Defining Leadership
What does it mean to be a leader? Everyone has their own definition, and can point to leaders who have affected or inspired them. At the Yale School of Management, we have a developed a definition of a leader as someone who:
- identifies a significant goal
- assumes accountability for the realization of that goal
- pursues that goal and influences the actions of others to do the same
Moreover, a leader who follows the Yale SOM model of leadership:
- leads and manages across boundaries
- converts positive values into personal, professional, and institutional commitments
- integrates creativity and discipline in addressing complex problems
MBA students at Yale participate in a year-long Leadership Development Program (LDP) designed to help them identify their leadership strengths (and weaknesses) and understand their personal leadership styles. In the Pre-MBA Leadership Program, we’ll take you through many of those same LDP exercises and activities. You’ll do self-assessments and receive 360-degree feedback. With the knowledge gained from this part of the program, you’ll be able to put your experience, skills, self-awareness, networks, and effort to work right away in your own leadership roles – in school, on the job, in your community.
