Showing posts with label effective leadership. Show all posts
Showing posts with label effective leadership. Show all posts

Saturday, February 27, 2010

Balancing The Power For Successful leadership

Leadership is a relationship between leader and followers based on ability and position, with an aim to achieve the certain goals. It is the ability to motivate and inspire others to attain the organized goals.
Power is the authority to influence the decisions, plans and strategies and the attitude of others.
There lies the deep relationship between the leadership as no leader is leader in true sense if is not granted with the degree of authorities and, power, in its essence, is useless if the power to lead is missing. Therefore, the importance of leadership is in line with the powers granted.
The phenomenon of “power” is as widely diverse as the concept of “leadership,” therefore; the leader has to be extraordinarily careful while exercising this tool.
Depending on the situational factors, the leadership style varies and, so does the use of powers is influenced. The effective leader uses the selected powers at right time for powerful and fine influence on the target for the reaction varies with the ranging behavior of the subordinates.
For example, if the leader uses his power to affect the attitude or the decision, taken jointly by the subordinates, the response to this power is diverse, depending on the commitment of the subordinates. For the followers who are too committed and trust on the leader, they would put their best and would work enthusiastically; while the one who are passive and reluctant would not welcome the decision and would put forward the minimum on their part. Employees who do not like the leader would show utter reluctance and would not fulfill the task assigned to them.
The subordinates’ behavior is the ultimate result of the nature of the power, if the employee explain the task well, supported with the experts’ ideas and suggestions and logical reasoning, along with the benefits springing up for the individual as well as organization, the hearts of even the lethargic subordinates could be turned towards the beauty of hardworking.
The use of compulsive power will not pave the way to success. The compulsive power is to be used when the time does not allow the too much discussion or the subordinates do not possess the apt knowledge. However, the use of it stretches to a limit or else it will explode the foundation of commitment and enthusiasm by the followers in no time.
Power alone would not be sufficient unless the leader possess the skills to make the utmost of it. Leader has to be vigilant and careful as the “power” accompanies with itself the responsibility, the authority and the accountability for attaining the desired results? If only these three things are met properly, the benefiting fruits could be expected and the leader can be quoted as the “effective leader.”

Path-Goal Theory of Leadership

The research has clarified the fact that any of the leadership style can not be effective solely if the situation is not kept in view before the particular style is decided and implemented.
New findings and theories have began to unveil a whole new leadership theory, came to be popularly known as “path-goal” theory. This leadership theory is explained on the basis of situation and other related factors.

The path-goal theory suggests that the leaders can only have a successful leadership if they support the subordinates towards a specific goal by assigning them a clear, creative path. They can do so by explaining them clearly and articulately about their vision, making them aware of the upcoming obstacles and at the same time, revealing them the way of how to stand up amidst of curbing crisis. A series of rewards, explanation of mistakes and encouragement will make the leadership effective-the ultimate purpose of this theory.
This theory explains the effectiveness of leadership in terms of impact of leader on subordinates. Robert House, the American psychologist, who suggested this theory, says that leaders are successful as long as they have immense leadership influence on the subordinates, who acts as a source of motivation to their followers. In other words, the true leader inspires the goals and dreams and allow them turn their idealism in to realism by showing them the required path.
This theory highlights the amalgamated version of all the leadership styles. The theory demands the leader to have a right balance between his authority and his friendliness with the subordinates. He neither have to be too authoritative that the subordinates hesitate in expressing their creative ideas and critical thoughts nor have to be too friendly that the divider between the leader and subordinates reduce to transparency, and subordinates start exercising their freedom in the negative way.
This modern theory of leadership permits a wide space for participative leadership as the subordinates are totally involve in decision-making process and their suggestions are sought and given their due credit. In the path-goal theory of leadership, the challenging goals are set for subordinates and, the leaders show them the way to attain it.Additionally, they are given free hand to implement their creative ideas for the best accomplishment of goals. Leaders show their confidence by entrusting them with the complete authority on the allocated task.
Since, the theory is totally situation oriented; the leader has to be extra careful in the analysis of the task and other factors before defining the path to the subordinates. For example, at the time when the task is not clear to the subordinates or the path appears as vague or distorted to them, guidance and suggestions by the leader would be willingly welcomed by the subordinates. However, when the things are well-defined and outlined to the subordinates and the followers are quite confident of their efforts, the redundant regulations would be taken by them as over controlling their skills and potential.
This variance in approach is dependent on the clarity of the situation, abilities of the subordinates and their motivation and, on the depth of task. The more complicated the task is and the less comprehensible the paths are, the increase supportive suggestions by the leader would be genuinely entertained.
This theory demands the leader to maintain a firm checks on his behavior and the body language as the actions speak louder than the words. He as to appear as a source of motivation, inspiration, trust and confidence. The actions should speak the depth of his commitment and the passion for the task and the affection for followers. The behavior should infuse the feeling of satisfaction in the working aura.
The key to have effective leader, based on the path-goal leadership theory, is to mark the paths to the goals. This can be well done by identifying the key tasks to the subordinates, explaining the nature of complicated hurdles and, describing the way to smooth away the obstacles in to terrific success.
The path-goal theory can promise the successful leadership as long as the situation, motivation and the inclination of the followers towards the task is kept in view. The more the related factors are considered and the appropriate the decisions are made, along with the full-fledged implementation of the opted strategy, the more the effective leadership would be and, the chances of the success would become certain.

