[1.1.4.2] The importance of language and vocabulary

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Overview

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In this chapter we will explore the definitions of leadership

Is it a behavior, a position or achievement?

One of the interesting things to observe in our language, is how we are using the words ‘lead’, ‘leading‘, and, ‘leader‘ interchangeably.

First of all, there is a difference between leading as a verb, a noun, or an adjective.

Noun: to define or equate someone with

Adjective: To add meaning to

Verb: to describe the action or state of being

Not only can leading be used as a noun, verb, and adjective; it can also be used to described both an activity, role, or achievement.

Activity: behaviors, activities, and conduct

Role: Positions, responsibilities, and expectations

Achievement: Obtained success, expertise, and status.

And although the concept of Leadership blends their use, it is important to not make the distinction between them.

ㅤ	Official Definition	Simple definition	Example
Noun	A noun is a word that names a person, place, thing, or idea. It's a part of speech that can function as the subject or object in a sentence.	A noun is a part of speech that signifies a person, place, or thing.	Pablo is a dog Paris is a city
Adjective	An adjective is a word that describes or modifies a noun, expressing qualities such as size, color, shape, or condition.	Adjectives describe nouns. They tell us which, what kind, or how many of a certain noun there is.	Pablo is a brown dog Paris is a beautiful city
Verb	A verb is a word that expresses an action, state, or occurrence. It is one of the main parts of speech that tells what the subject of a sentence is doing, being, or experiencing.	Verbs indicate action or state of being in sentences	Pablo is visiting Paris Paris hosts Pablo

ㅤ	Lead	Leading	Leader	Leadership
Noun	- Joseph is in the Lead [achievement]	N/A	- Joseph is a Technical Leader [role]	- Joseph really displayed leadership there [activity]
Adjective	- Joseph is a Lead developer [Role]	- Joseph is a leading figure (achievement)	Joseph has	- Joseph has developed his leadership skills [Activity] Joseph has leadership potential [role]
Verb	- joseph is leads the team [role] - joseph is leads the group in the right direction [activity] - Joseph leads the ranking [achievement]	- joseph is leading the team [role] - joseph is leading the group in the right direction [activity] - Joseph leads the ranking [achievement]	N/A	N/A

Now it’s important that the concept of leadership can contain any of those three (Activity, Role, Achievement), either on its own or in commination. To demonstrate this let’s have a look at each of them in isolation.

Leadership as an Activity (despite role or achievement):

The activity of leading can be done by anyone regardless of their role, status, or past achievements. Leading as an activity describes the act of influencing others to achieve a common goal (see next paragraph). This can be done without prior

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Example

One of my favorite examples of this is one I witnessed myself. When I was working as a Manager at a large (partner-based) company, I saw first hand how a 21 y/o graduate student (who was working part time while finishing her studies) convinced the senior leadership to drastically shift their approach on sustainability. She was able to amass support among other junior staff, persuade senior leaders to join her cause, and within the span of less then a year completely managed to shift the organization stance on sustainability.

Leadership as a position (despite the act or achievement):

being in a leadership position doesn‘t mean the individual is showing leadership behaviour or achieved an leading status (although we might expect that as part of the role and responsibilities). Regardless of whether the individual is a new manager or senior executive, the act of leadership needs to be displayed every day.

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Example

Examples like this we all observe in our daily life. People promoted in positions that they are not ready for, capable of, or interested in [Peter’s Principle]. Or people who have shown these behaviors in the past but due to pressure, personal greed, or other factors are now acting

Leadership as an Achievement (despite the act or role):

And finally success and achievement doesn‘t mean you are having a or entitled to a leadership position or that you are showing leadership behaviors. Just because people are successful in a certain area doesn’t mean they necessary are in a position of leadership or have displayed leadership behavior to get there.

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Example

Simple examples include those people who have inherited a certain status, achieved an expertise through exceptional talent in a discipline or by adopting a relentless work ethic and hard work but fail to lead to lead others.

In summary

the meaning of the words meaning has deflated and can mean a number of things. Consequently, we need to be very explicit that when we talk about leadership we are clear whether we are talking about a behaviour, a role, or an achievement.

But below you can see that the distinction between them is not that straightforward.

the focus of this book is on the activity of leading. We will discuss the impact the role and position has one the leadership behaviours, but unless explicitly called out you can consider we are talking about the [activity] of leading.

As a verb, 'to lead' means to guide, direct, or influence others towards a goal or destination. It implies active engagement in showing the way, setting direction, and helping others move forward. The verb form emphasizes the action and process of leadership rather than a static position or title.

Conclusion
The concept of leadership can refer to both, an activity, a role, or an achievement. When talking about leadership we need to be precise in our langauge as the nuance matters.

