Leadership Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐จโ๐ผ
leadership
[หliหdษrสษชp ]
Definitions
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.
|
| guidance |
Use this when discussing the act of providing advice or help, often with a mentorship aspect.
|
| direction |
Appropriate when referring to the act of giving instructions or defining a course of action.
|
| management |
Best suited for referring to the act of organizing, controlling, and coordinating resources and activities, usually within organizations or businesses.
|
| supervision |
This term is useful when talking about overseeing and ensuring that tasks are completed correctly, often with a sense of close monitoring.
|
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.
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.
|
| authority |
Employed for situations where someone has the official power or right to make decisions and enforce rules.
|
| command |
Often used in military or formal contexts where giving direct orders is involved. It can convey a sense of direct control and decisiveness.
|
| 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.
|
| governance |
Applied in more formal or institutional contexts, often concerning the methods and processes by which entities are directed and regulated.
|
Examples of usage
- His leadership during the crisis was widely praised by the public.
- The country is in need of strong and decisive leadership.
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.
|
| captaincy |
Use when referring to the role of being a captain, often in sports or military settings.
|
| coaching |
Use when referring to training or teaching individuals or groups in a specific skill, often in sports or personal development.
|
| teamwork |
Use when referring to the collaborative efforts of a group to achieve a common goal.
|
| motivation |
Use when referring to the act or process of inspiring others to take action or achieve goals.
|
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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from the Old English 'lรฆdere,' 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 whatโs 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.
Origin of 'leadership'
The word 'leadership' originated from the Old English word 'lวฃdan,' which means 'to guide' or 'to conduct.' Over time, the term evolved to encompass the concept of leading a group or organization. Leadership has been a fundamental aspect of human society since ancient times, with various forms of leadership observed in different cultures and civilizations. The study of leadership has also been a prominent area of research in fields such as psychology, sociology, and business management.
See also: lead, leaders, leading, leads, leadwort, mislead, misleader, misleading.