What is leadership

Leadership is a skill of influence rather than a formal position or rank. Tony Robbins describes it as the ability to positively shape the thoughts, feelings, emotions, and actions of others for a greater good, and notes that it starts with the ability to influence yourself 1. Simon Sinek adds that leadership has nothing to do with authority or rank, it is a responsibility to look after, support, and guide the people around you, much like parenting, with real commitment and a vision larger than yourself 2. And because so much of it comes down to connecting with people, Vanessa Van Edwards points out that the underlying social skills can be learned by anyone 3. In the end, leadership is a practical skill you can develop, whatever your title.