18 definitions that can make you a better leader

When I first took this job, I started jotted down notes, regarding different ways to interpret words. I've come to believe that real leaders have a slightly different dictionary than managers, bosses, dictators, and elected officials.

Here are my top 10 definitions used by real leaders...

Attitude–A state of mind, an emotional and intellectual inclination and predisposition to actions based on what you convince yourself is the truth.

Communication–Refers to anything, verbal or nonverbal, that imparts information, thoughts, or feelings. It is a vehicle than enables leaders and followers to connect with each other and to learn about their respective worlds.

Defensive Culture–A world in which people are more concerned with their image than they are with solving problems.

Desires–Unexpected bonuses or other pleasant surprises. The items that complete a staff member's statement that begins with, "It sure would be nice if..."

Expectations—Refers to perceived entitlements, any deliverable or treatment staff considers essential to happily performing their jobs.

Fertile Workplace Culture—An environment that encourages individuals to grow, learn, and be as good as they can as employees and as people.

Harassment–Selfish behavior by someone who places more value on personal desires and interests than another's right to privacy or happiness.

Leader—A respectful and genuine person who motivates others and builds strong communication bridges by being sensitive and appropriately responsive to others' feelings and desires.

Managing–The ongoing process of developing mutually rewarding and productive relationships with staff.

Mentor–An effective teacher, counselor, or master gardener, helping others improve the quality and quantity of work.

Planned Spontaneity–Knowing in advance what you hope to gain, where you want to begin, and where you hope to end. This is followed by a patient, sensitive, flexible stream of questions and answers that leads from one goal to another.

Problem–A deviation between what is acceptable and what is occurring.

Problem-solving Culture–An environment where leaders trust followers to be responsible and worthy of respect, treating each accordingly and encouraging progress as appropriate.

Quiet Strength–Having a positive influence without making obvious one's methods: being clear about expectations and desires and then supporting staff when obstacles arise.

Risk–The potentially adverse consequences of any action.

Symptoms–Behavioral evidence of a potential problem.

Tone–Emphasis given to specific words or groups of words, created by changes in speed, volume, or pitch of speech.

Weed–A valueless, troublesome, or noxious plant growing wild, especially one that grows profusely or on cultivated ground to the exclusion or injury of the desired crop, detracting from a garden's beauty and using both time and energy that could be spent cultivating those desired crops.

Weeds should always be removed as early as possible.