Symbols of leadership will help you take control of your life. Leadership skills can benefit anyone who wants to feel more confident, be more influential, and be of value to society.
Anyone can learn how to be a good leader, even if it doesn’t come naturally. However, it’s always best to learn what leadership is before you learn how to be a leader using the symbols of leadership.
What is Leadership?
Leadership is the process of leading, guiding, or influencing others. It’s important to note that leaders are results-oriented and must achieve goals. Anyone can talk about being a leader but a true leader must find success for those he leads.
According to Harvard Business Review, “A great leader’s unique achievement is a human and social one which stems from his understanding of his fellow workers.” So a good leader’s skills are almost all related to how they think about and interact with others.
Signs of a Leader
- Communicate – leaders must always be able to communicate with an array of individuals
- Care about and inspire others – compassion and passion are crucial skills for leaders
- Lead by example – all talk and no action will get you nowhere as a leader
- Stay calm – being able to handle anything life throws at you and take it in stride
- An eye for talent – spot and recruit people who can help companies or organizations succeed
- Constructive feedback – giving those under your leadership notes that will help them grow but not put them down
- Take risks – do hard things that may not work out
- Invest in others – spend the majority of your time helping others be better, not just yourself
- Self-aware – knowing your weaknesses and strengths
What are Leadership Symbols?
Leadership symbols are physical emblems and representations that encompass what it means to be a leader. They can greatly benefit you by being constant reminders of leadership skills. Symbols of leadership can lend you the energy necessary to be a great leader.
Types of Leadership Symbols
Royal
Royal leadership symbols relate to monarchy. You will notice many of them below as thrones, scepters, and more. They always associate with authority.
Political
Political leadership is all about influence. Without charisma, trustworthiness, and a good message, political symbols of leadership will fail. The exact symbols for this type of leadership vary depending on the country and the politician.
Military
Military leadership symbols are common in every military organization throughout the world. They are flags, banners, and other military symbols. Though they seem modern, they have been around since ancient times.
Business
Business leadership symbols are found in every large business. They convey a message that helps customers trust the business and their goals. They must let customers know that the users are a priority.
Which Colors Symbolizes Leadership?
Yellow is the color of leadership. It symbolizes motivation, enthusiasm, and inspiration. These are key to good leadership. Leaders are quick to invest in others in who they see potential, which has an ambiance of the bright and joyful color yellow.
Blue is another color of leadership that shows the trustworthy and authoritative side of leaders. It has psychological benefits that cause people to be more trusting, comfortable, and calm.
Flowers That Symbolize Leadership
- Purple Carnations – used in the celebration of events with a large group of people led by someone with good leadership skills
- Gladiolus – the flower of the strength and leadership it takes to be a gladiator
- Orchid – a flower of elegance and strength, showing the compassion needed for a great leader
Crystals That Symbolize Leadership
- Sunstone – energizes and gives confidence
- Spirit Quartz – iridescent vibrations that keep you authentic
- Bloodstone – great crystal for healing and keeping your power
- Jasper – deep power and motivation
- Pyrite – keeps you balanced and channels your gifts
Tree That Symbolizes Leadership
The oak tree is a symbol of leadership. It has strong roots and is difficult to get down.
This tree represents wisdom, endurance, and power, which are all important for a leader to possess. The tree was once a holy tree for Greeks and Romans who used it to represent gods like Zeus and Jupiter.
Animal Leadership Symbols
- Eagle – a leadership bird in many countries as they are apex predators who are independent unlike many other birds
- Boar – a strong and self-sufficient wild animal with Celtic ties to leadership
- Lion – a symbol of leadership and power – wearing a lion tooth is a way to exhibit this
- Jaguar – a fierce alpha predator with leadership ties in many cultures
20 Symbols of Leadership
1. Flag
Flags are ultimate leadership symbols. They are used to represent any cause or association by those who see themselves as either leaders or followers of the group.
2. Scepter
A scepter is a tool used by leaders of all kinds. It looks like a short staff and is wielded without a practical use to show power, authority, and good discernment.
3. Badge and/or Uniform
Uniforms and badges are meant to show professionalism and trustworthiness all over the world. They are meant to be individuals that you can go to when in trouble, as the uniform and badge are traditionally worn by personnel who have your best interest at heart.
