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This book will stress those principles and practices that lead to sustainable
and positive leadership within an organization. The more we know and
understand key principles to being an effective leader, the greater is our

freedom to act wisely. It is important to keep in mind that it takes time to
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develop this wisdom that leads to the strengthening of organizational
performance, and this work is never complete. Clearly, no “quick fixes”
exist for becoming an effective leader.

Chapter 2

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A LEADER?

Because the term “leader” or “leadership” is so frequently misused or

misunderstood, it is important that we begin by defining what these terms
mean. Unfortunately, the use of the term “leader” has been popularly
broadened to include almost anyone in top management or in an elected
position.

Leadership Defined

It would appear that no one has really satisfactorily defined the concept of

leadership. One might hear it said that “I can’t really describe leadership,
but I know it when I see it.” In fact, attempted definitions of leadership do
not really explain leadership; they at best merely convey the essence of
leadership from a particular point of view. For example, in a typical
community, the term may refer to anyone in the community who has
relatively high visibility, such as elected officials. In an organization, it

often is used to highlight the executive director, president, and/or Board
members. However, a leader is certainly more than someone who is a
widely recognized individual or who possesses organizational authority.

8 Stephen R. Covey. The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1989.
P. 123.

David Kolzow 9