• The participative leader behavior involves leaders consulting with followers and asking for their suggestions before making a decision. This behavior is predominant when subordinates are highly personally involved in their work. • The supportive leader behavior is directed towards the satisfaction of
It is truly a unique take on the idea of leadership. What follows are some of the most important qualities of servant leadership. Some of the following ideas and actions are unique to servant leadership. Others, while they may be found in all types of leadership, are simply emphasized more strongly by servant leaders. The servant leader believes himself “first among equals.” This idea is at the very core of servant leadership.
Leadership theories that define leadership Trait leadership theories The qualities of a person define trait theories. This theory argues that some people are born with some aspects of leadership to do what pertains their leadership. Study show leadership is made up of some characteristics or traits which are (Lewin 1939 in Robbins; Chemers 1997): * The need for power * Assertive * Intelligence * Trustworthy * Ability to motivate a person * Self confident This theory shows that leaders need some certain characteristics whether in classroom, company or war. Some situations may demand more than one trait that differs to the situation which the other leader holds. Situational leadership theories This theory supports different type of styles exercised by leaders.
“Leadership is the process of influencing an organized group toward accomplishing its goals.”(Wren, 1995, p. 43) One type of leadership that has the ability to inspire and motivate change is transformational leadership. They bring change while improving the situation. They anticipate problems before they happen and are able to rectify the situation swiftly. Transformational leaders like the concept of working together. They foster the communication of leadership ideas to accomplish the shared vision.
A good deal of leadership can come from people who are not formal leaders. Leading is the result of using one’s role and leadership ability to influence others in some way. True leaders are not “bosses” or “commanders”. Instead of power, true leadership comes from influence, congruence and integrity. Successful leaders are committed to “creating a world to which people want to belong”.
These variables have been and are being studied to help us in our understanding of the key essence to being a successful leader. In any case however, I believe it is helpful to define and understand the term in a basic sense to set a ground for better analysis and to dig deeper into the realms of leadership as a concept. In layman’s terms, leadership is the ability or the capacity to lead. In other words, it is the skill or the quality of being able to guide and direct a group of people. However, as stated in one of the afore-mentioned points, leadership isn’t as simple as it seems.
The character a leader reveals determines the quality of his or her actions and critical thinking skills a leader possesses, which may determine the fruition of collaborative efforts made by the leader concerning any possible positive results sought. Through diligent efforts made by the leader and the conviction of the chosen leadership style progress can be made. Characteristics of Servant Leaders According to Larry Spears and Michele Lawrence, authors of “Practicing Servant Leadership: Succeeding through Trust, Bravery, and Forgiveness,” characteristics of the servant leader are defined as, “listening, empathy, healing, persuasion, awareness, foresight, conceptualization, commitment to the growth of people, stewardship, and building community,” (Lawrence & Spears, 2004, p. 72). Combinations of these defined characteristics are complimentary to an individual endowed with the responsibility of leadership in society today. Obtainment of one or all characteristics would be ideal for an individual serving in society or in an organization, but if one were to possess a couple of these desirable trait characteristics effective
L.L. Bean Relies on Its Core Values and Effective Leadership 1. What style of leadership do you think most L.L. Bean managers probably employ? I believe that managers’ effectiveness often depends on their styles of leadership, that is, their ability to influence others, either formally or informally.
This creates both a challenge and an opportunity to lead. Leadership is the process of influence. Defined as such, every attempt we take to influence is an attempt to lead. As such, the need to think about power is also a critical aspect of assessing our own leadership. According to Kelleher, the purpose of including power in the discussion of leadership lies in the critical link between our potential to influence (our power) and actual success we experience while influencing (our actions and behavior).
Caldwell, Hayes, and Long (2010) contend that these ethical stewards can direct an organization’s efforts toward fortune for all stakeholders. Leadership In understanding leadership’s role within an organization, its role must be clearly defined. There are many definitions of leadership. Each definition has its own characteristic based on the perspective of the individual providing it. Lussier and Achua (2004; as cited by Caldwell, Hayes, & Long, 2010) define leadership as “the process of influencing leaders and followers to achieve organizational objectives through change” (p. 5).