As a lifelong student—and teacher—of leadership, I’ve found that defining this incredible word is easier said than done. Leadership is one of the most studied, written-about, and aspired-to traits in all of human history. There are thousands of theories, models, and definitions floating around, from servant leadership to transformational leadership, from positional power to moral authority.
And yet, every once in a while, you find a definition that hits the sweet spot.
This one came from my father, Charlie “Tremendous” Jones.
His definition covers everything:
🧠 Head and heart
🛠 Task and relationship
🤝 Trust but verify
💬 Frankness but not bluntness
💡 Confidence without conceit
🧭 Democratic, but not directionless
It’s practical and poetic. Firm and full of grace. And it gets to the heart of leadership: serving others by seeing them clearly, acting with courage, and never dodging the responsibilities that come with influence.
“Only a hairline divides those who achieve success in business and those who don’t. That hairline is leadership—leadership won by ordinary men with extraordinary determination.”
That sentence gives me chills every time.
It reminds me that leadership isn’t reserved for the elite. It’s available to every one of us—if we’re willing to embrace the full weight of it. That means taking initiative. Thinking things through. Putting yourself in the other person’s shoes. And yes, having the guts to make tough calls with compassion and clarity.
Reflection Questions:
If you want to grow in this kind of leadership, here are a few questions to ponder today:
-
Do I exhibit patience, especially under pressure?
-
When solving problems, do I consider the other person’s perspective—or just my own?
-
Do I speak the truth with kindness, or do I confuse bluntness with honesty?
-
Am I confident without being arrogant? Kind without being gullible?
-
Do I take full responsibility for my role, or do I deflect when things go wrong?
-
Can my team count on me to anticipate their needs—and meet them?
Leadership isn’t about a title or corner office. It’s about how you show up—for your people, your purpose, and your principles.
Thanks, Dad, for a definition that still holds true.
Let’s make this Thursday a Tremendous one.
—
Dr. Tracey C. Jones
President, Tremendous Leadership
