“Soft power” is a concept which was invented by Joseph Nye in 1990 in the context of international relations.
Here is the definition of “soft power” by Joseph Nye – a definition given in a 2004 article of the Harvard Business Review:
To lead is to help a group define and achieve a common purpose. There are various types and levels of leadership, but all have in common a relationship with followers. Thus leadership and power are inextricably intertwined. I will argue below that many leadership skills such as creating a vision, communicating it, attracting and choosing able people, delegating, and forming coalitions depend upon what I call soft power.
What is astounding is that this definition applies equally to leadership in an organization and to leadership in the world.
For me, effective leadership beyond the Fourth Revolution is grounded in soft power. What do you think?
