My definition of leadership has never wavered from the moment I found it on a plaque that sat on my husband’s first boss’ credenza:

“Leadership is the ability to communicate a vision and gain commitment to it.”

This was a revelatory definition to me because it implies that anyone can be a leader - as long as they have a vision, can communicate it, and in doing so engage the hearts and minds of others.

By this definition, leadership isn’t hierarchical – it’s behavioral.

Which is why how leaders perform – figuratively and literally - matters so much.

Right now leaders are having to “perform” virtually, from home, in circumstances that may be less than ideal.  The leaders I work with are always looking for ways to connect to their audiences with authenticity and creativity.  They are using video recordings; graphics communications; and sharing stories with specificity that support their vision. They focus on performing with energy and impact in order to create committed followers. And they are making sure to connect consistently, either on virtual platforms or by just plain old, picking up the phone.

Most important, great leaders know that sometimes the most impactful thing you can do to make a deep connection is to act…like a human. I’d follow that kind of leader any day.

Outlaw Leaders™ communicate with an EDGE: Explore, Dream, Grow & Excite™.

I’m an Outlaw Leader™ - are you?