The only definition of a leader is someone who has followers, according to management guru Peter Drucker, popular in the 70’s. I respectfully disagree. Having followers is something can be achieved by either inspiration and/or coercion. Hitler is one good example of inspiration through manipulation followed by coercion, once a system of control is created. Steve Job is another example of inspiration by vision and dictatorship by authority. They both had willing and unwilling followers.
Drucker’s definition of a leader served well in the last century but not anymore, and needs to be upgraded. In this millennium , many people have reached a new level of consciousness. We are better informed and have more choices. Psychopathic approach to power, through manipulation and control for the purpose of exploitation, is more recognized and less tolerated by the public. Fear based leaders no longer have the same power over people as before.
A leader is a creator. First from self, then from others. New generation leaders lead by examples – examples of competence, integrity, compassion, and humility. They inspire others by visions based on love – love for humanity and for creating better societies. Such qualities attract followers to a leader. Cultivation of such leadership starts with Personal Leadership.
Zen masters have this to say about learning and accepting new ideas: before pouring fresh tea in, we must empty the cup first. Traditional leadership focuses on “others”. It is about how to make others follow. Personal leadership starts from “self”. It is about pursuing one’s vision and illuminating the sky with one’s light, like a lighthouse, so others are attracted to it and follow willingly. To accept this new definition of leadership, we need to “empty the cup first”.
