Leadership is a complex and multifaceted concept that has been interpreted and analyzed in numerous ways throughout history. Despite the many perspectives on leadership, most definitions agree on one thing: leadership is a process of influencing others to achieve a common goal within a group setting.

Let's break down the definition of leadership. It's described as "a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal." This definition highlights four crucial elements of leadership: it's a process, it involves influence, it takes place within a group, and it's centered around a shared goal.

Now, let's look at leadership from two different angles: as a trait and as a process. The trait perspective suggests that only a select few with inherent traits can be leaders. On the other hand, the process perspective democratizes leadership, making it accessible to everyone. Leadership can also be categorized as assigned or emergent. Assigned leadership is based on formal authority, while emergent leadership arises informally from interactions within a group.

Let's move on to the relationship between leadership and power. Power can be viewed as a shared resource within a group, not just a possession of the leader. This perspective contrasts leadership and coercion, arguing that coercion is contrary to the collective pursuit of shared goals. Leadership and management are also compared and contrasted, with similarities found in their influence on groups to achieve goals, but differences in their focus and emotional involvement.