Do we operate at our maximum effectiveness as a leader? I ponder that question often in my profession. What is maximum effectiveness? We must know what it is prior to obtaining it, right? We must have a set of checks and balances in place to measure our effectiveness. When we seek and learn the answers to these questions, then we may know when we are operating at our maximum effectiveness.

I have been a student of leadership for many years now. I have a great thirst for any book, article, debate, personal testimony, and/or conversation regarding the topic of leadership. My daily quest is to be a leader whom operates at Maximum Effectiveness. What is leadership? If you were to look the word up in a dictionary, there would be several definitions. If you were to Google the word "leadership" millions of "hits" would be available. We actually get 188,000,000. With that said, one would say that it may be difficult to define leadership. With so many different definitions to sort through, how can one know what leadership is?

To give a comparison of just how one might ponder the definition of leadership; may we compare it to another word? Love… Is there just one definition of love? If we Google "love" will we not get billions of hits? We actually get 2,360,000,000 in 0.12 seconds. Most know when they love something and/or someone. They know the many feelings associated with loving someone. One might see a couple walking together and say, "They sure are in love." Love and leadership are words that are difficult to describe. One can identify when we see leadership, but to actually define it can be cumbersome.

Over the years, I have read, studied, and assessed many facets of leadership definitions. At this point in my life, I have concluded the following definition for leadership. Leadership can be defined as the ability to influence others. If you can influence others then you lead them. We can argue the definition of influence just as we did leadership and love. I perceive it to be a great feat to influence someone to do something they normally would not. You influence them enough to make a choice within them to trust you and follow you. To me, that is phenomenal.

How does one begin to influence someone? It must begin with a relationship. One must attempt to establish a relationship with those he/she is going to lead. You must get to know the person, allow the person to know you, and establish trust among yourselves. Trust involves constant communication. We all struggle with trust and communication; therefore we can conclude that we have difficulties with relationships. For those that are able to communicate, trust, and develop relationships with people you have accomplished a great feat in your lifetime. For those relationships that you have developed, please cherish and protect them for they are what makes life fulfilling.

If one is not a leader, then does that make them a follower? Maximum Effective Leadership can apply to everyone. Each of us leads someone in our lifetime. For instance, if we have a family then we lead our family by providing for them, making decisions, and influencing the daily lives of such family. If one does not have a family, one still leads. Does one lead oneself? Do we not choose to allow outside stimuli to influence us, thus we lead ourselves by "allowing."

In conclusion, we must ask ourselves daily if we are we operating at our maximum effectiveness. When you answer that question, you will confirm within yourself that you are empowered to lead. I strive daily to increase my knowledge, relationships with others, and increase my maximum effectiveness.

What are some of your thoughts and/or conclusions regarding Maximum Effective Leadership?