Leadership is getting people to go along with you, Cooley says.

Question: What defines great business leadership?

Thomas Cooley:  First, let me give you a disclaimer.  I don't personally teach a course in leadership, but I think I know a bit about the business of leadership.  What defines good leadership, I think, you know, at the very essence of it, is a sense of character and values.  I think a good leader has values that are clear and clear to the organization, and also has a sense of what the goals of the organization are and is able to communicate them and stay focused on them.  And I think if you have a strong sense of values and are good at communicating that message, and are good at communicating the objectives, then people will follow you.  And ultimately, that's what leadership is about.  It's about getting people to go along with you.

Recorded: 3/21/08