Can you really define leadership?

In many situations we have been asked to define leadership and leaders... but is this really possible.

There are so many factors that go into leadership and being a leader that there is no way to come up with a definite definition. Also, since leadership requires constant evolution and change, I really do think that it is difficult to create a specific explanation that is lasting. There are many similarities in the definitions that are given but there are also outlying factors.

The movie, The Queen is an example that helps demonstrate this idea. In the movie, Queen Elizabeth's definition of leadership and her leadership style were very traditional and old fashioned. She based a lot of her decisions on what has been done in the past and what she thought was logical. With the aid of the Prime Minister and her realisation that times have changed she was able to change her older views and evolve into a leader that could better suit her followers. She was able to transform her leadership for the good of her people. This is an extraordinary quality of a leader and what I think aids a leader in being successful over extended periods of time. She evolved with the times to eliminate out of date leadership styles and stay current and modernize.

Additionally, since technology constantly changes this also influences aspects of leadership. Years ago, CEO did not know the impact computers and the internet would have on their corporations. With these innovations came the responsibility of these leaders to evolve with these technologies in order to improve their corporations. To stay current leaders must adapt.

Again with the definition of leadership, many of the definitions are minimal and do not really capture the essence of leadership. One description of leadership is, "the ability to lead". That does not even suffice the many areas that leadership entails. Leadership involves aspects of motivating others, supporting others, technology, human resources, coaching, organizing, enthusiasm, business, and many others. This list is endless, it is simply not just the "ability to lead".