What is Leadership? In 50 words or less.

We all know what leadership is. We use the term every day.                                 

Our challenge today: Write a dynamic, attention grabbing, insightful, 50 word definition. Purpose: To get the recognition you deserve.                                        

Our definition needs to get across the idea that leadership motivates, inspires, and energizes. Empowers and influences teams. Leaders see the big picture, and what is needed or is missing. They are curious and creative. Leaders thrive on innovation.

Then leaders give their teams the tools they need. Not to just complete a task or project. To blow away expectations. Last, they make sure to spread credit around. Building up people.

All of this is easy to say. Key is immediately having concrete examples to support the words you use.  Leaders take accountability for results. Show that you do.

Remember, it’s not what you say. It’s how you say it.

You want a leadership definition you can use anytime. Without having to think about it.

How do you summarize your entire career in 50 words? (Or less?)

Step 1

Write down the 5 most significant accomplishments in your career.

Quantify each. It may be:

What you did is important, but how well you did it defines you.

Use verifiable numbers and percentages.

Having difficulty identifying accomplishments?

Once you have written them down, set it aside. Over the next week you will think of other accomplishments. Add them.

This will become an ongoing, building list of accomplishments…over decades. You have had more than you think. Once we have 10 years of experience we should have a list of at least 10 significant accomplishments. (Don’t have them? Think harder. They are there.)

Step 2

Write down all the traits that are associated with leadership. You are going to work as many of these words into your definition as possible.

Here’s start to your traits:

Step 3

-Go back to your accomplishments.
-List traits you used in each accomplishment.
-Add up # traits for each accomplishment.
-Accomplishments with most traits are your most significant.

Step 4

Combine your traits with your accomplishments to write your definition of leadership.

How’d we do?

3 quantified examples that include 13 of 23 traits in 48 words. I expect each of you do much better. This example took less than ½ hour once I had accomplishments and  traits written down.

Once written, use AI to critique. Willing to share? Email or text me.

I have 3 written out and in notes on my phone. One informal. Second for large audiences. Third, that I adapt for small focused-groups on specific topics. Then I have a fourth for opening remarks with new team.

Why not just wing it with a new team?

Opening comments set the tone for the whole working relationship. To important to just wing.

I can’t tell you how many times these three have saved me. Most leaders get introduced and asked to describe themselves in few words. Totally unplanned. I’ve learned, the hard way. I never go into conference or group without heading to the bathroom to quickly read through the three “just in case.”

Tom Ferree is the founder of Ferree & Associates and SecurEmploy, organizations focused on helping companies find exceptional talent and helping professionals advance their careers. Since founding Ferree & Associates in 1977, Tom has worked extensively with hospitality companies, executives, and rising leaders across the industry. Through SecurEmploy, he shares practical career strategies, leadership insights, and real-world advice to help professionals grow their careers and help organizations build stronger teams.