John C maxwell, a Leadership Guru from the United States clearly defines Leadership in one word. Influence - nothing more, nothing less.

My leadership experiences in the Business, Tourism, Cultural and Education sectors prove to me that it is people that determine profits. If you develop people at all levels of your business, you will improve your profits. The best way to develop people is to improve their leadership and this is achieved by increasing their influence.
I have had the privilege of leading many situations and people, being mentored by outstanding leaders and receiving excellent leadership training. These experiences have shown me that a person’s leadership starts and ends with them. They are their own Managing Director or CEO. They determine if they will lead, when they will lead and how they will lead. Reflective practice is a powerful leadership tool and when developing and mentoring leaders I encourage them to reflect on various questions. Here are some of those questions which I encourage you to reflect on:
1. Do I look like the Leader?
Am I making the correct first impression? We only get one chance to make the correct first impression. Appearance, body language and actions contribute to a leader’s first impression. Their first impression increases or decreases their initial influence and this is often very difficult to change.
2. Do I listen like the Leader?
Do I really listen to others? Active leaders listen actively. Active listening is one of the most important features of influencing people, establishing clear communication and achieving goals. The key word being active which means action occurs as a result of listening.
3. Do I think like the Leader?
Do I make time to think? Leaders are paid to think. Thinking is their most valuable asset.
4. Do I speak like the Leader?
When is the last time I spoke for my team? Leaders speak and speakers lead. Whoever speaks for your team is perceived as having influence over your team. That person ought to be you if you are the leader.
5. Do I act like the leader?
What is my leadership style? Would I work for me? Do I achieve results? What is my one most important thing? What are my wells? Do people I lead trust me?

I also outline Ancient Wisdom from my culture for leaders to apply as Modern Solutions in their leadership situations. This inevitably leads to several Maori proverbs. Here’s a short version of one of them which we may be too accustomed to. He aha te mea nui i tenei Ao? He Tangata, he tangata, he tangata. What is the most important thing in this world? It is people, it is people, it is people. How you answered the above questions will determine if it really is people that are important in your leadership journey.