Leadership is the use of one’s skills to influence others to perform to the best of their ability towards goal attainment. It involves one individual trying to change the behavior of other individuals. Leadership is the art of getting others to want to do what one deems important.
Types of Leaders
- Formal or appointed leader
- Informal leader
Theories of Leadership
- Great Man Theory. This theory states that few are born with the necessary characteristics to be great. Leaders are born not made.
- Charismatic Theory. Charisma is a quality possessed by some people that makes others feel better in their presence. Charismatic theory advocates a vision. The leader arises during a crisis, assesses the situation, uses his personal power or influence, makes a self-sacrifice and uses unconventional strategies.
- Trait Theory. Traits are inherited. Unlike the Great Man Theory, this theory believes that traits could be obtained through learning and experience.
- Contingency Theory. There is no best way to organize a corporation, to lead a company, or to make decisions. The optimal course of action is dependent upon the internal and external situation.
- Transactional Theory. Based on the economy and uses the give-and-take strategy.
- Transformational Theory. Based on empowering you and the people you lead and are elevated.
- Path-Goal Theory. Principle of motivation. The leader believes he has the capacity to achieve the goals. The leader’s performance will allow the unit to participate.
Leadership Styles
- Autocratic Leadership. Centralized decision making with the leader making the decisions and using power to command and control others. The leader keeps the power to himself, motivates through threats, and insists on making most, if not all, of the decisions. this type of leadership discourages upward communication.
- Democratic Leadership. Is a participatory style, with authority delegated to others. The leader involves workers in the decision making process and allows the workers the freedom to work within constrained set of tasks. This type of leadership style encourages upward communication.
- Laissez-Faire or Ultra-Liberal. The leader is passive and permissive. Abdicate the right to lead and does not know or care about what goes on in the work unit. The leader provides little or no guidance or direction for workers to set goals, motivate themselves, and acquire the training or information necessary to make decisions.
Leadership Roles
- Decision-maker
- Communicator
- Evaluator
- Facilitator
- Risk taker
- Mentor
- Role model
- Energizer
- Critical-thinker
- Visionary
- Influence
- Problem-saver
- Change agent
Characteristics of a Good Leader
- Self-confidence
- Personal integrity
- Creative
- Adaptability
- Interpersonal skills
- Prestige
- Non-conformity
- Tact
- Alertness
- Personable
- Independence