4. Catholic Leadership
- Bishop’s Miter – the bishop’s hat
- Biretta – the cardinal’s hat
- Triregnum – a type of hat worn by the pope
5. Other Religious Leadership Symbols
Islamic Star and Crescent
The Islamic star and crescent is an important symbol of leadership. It has been used for centuries to display a symbol of strength and power in the Islamic faith.
Shinto Torii Gate
In Shintoism, the Torii gate is a symbol of leadership. It is related to spiritual and divine leadership because it is a symbol that connects the two realms. Those who can connect the two realms through people are leaders.
Hindu Om
The Hindu Om symbol has many meanings, including leadership. Om is said to be the sound of the earth. Those who can understand and sense this can make great, grounded leaders.
Buddhist Wheel of Dharma
The wheel of Dharma is a Buddhist symbol of leadership. It represents the enlightenment necessary to be a true leader. It has been used for many reasons, but all of the traits signified on the Dharma wheel are keys to leadership.
6. Queen Chess Piece
Chess, in general, is a symbol of leadership, but no piece leads like the queen. She is the strongest and most versatile piece. However, in the game of chess, even a pawn can be the leader it needs to be, as it is most often the piece to move first.
7. Native American Leadership
Headdress
Headdresses are the primary leadership symbol for Native Americans. The headdress is decorated with many identifying pieces that show the status and accomplishments of said leader.
Qujanaq
Qujanq is an Inuit symbol of leadership. The symbol means “thank you”. It is used to express gratitude for those who have supported you. This can be used by leaders and be used to thank leaders.
8. Crown
Crowns are one of the most common royal symbols of leadership. They represent the respect and honor given to and received from a monarch, though the meaning has drifted to anyone in power, even if it is inner power.
9. Sword
The sword is a symbol of leadership in many cultures. During the Middle Ages and beyond, leaders were the first to the frontlines in battle. In fact, before a king could reign, it was necessary to fight in a battle.
10. Uruz
A Viking rune that means leadership and growth. It represents the need to grow, overcome old habits and begin things anew when necessary.
11. Hamsa
A hand that represents authority, power, and strength. For many years, the hand has been celebrated across different cultures in the Middle East. But only recently has the symbol gained popularity across the world.
12. Pacific Islander Leadership
- ʻAhu ʻula – a Hawaiian feather cape used by nobles
- Mahiole – a Hawaiian military hat that symbolizes the highest rank
- Tiki – a Maori symbol of leadership and a way to identify the culture you connect with
13. Ren
Ren is a symbol of Confucius that represents leadership. It is meant to represent the virtuous and moral behavior of a leader. Confucianists believe that leaders must be compassionate and kind.
14. Lightbulb
The lightbulb is a symbol of leadership connected to innovation. Lightbulbs are for those who start new things and see the world in a unique way.
15. Throne
Thrones are royal symbols of leadership. They are connected to prestige and political authority. But they also represent the duty of someone in power rather than the power for the sake of it.
16. Adinkrahene
An Adrinkan symbol of leadership and royalty. It means Adrinka king and is portrayed as a circle within a circle. This is a good representation of how true leadership works with the circles representing the people and their leader.
17. Tartan
The Scottish tartan is a symbol of strength and leadership. It has been worn for thousands of years by clan chiefs with the type of sash on the tartan representing the rank of said military leader.
18. Asian Symbols of Leadership
Chinese Imperial Seal
The Chinese Imperial Seal is a precious stone of leaders. It is carved out of jade or another stone and used the way that a wax seal may be used.
Samurai
The Japanese samurai is a leader in Japanese culture. He uses his abilities as a trained warrior to take on fearsome foes. What he is taught goes beyond physical but ascends to mental and spiritual as well.
Turban
The turban is an Indian symbol of leadership. It represents brotherhood and the commitment to serving your religion as well as all of humanity to the best of your abilities.
19. Thunderbolt
Thunderbolts are nature’s symbol of leadership. They represent Zeus, Thor, and other gods who reign in mythology.
20. Mythological Leadership Symbols
- Dragon – a symbol of power, authority, and goodwill in China
- Griffin – they contain parts of powerful leaders such as the lion and the eagle
- Sphinx – another hybrid with powerful fusions, this time the flacon and the lion