What is Leadership?

In this video, Simon explains why it’s important to take a moment to explore and understand your existing ideas, assumptions, and beliefs about leaders and leadership. After you’ve watched the video, take some time to contemplate the questions below.

Please do note, on this course ‘leadership’ is something anyone can demonstrate in their life and work. You do not need to be in a formal leadership role to have a go at answering these questions:

• What qualities and skills make someone a ‘great leader’ in your view?
• Think of a leader you admire and respect (they can be living or dead, real or fictional, and from any field). Reflecting on who you’ve chosen and why can you add to your list of leadership qualities and skills?
• Finally, consider your answers so far and think about what qualities and skills are most important in your own leadership? What do you want people to say about you? What don’t you want people to say about you?

If you are choosing to keep a reflective journal, your thoughts and responses to these prompts would make a great initial entry.

What do you think are the three most important qualities, skills, and/or behaviours in a leader?