John Maxwell says leadership is influence. I agree.

Michael Gerber has an interesting frame, in the E-Myth. Each of us has an Entrepreneur, Manager, and Technician in us. I think of the Entrepreneur as the leader.

One of my mentors uses a frame of “change the business” or “run the business”, where change the business is thought leadership and run the business is more management with people leadership.

I’ve seen some great thought leaders that sucked as people leaders. I’ve seen great people leaders that weren’t great thought leaders. The best leaders I’ve seen are people and thought leaders.

Some argue that management is handling tasks, processes and operations. Some argue that leadership is about results. To get results, you need to be effective at tasks, processes, and operations.

Managers who don’t/can’t lead won’t get far with today’s workforce.

Hitler didn’t listen, didn’t connect, thought it was all about him, was aloof, not to mention insane and was a brilliant leader who came close to conquering the world.

Someday we will stop believing that leadership traits result in socially acceptable actions—if in doubt, look at Wall Street. The same guys who are being reviled were lauded for their leadership not so long ago.

It is also about integrity. If a leader doesn’t connect with each member or is aloof then he/she will end up leading a parade of one!