Last week, we briefly discussed and defined what leadership is and what it is not. (Read Part 1 Here)

In short, you earn leadership by knowing what matters to those that are around you.

My father taught me from an early age to think through the entire project before you begin.  AKA: Plan it out from step 1 to 10 and then walk through it backward to confirm that it makes since.  Over time this simple method has proven true time and time again.

Through time and trials I have come to the following five (5) personal conclusion about leadership:

1) Authentic behavior: You are not leader if you do NOT demonstrate the integrity of doing the right thing even if no one else will know.  To me, it’s never mattered what your rank or role may be, where you come from, your past track record, or if your title sounds impressive – if it’s all about your image, your reputation…. you….  I would differ on the definition of leadership you have defined.

Here’s a bottom line question I often ask myself: Without a title, position, followers, etc… what would I be known for?  Am I okay with that? Why / why not?

2) Reliable trust: Leaders must EARN trust and NOT expect it to be given without question. Trustworthiness takes relationships, relationships take time, and time develops / refines our personal characteristics, and our character will be continually refined and challenged.  To be an individual that others trust requires the art of listening well + steadfast values.  The action of another person trusting you is one of life’s highest privileges.

3) Genuine service: Is leadership about you?  A title?  Reputation?  Who are those that the world holds in the highest regards and bestows on them the title of leadership and why?

Nelson Mandela, Lao Tzu, Henry Ford, Bill Bradly, Dale Carnegie, Winston Churchill, and many more….

What did they each have to say about this,

“It’s better to lead from behind and to put others in front, especially when you celebrate victory when nice things occur.  You take the front line when there is danger.  Then people will appreciate your leadership.” Nelson Mandela

“A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” Lao Tzu 

“Leaders, don’t find fault, point fingers, or blame – leaders find a remedy.” Henry Ford

“Leadership is unlocking people’s potential to become better.” Bill Bradley

“We all have possibilities we don’t know about. We can do things we don’t even dream we can do – it’s a leader’s job to unlock the possibilities and dreams.” Dale Carnegie 

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill

True leadership is so much more than a title, and it’s not ultimately about you but about those you serve. It is about bringing others up. The best way to earn your leadership is to lose yourself in the service of equipping, developing, elevating, releasing, and continually supporting others.  If your not genuine in your service to other, know they will see right through your self proclaimed motives and smoke screen intentions.

4) “WHY”: The “why” behind things brings direction and unity in the midst of confusion and uncertainty.  The why brings clamminess to storms.  The why allows individuals to dig deep into an organization and employees know the deeper purpose and the mission of their organization.  Leadership means knowing how to manage and empower every level of your organization.

5) Bottom line: Leadership is NOT a title.  Leadership is NOT a position.  Leadership is NOT inherited.  Leadership is NOT easily earned.  Genuine leadership. is a demonstration of character that is worthy of imitation, emulation, inspiration, and impacts earns the trust / loyalty of others.

Action step: Leave a comment. Thoughts?  I’d be honored to hear and have you share thoughts.  How? Simply leave or submit a comment below and personally commit take one step forward from where you are at today.