If ten different people were asked to define leadership, ten different definitions
would be given. It is a term with various implications. Leadership is a word that has
been misused, misunderstood, and misapplied. Like an old cliché, it has lost its impact
and, in some cases, its meaningfulness. Yet one definition of leadership stands out to
me as the most accurate. Author and pastor, John C. Maxwell offers this definition of
leadership: “Leadership is influence – nothing more, nothing less.” This simple
statement captures the essence of what leadership is all about. It is a person’s ability to
get another person to willing follow him or her. It is this definition of leadership that
shapes my leadership philosophy. In this
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Living Leadership
My leadership philosophy begins with vision. That is, I lead according to a
desired outcome. Too often leaders attempt to lead without knowing where they are
going, the results of which can be disastrous. I have personally made this mistake in the
past. In order to avoid unnecessary pitfalls or obstacles, leaders should have a vision
for the future. Scripture says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish” (Proverbs
29:18). Vision comes through a leader and gives a group of people, such as a family, a
common purpose or goal. This applies to every area of my life including my civilian and
military careers and business. While I may be the visionary of those I lead, I also
understand that effective leadership means I have to lead by example. John Maxwell
says, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” One way
LIVING LEADERSHIP: THE LEADERSHIP
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I do this is through a technique developed by Doug Fisher and Nancy Frey (2007)
known as the gradual-release or “scaffolded” instruction model. This model transfers
knowledge and responsibility from teacher to student or leader to follower. For