Leadership, like love is difficult to define. Both mean many different things to many different people. Let me offer a working definition of leadership that will guide the reader in this exploration of the dynamics of leadership development. By "working definition" I mean that this is not a conclusive definition. It's a definition in its developmental stages. It is also important to note that leadership is defined not only by what it is, but also by what it does. As a matter of fact, one can say that leadership is both action and being. Having said that let's then say that: leadership empowers, motivates, and organizes people to achieve a common objective, and provides moral guidance. It is a service to the people and a vision for the future. It is also very important to note, that as we discuss what leadership is, we must also take into consideration what leadership is not.

        Leadership is "the behavior of an individual directing the activities of a group toward a shared goal." (Hemphill & Coons, 1957)

        Leadership is "the influential increment over and above mechanical compliance with the routine directives of the organization." (Katz & Kahn, 1978)

        Leadership is "the process of influencing the activities of an organized one group toward goal achievement." (Rauch & Behling, 1984)

        The study of leadership has a long and somewhat troubled history. Early definitions of which leaders or leadership behavior could be identified. In a review of leadership literature, Stogdill (Handbook of leadership, 1974) suggests 11 perspectives. Leadership may be defined as:


     

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