• Leadership is the act of doing something in a finite time period and it might be task specific.
• Leader is the act of being (being a leader), it’s not time bound, it’s a state of permanence.

Often as a coach as I listen to people talk, I can hear the difference between the act of leadership and the on going  behaviour of being a leader. This isn’t just a play on words, this is a key intellectual position that signifies the true understanding a person has over their own actions and behaviours.

You may well have a task that requires you to take the lead on a project, or a situation arises where those around you are looking to you for direction, in this scenario you are doing the act of leadership. Being a leader is the way you are as a state of being, it’s permanent.

Let’s bring this to life a little through the example of ‘friendship and friend’, in terms of the workplace I may well approach someone I am not overly enthused with, but to facilitate getting something done I perform acts of ‘friendship’, that are recognised actions (get them a cup of tea, smile, engage in conversation); however in terms of being someones ‘friend’ , then I AM their friend at all times, even when I am not present with them (My best friend Gary lives in Kent, I’m not with him now doing anything that demonstrates friendship, but he is still my friend).

As an emerging leader or senior manager it is paramount that you grasp the idea that if you are moving around your business performing the act of leadership, then this will never have the level of personal authenticity and impact that you are no doubt looking for.

As yourself this simple question: Do I consider my self a leader?

If you do then, this means you acknowledge, position on an organisation chart is an indicator of only that: position, which may hold leadership responsibilities, but only your decision to BE a leader makes it so.