There is no universal definition of leadership and indeed many books have been devotedto the topic of leadership. Researchers describe a leader as one who instills purposes, not one who controls by brute force. A leader strengthens and inspires followers to accomplish shared goals. Leader shapes, promotes, protects andexemplifies organization's values.   Similarly, Daimler Chrysler's CEO, Bob Eaton, defines a leader as "someone who can take a group of people to aplace they don't think they can go." As abovedefinitions illustrate, leadership is difficult to define in anything other than lofty words. The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award has a more grounded definition of leadership in its core values. As stated in its core values and concepts, visionary leadership is,

"An organization's senior leaders should set directions and create a customer focus, clear and visible values, and high expectations. Directions, values, and expectations should balance needs of all stakeholders. Leaders should ensure creation of strategies, systems, and methods for achieving excellence, stimulating innovation, and building knowledge and capabilities.Values and strategies should help guide all activities and decisions of organization. Senior leaders should inspire and motivate entire workforce and should encourage all employees to contribute, develop and learn, be innovative, and creative.

Senior leaders should serve as role models through their ethical behavior and their personal involvement in planning, communication, coaching, development of future leaders, review of organizational performance, and employee recognition. As role models, they canreinforce values and expectations while building leadership, commitment, and initiative throughout your organization."