Did you notice that “leadership” is a highly popular topic these days?

Indeed, there are literally hundreds of books on leadership, each with its own definition of what constitutes a leader and its own recipe for “effective leadership.”

But what is leadership exactly?

Leadership can be summarized in three key words: “Visible Personal Example.”

Let's analyze each word.

EXAMPLE: Leadership is not about theory or plans or how you look on paper. It's not about titles or credentials or awards received last year. True leadership is about someone taking action and doing the right thing. It's about someone acting according to a higher standard and doing so consistently. We can all be leaders in our own way, if we have the courage to act and “walk the walk” -- not just “talk the talk.”

PERSONAL: Leadership is something we embrace as a person. It's who we are and who we have decided to become. It's not just a position or a certain something we do. Leadership flows from a person's life experience, their values, their convictions.

VISIBLE: Leadership is not arrogant, but it does assert itself by being visible. A true leader is not afraid of public perception or conventional thinking, because he understands that followers need to see their leaders in action. There's nothing more inspiring that a leader taking decisive action publicly.

From the above, we can see that leadership is not rocket science. It's a matter of 1. deciding to act and do the right thing, 2. personally embracing the beliefs and exemplary behavior of a leader, and 3. being present, visible and accessible in order to encourage and support team members.

You might be thinking, “Well, what's the point of becoming a leader? I'm just working here. I'm not being paid what the upper echelon managers are being paid. Why should I lead anyone? And what's wrong with just doing my job and get home in time for supper and spend time doing what I really care about?”

There's absolutely nothing wrong with that. If staying where you are is all you want in life.

The truth is, money follows responsibility. And responsibility follows leadership.

In other words, people who act like leaders (no matter what their official job title is) eventually receive more responsibilities, and soon they also receive more financial rewards and recognition.

In the end, leadership is just one decision you make. It's the decision to go as high as your courage and imagination will take you.

It's like entering an elevator. Some people press the 3^rd or 5^th floor, while others press the 30^th floor. How high and how far do you want to go?

The further in life you want to go, the more leadership ability you will need. The great news is that you can start practicing your leadership skills right here, right now. Just remember the three key words: Visible Personal Example.

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