What is more important, actions or mindset?

​Colleagues,
 
Today’s leadership question from Mara basically asks whether it is more important to think like a leader or to act like one, but can you have one without the other?
 
If we go back to the definition of leadership as being the intentional use of power, then it is clear that without the leadership mindset, one can’t lead. 
 
What should that mindset be like? Ideally, good (my opinion) leaders have a mindset that is purpose driven and servant oriented. A leader’s work should be about furthering the mission or fulfilling the purpose of the organization. As a leader pursues the purpose, they should also be focused on building the capacity of others through that work. A servant-oriented leader seeks to help others grow and this is one of the highest forms of leadership, though also quite challenging to sustain.
 
The definition of leadership, being the intentional use of power, also makes it clear that without action there is no leadership. Ideally, the actions that leaders take will be done collaboratively, will focus on incremental rather than grand change, and will bring help align the organization with its purpose. 
 
In conclusion, leaders need to be intentional about using power in a specific way to move towards an identified outcome.
 
Do good and be well,
 
Frederick