The difference in our wording

Leadership is considered to be so much, it's hard to distinct what it is, and what it isn't.

The nuances between words

Our understanding of a concept is often found in our usage of words and understanding of language. Though some words can be very straightforward, (e.g. eating), others can be more vague (e.g. relationships). Having some variations of words with similar meaning might indicate a nuance between the meaning of words. Take for example 'seeing' versus 'observing'. Though they might be used in the same context, seeing can only be done with your eyes. Small difference, but crucial for our understanding. The better we are in understanding differences or nuances, the better grasp we get on the subject. And thus it is valuable to increase your vocabulary. Because some of these differences are only observed by those who study their meaning.

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That's why some people believe there are so many German philosophers, as their language is a matured (old language) and extensive in its size (huge vocabulary). They say having many different words increases our comprehension. But which caused which? It's also one of the benefits of learning multiple languages.

Nouns, verbs and adjective's

Instead of having clear nuances in our definitions of leadership, we use the words 'leaders','leading', 'leadership', and to 'lead' interchangeably. Some of these differences might be explained by the distinction between nouns (name of a person, place, thing or idea) and verbs (describing an action, state or occurrence). For example:

'lead' as a noun: I am the lead <...>. could mean things such as: to be the head of an organization or to be a guide to others.

'lead' as a verb: I am leading by five points <...> could mean to be ahead of others, or excel in some way.

Comparing definitions

But besides the different interpretations within the nouns and verbs, there is a more profound confusion in our terminology. Let's look at the different dictionary meanings of the words: Leading, Leaders, Leadership, and to lead (excluding the irrelevant meanings, often related to investigative 'leads' or the leading musician).

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Analysis of Definitions (2)

As we can see, certain patterns emerge from this analysis. Things like, being ahead, the level of success, determining a direction, guiding others, being of influence on thoughts and actions, or a formal position. They all describe leadership, yet they are different things. Leadership has become this giant umbrella that fits everything. As a result in real life we start to confuse these concepts as well.

So what are these differences?

One of the most straightforward explanations is found in the difference between 'being' and 'doing' leadership. We often blame leadership for doing, or not doing something. That would imply leadership is a behaviour. Yet we also 'name' someone the leader. Either based on his/her position (within an (in)formal organization) or as a measure of success (in a race for example, or achieving mastery in a domain) . This would imply that leadership is something you are. This means we can distinct three types of definitions:

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Being a Leader [Achievement] (2)

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Being the Leader [Position](2)

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Leading [Activity] (2)

So what then is Leadership? Is it about a position? An achievement? or about the behaviour? One thing is certain, there is a difference between 'being the leader' and the activity of 'leading'.

Leading someone or something and being a- or the leader, are two very different things with very different meanings. Yet, Leadership could refer to both, as it is considered a conjunction of both 'leading' and 'being the leader'. We see leadership both as a position (the group of people leading an organization) and showing leadership (potential) (guiding others, being an example, being of influence, or paving the way). Is leadership then the display of both?

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Some argue that leadership is found in those who both hold a leader position and are leading others at the same time. The arguments against this notion is twofold; 1) this would imply that one cannot show leadership if not in a position and 2) leadership is always within a context and thus position and and leading are not 'fixed' things.

Some even claim that leadership doesn't exist and it's just a grammatical merger of leading and being the leader. They deny the idea of leadership as a definition.

This will be expanded more upon in the discussion about influence and power. How does a leader receive it's power? Is it assigned (as a result from a positional) or emergent (as a result from behaviour).

Conclusion

There is a significant difference between 'being the leader' and 'leading'.

We use words such as 'leading', 'leader' and 'leadership interchangeably. As a result the meaning of these words has blurred. Being a leader might refer to a position, being ahead of others, or mastery over a subject or an expertise. Leading might mean to be ahead, to be in charge, or could refer to a set of activities. The word Leadership could refer to a group of people as head of an organization, to the showing potential of becoming a leader, to successful display of 'leading', or it can be seen as the merger between leading and being the leader.

One thing is certain, there is a difference between 'being the leader' and the activity of 'leading' .

There is a significant difference between 'being the leader' and 'leading'. In daily life we use these interchangeably. As a result the meaning of these words has blurred. Analysing the daily discourse (and encyclopaedia) we identified three types of definitions:

[Position] Being the leader:

Based on an official title, to be in charge, or having formal power.

[Activity]: Leading someone /something:

The activity of influencing (e.g. inspiring, motivating, steering, guiding, being an example for) others or something towards a goal

[Achievement]: being a leader / leading:

being ahead of others, mastery over a subject or an expertise, having certain qualities, knowledge or skills, showing potential, or having made an impact.