Topic 1: What does a leader look like?

### Topic 1: What Does a Leader Really Look Like?

Does influence alone determine the ability to lead?
Does having followers automatically make someone a leader, or a good one?

Leadership is often defined by visibility, power, or the size of an audience. But history and current culture show us that influence can be used to build trust or exploit it, to unite or divide, to serve others or serve self interest.

In this session of Lessons in Leadership, we will explore the relationship between influence and leadership. Together, we’ll examine how leaders, both positive and harmful, use influence, where the line between leadership and manipulation exists, and whether tactics for power should ever be confused with leadership itself.

This is an open forum conversation designed to encourage thoughtful dialogue, not debate. Participants are invited to share perspectives, listen deeply, and reflect on what kind of leader they are becoming through the influence they hold.

## Community Agreements

This gathering is a practice space for leadership. How we speak and listen matters.
Our shared agreements:

1. Speak from your own experience Use “I” statements. Avoid speaking for groups or making broad generalizations.
2. One voice at a time No interruptions or side conversations. We listen fully.
3. Listen with curiosity You do not have to agree to listen well.
4. Disagree without demeaning Challenge ideas, not people. Respect is non negotiable.
5. Share the space If you have spoken, consider making room for others.
6. Confidentiality matters Stories stay here. Lessons can leave.

If the conversation drifts toward debate or dominance, the facilitator may pause the room to protect the space.
Lead with curiosity. Choose impact over influence.