Leadership: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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