True morality consists not in following the beaten track but in finding out the true path for ourselves and fearlessly following it.
Mahatma Gandhi

The textbook definition of leadership, according to Wikipedia, defines leadership as a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task. In my opinion and experience though, while these are two great components of leadership, they’re not enough in today’s world to truly define leadership.

To be a leader you have to combine both brains and heart to accomplish goals and to create impact. Here’s also the thing – a leader isn’t just defined as someone designated by hierarchy or corporate structure. You will find leaders at all levels within an organization, as well as in the community they’re involved in. They are seen in all walks of life. Leaders are individuals who step up and want to create their mark in the world. They’re obsessed with making a difference and creating positive change.

What we’re truly seeing today is a new group of leaders. Namely, ones who want to do well by doing good. They’re both entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs who often seem to be possessed by their ideas, committing their lives to changing the direction of their business, community, the environment or the way we do business. They are both visionaries and ultimate realists, concerned with the practical implementation of their vision to lead with impact.

By re-defining leadership as individuals who step up to create positive change, we open the possibility to those who may not normally see themselves as leaders to take on a leadership role in ways they hadn’t imagined before. How can you then evolve motivation and leadership traits in yourself if you feel called to follow this path?

To read more, please visit my article for The Huffington Post Business Section here.