While applying for jobs recently, I noticed a recurring theme: almost every advertised position required “leadership abilities”. Not just for executive-level roles, either. This was across the board. You either had to possess them or have clearly demonstrated them.

Most of these listings came from executive recruiting agencies, which seemed fixated on leadership as a non-negotiable trait. But what does that even mean?

This year, there are seven members in Collingwood’s leadership team, including Jamie Elliott and Darcy Moore. Credit: via Getty Images

Business management scholar Henry Mintzberg observed that the only real definition of a leader is someone who has followers. By that measure, Gandhi was a leader – people literally followed him in an act of peaceful resistance. The evidence was visible, undeniable and physical. But how do you prove that kind of leadership to an executive recruiter? Should you include the names of those who followed you? A list of inspired colleagues? A headcount of admirers?

Leadership has become a kind of corporate shibboleth: a word we all nod at, as if its meaning is obvious, when in reality it’s often code........

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