Leadership is a relationship in which one person seeks to influence the behaviors, beliefs, attitudes, or values of another. In the context of organizational management, leadership is a relationship of influence with the twin objectives of accomplishing a task and developing the people. Norman Shawchuck, an experienced pastor and management consultant to religious organizations, states that leadership is the ability and the activity of influencing people and of shaping their behavior. He amplifies his basic definition to leadership in general. Leadership is a dynamic process over an extended period of time in various situations in which a leader utilizing leadership resources and by specific leadership behaviors, influences the thoughts and activities of followers toward accomplishment of aims usually mutually beneficial for leaders, followers and the macro context of which they are a part.
Leadership is a matter of influencing others towards some goal or objective.
Biblical leadership has at its core not methods or skills but character modeled after Christ. Christ must be at the center. Steven Covey, an authority on personal and organizational leadership development, explains that whatever is at the center of our life will be the source of our security, guidance, wisdom and power. Candidates for influence at the center include one's spouse, family, money, work, possessions, pleasure, friends, enemies, the church, self or principles. True north is a reality that is independent of us.