Leadership Theories

Research has unveiled the many different aspects of the increasingly applicable and popular phenomenon-Leadership.The leadership styles, traits and theories, all are the result of the variety of analysis and different experiences.
The leadership theories are the result of such great effort. There lie the diversities of theories, depending on the varying situation and circumstances; the three most distinct are the trait theory, behavioral theory and contingency theory.
Trait Theory Of Leadership
Trait theory is derived from the “Great Man” theory and, it is based on the characteristics of people. It gives the impression that the effectiveness of leadership depends on the individual’s leadership characteristics. It deals with the personality, character and skills of the leaders.
Studies has shown that the effective leadership is deeply connected to the mental alertness of the leader, communication skills, confidence, thinking, time management and the persistence in his actions and plans.The more visionary the leader, the higher the probability is of success. The theory also emphasizes on the responsible behavior of the leader.
However, the trait theory is not universally applicable for the recent studies have unveiled the weak link between the leadership traits and the effective leadership. Moreover, the more advanced research are conducted, the different traits crop up. There can not be made the clear cut line of what traits a leader should acquire.
Also, the statistics reveal that the effective leader of the history did not possess all those traits and skills. It can be said that the choice of traits and skills to be exercised varies with the situation but, this theory does not outline these traits.
Based on this theory, it is concluded that leadership is the in born capability rather than the acquired one.
The leadership traits long with some necessary skills if applied well, keeping in view the situation leads to the overall success. Overall, there needs to be balanced approach in applying those possessed skills.
Behavioral Theory Of Leadership
Behavioral theory of leadership deals with the behavior of the leaders towards its subordinates.The autocratic leadership style, the democratic style, the employee-centered style etc; all are based on this leadership theory.
This theory focuses on the actions of the leaders rather than mental capabilities of the leader or their general traits. This theory creates the impression that the leadership is “learning” process. It leads to the idea of the “leadership Development” process.
This theory is universal for it highlights the behavior to be adopted subjected to different challenging situations and, the success factor can be well analyzed and can be polished for greater outcome.
Contingency Theory Of Leadership
The trait theory and the behavioral theory have not catered best to the diversified needs of the today’s fast-pace developing world as the time proved that the effective leadership does not only rely on the personality traits and behavior on an individual, the surrounding situation matters too. This evolved the contingency theory of leadership which concludes that the leadership styles to be adopted, differs with varying situations.
The leaders can not exercise the particular traits or behavior when dealing with all the situations, there needs to be change in the approach and the behavior based on the situations for an effective leadership. The situational variables include the extent of power granted to the leader; the nature of task, i.e. whether the goals are well explained or distorted and, the relationship between the leader and the followers.
Based on this theory, these situational factors are analyzed. If the power to be exercised by the leader is greater and the relationship between the followers and the leader consists of mutual understanding and good communication and the goal is clearly outlined, the democratic style is to be preferred. If there lays the contrary situation, the theory advises the leader to adopt the autocratic style.
However, if the situation is overall favorable with one missing element i.e. the authority to be exercised by the leader ranges widely and the communication between the followers and the leader is appreciable, too; and the goal is not well defined, then the employee-centered style is generally preferred, which focuses on the human relationships to attaining the task.

