An understanding of what is meant by leadership, and what a leader is and does, is important for organisations to ensure that their people and teams are effectively led. In this first activity, you will explore what 'leadership' and being a 'leader' mean to you. If you are already a leader, aspiring to be a leader or have worked with leaders, this activity will enable you to appreciate the complexities involved in the leadership process and being a leader.

Based on the topics we have discussed so far and your own research, in approximately 50 words, please post brief definitions of 'leadership' and 'a leader' on the Discussion Board. Join your peers in the discussion by comparing and contrasting your definitions with theirs. You should consider whether:

1. 'Leadership' and 'leader' definitions are universal and can be applied to all industries and sectors
2. Factors, other than influence and authority, contribute to leadership effectiveness and the achievement of organisational objectives

Note the findings of the discussions in your Personal Journal. You may wish to contact your tutor to request feedback. You should spend no more than 15 minutes on this activity.

To summarise this section, we have spent some time exploring the context and definitions of leadership and leaders, the level of influence that individuals in leadership positions can exercise and the impact that such influence can have on everything the organisation is and does. In the next section, we will examine some of the principles and models that underpin leadership in the organisation before taking a closer look at contemporary models and how they contribute to the achievement of organisational objectives.