on what has been called, "Catalyst Leadership".
Catalyst Leadership, in my own words, is leadership that affects change.
Change in the way we think, live, and interact with the world around us.

I will be using as few "religion" type terms as possible to ensure I'm including everyone. Leadership is not exclusive. Leaders are not the "elite few". Leaders are people who are not willing to just play the hand they've been dealt. They also are not willing to sit idly by and watch others
Instead, they choose a re-shuffle, and a new deal, and encourage others to do the same.

wow... that almost looks like there's a not-so-hidden message in there.

Quality #1.
Authentic in Influence.
Leadership, by definition, is influence. I cannot force people to follow me. I must be genuine in my actions, and in doing so, my influence will be natural. It will compell people. They will be attracted to what I'm saying and doing.
If I don't do it this way, I'll constantly be trying to "defend" my leadership and I will be rendered useless.

My influence must match my character. If I try to lead in a way that is inconsistent with my own character, people will see the contradiction and will refuse to believe me.
If people don't believe you to be truthful, you've lost your ability to influence.

Disclaimer... Influence is not manipulation. Manipulation is sneaky and underhanded and has a hidden agenda. Influence is open to any examination because it is genuine. The motive behind genuine influence is plainly visible.

Put simply, people see where you're going and why you're going there... and they want to tag along.


To be continued.