Leadership: meaning, definitions and examples

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leadership

[ˈliːdərʃɪp ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in business

The action of leading a group of people or an organization, or the ability to do this. It involves making decisions, setting goals, and motivating others towards achieving those goals.

Synonyms

direction, guidance, management, supervision.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
leadership	Best used when talking about the overall qualities and role of leading a group or organization, often with a positive connotation. Her leadership inspired everyone in the team. Good leadership is essential for a company's success.
guidance	Use this when discussing the act of providing advice or help, often with a mentorship aspect. She sought guidance on how to handle the work situation. His guidance was crucial for my career development.
direction	Appropriate when referring to the act of giving instructions or defining a course of action. The project was completed successfully under his direction. We need clear direction for this task.
management	Best suited for referring to the act of organizing, controlling, and coordinating resources and activities, usually within organizations or businesses. Effective management is key to running a successful business. She is responsible for the management of the whole department.
supervision	This term is useful when talking about overseeing and ensuring that tasks are completed correctly, often with a sense of close monitoring. The workers need close supervision to ensure safety. Under his supervision, the project was completed on time.

Examples of usage

Her leadership skills were crucial in guiding the team to success.
The company's success can be attributed to strong leadership at the top.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in politics

The position or function of a leader, especially in a political context. It involves taking charge, making policy decisions, and representing the interests of a group or nation.

Synonyms

authority, command, control, governance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
leadership	Used when talking about guiding and inspiring people or an organization towards achieving goals, typically in a positive light. Her leadership skills helped the team achieve the project ahead of schedule Effective leadership is crucial in times of crisis
authority	Employed for situations where someone has the official power or right to make decisions and enforce rules. He has the authority to approve the budget Teachers have the authority to discipline students
command	Often used in military or formal contexts where giving direct orders is involved. It can convey a sense of direct control and decisiveness. The general took command of the troops She commands the respect of her peers
control	Mostly used when someone has the power to influence or direct people's behavior or the course of events. It can have a negative connotation if overused. He tries to control every aspect of the project The new policy aims to control inflation
governance	Applied in more formal or institutional contexts, often concerning the methods and processes by which entities are directed and regulated. Effective governance is key to the success of any company The issue was brought before the school board for better governance

Examples of usage

His leadership during the crisis was widely praised by the public.
The country is in need of strong and decisive leadership.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

in sports

The role of a captain or coach in guiding and motivating a team to achieve success in competitions. It involves strategic planning, communication, and team-building.

Synonyms

captaincy, coaching, motivation, teamwork.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
leadership	Use when referring to the ability to guide or direct a group, organization, or team. His strong leadership helped the company achieve record profits Effective leadership is essential in times of crisis
captaincy	Use when referring to the role of being a captain, often in sports or military settings. She took on the captaincy of the soccer team with great pride His captaincy skills were evident during the final match
coaching	Use when referring to training or teaching individuals or groups in a specific skill, often in sports or personal development. Her coaching helped the players improve their technique He started coaching young entrepreneurs on how to grow their businesses
teamwork	Use when referring to the collaborative efforts of a group to achieve a common goal. Good teamwork is crucial for the success of any project The team won the competition thanks to their strong sense of teamwork
motivation	Use when referring to the act or process of inspiring others to take action or achieve goals. His speech provided the motivation we needed to complete the project She uses various techniques for employee motivation

Examples of usage

His leadership on the field inspired the team to victory.
The coach's leadership was instrumental in turning the team's performance around.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Old English 'lædere,' meaning 'to guide' or 'to show the way.'
Throughout history, strong leaders have shaped nations and ideologies, from ancient empires to modern governments.

Psychology

Effective leadership often revolves around emotional intelligence, which helps leaders connect with their team members.
Studies show that transformational leaders inspire their teams, leading to higher job satisfaction and performance.

Literature

Numerous famous works, like Machiavelli's 'The Prince,' explore the dynamics of power and effective leadership.
In fiction, characters like Atticus Finch from 'To Kill a Mockingbird' exemplify moral leadership and standing up for what’s right.

Pop Culture

Television shows like 'The Office' depict various leadership styles through characters like Michael Scott and Jim Halpert.
Movies such as 'Remember the Titans' showcase how effective leadership can unite diverse groups toward a common goal.

Science

Research in organizational behavior explores how different leadership styles impact team dynamics and productivity.
Cognitive science suggests that effective leaders display adaptability and strategic thinking in uncertain situations.

Translations

Translations of the word "leadership" in other languages:

🇵🇹 liderança

🇮🇳 नेतृत्व (nētr̥tva)

🇩🇪 Führung

🇮🇩 kepemimpinan

🇺🇦 лідерство

🇵🇱 przywództwo

🇯🇵 リーダーシップ (rīdāshippu)

🇫🇷 leadership

🇪🇸 liderazgo

🇹🇷 liderlik

🇰🇷 리더십 (rideoship)

🇸🇦 قيادة (qiyāda)

🇨🇿 vedení

🇸🇰 vedenie

🇨🇳 领导 (lǐngdǎo)

🇸🇮 vodenje

🇮🇸 forysta

🇰🇿 көшбасшылық (kösbasshylyq)

🇬🇪 ლიდერობა (lideroba)

🇦🇿 liderlik

🇲🇽 liderazgo

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,940, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1937 philosophy
1938 unique
1939 welfare
1940 leadership
1941 movements
1942 remove
1943 enable
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