Abstract
This paper reports on the development of a comprehensive model of leadership that comprises a “back-to-basics” definition and six core themes and practices through which leadership is demonstrated. The paper explains how there is no consensus on what leadership actually is. The understanding and practice of leadership therefore are confused and contentious and their proper scientific study impossible. Most current definitions focus on just one core theme and practice, namely follower engagement, such as influence, motivation, inspiration or identity. It is not surprising, therefore, that many, if not most, leadership development programmes notoriously fail to achieve expectations: they fail to recognise and address other important aspects of what leadership entails. Our research has identified and validated six core themes and practices, including engagement, that enable leaders to show the way and help or induce others to pursue it.