Monday, February 15, 2010

Focusing On the Leadership challenges


We aim above the mark to hit the mark- Ralph Waldo Emerson

The complex demanding world is constantly under the damning circumstances and dire threats. To cope up with the stemming problems effectively, an influential leadership is in the list of “most wanted.” However, the influential and successful leadership is only the result of overcoming the upcoming challenges aptly. The challenges of the leadership are deep rooted and diverse and only a very multi-skilled, intellectual person is the only ray of hope in this bleaking, sweeping darkness.
The article brings in to lame light the forthcoming leadership challenges.
Developing The Futures Of Tomorrow
The most imperative challenge an authentic leader faces is carving the future of tomorrow. In fact, it is the guarantee of being a successful leader as only those leaders are remembered in the history that produces the good leaders.
The effective leadership transfers its outstanding qualities in the subordinates in order to evolve the leader who can lead the organization tomorrow. The best way to fulfill this greatest responsibility is by being example of those traits i.e. it have integrity in his actions. He must have good communication skills and must mean its words, too.
Over Reliance On Leaders
The leaders are entitled with the responsibility to guide the masses and be the source of hope and inspiration in the stony, curved path. They are not the one to do the tasks all the times. However many subordinates rely for all their activities on the leaders and make them responsible for all their actions. The fact is that they, subordinates, are unwilling to carry the responsibility.
This irresponsible and underestimated behavior of the followers is a great obstacle in the way of an effective leadership as a leader is unable to focus their attention and energies in carving the best path to the designed goal. However, this challenge can be best tackled by entrusting the followers with some tasks and making them accountable for their actions.
Another way is to divide the subordinates in different teams and then distributing the task among the teams, there must be the leader for the respective teams too. This would carve the bets leadership capabilities in them and would instill the feeling of responsibility.
High And Unreasonable Expectations
A leader may not always be the boss of the entire organization. The person who is given a power to guide even “three” people is a leader too. In these circumstances, there are always some faces who expect some worthy output from him that is neither possible nor reasonable.
Due to these exaggerated expectations, the chances of disappointments increase. The individual is then all the time under pressure and does not feel like being free, leading to the bottled imagination and low creativity.
Making The Real Changes
One of the real challenges that most leaders come across is the step to replace the outdated, close-minded policies with the new one. It is a real challenge and requires true effort as it involves the transformation of the people’s minds.
It demands to put off all the old strategies and policies and introduce the new dimensions and strategies that best cater the diverse needs of today and ensures the brighter future. Moreover, it is in the harmony with the expectations of the followers and of one and all.
All this seems to be quite tough but can be successfully done by keeping the essence of the vision and mission of the organization the same and, then displaying it from diverse point of view to the people around so as to have flexibility in their thinking and approach. The more diverse the approach is, the better the challenge can be overcome and the maximum the result would.
Requires To Be Too Responsible
Leadership is rewarding as well as demanding job, too. Not all leaders are effective leaders for; it requires high effort to be responsible for all the planned actions and its consequences. It has to adapt effectively to the changing situations all the time. Therefore, a leader has to be extraordinarily careful in making a strategy as a single mistake will explode the very basis of success with in no time.
Avoid Being to Bossy
Leader of today has to face the greater challenge as the today’s generation can not tolerate the dictation any more. The harshness of the reality that subordinates are not being heard and their voice is not responded well, engulfs the very existence of them with in no second, hampering their creativity and leads to low commitment by followers.
Leaders have to realize that whatever decision they make, it should be finalized after the full participation and willingness of the followers or else the planned strategy, solely decided by the leader, will not produce the expected results, resulting in damning doom of the organization as a whole.
Conclusion
Leadership is rewarding as well as challenging, too. If the challenges are well identified and are responded well, the thorny obstacles would smooth away in no time, opening a road full of promising accomplishments, unveiling an authentic leader from you!

Effective Leadership

The thorough research on this important phenomenon of effective leadership has resulted in the upsurge of many leadership theories, styles and skills, each guaranteeing the terrific accomplishment of tasks; however, the studies has also reveled that the pursuance of any particular leadership style or theory or having some leadership skills are not enough for this worthy and outstanding job and, a lot more has to be considered and done for the effective leadership.
Each individual is unique and therefore, each leader is unique in its own way. Consequently, each individual has to adopt a distinctive amalgamated form of styles and skills in order to rise as matchless leader in extensively diverse pool.

There are some qualities that form the basis of the effective leadership and so, should be possessed by all.
Flexibility
Flexibility is the universal trait of today’s leader. He has to be flexible in his attitude, behavior and approaches. He must be flexible in the leadership powers, too. The effective leadership stems from the adaptation of leadership style on the basis of the capabilities of the followers and the situation. When the little knowledge is possessed by the subordinates, he must be the sole decision-maker and should guide them at all the steps. He can have shared leadership when the followers have much knowledge about the task and could be relied.
These balances in the styles and attitude determine the leadership influence on the juniors and this very impact of leader judges the victory of the organization or team.
Fully Acknowledged
Being active and fully acknowledging the responsibilities and authorities is an essential trait for a successful leadership. Only when one knows the leadership strengths and the area where he can exercise his authority, the correct goals can be set and visions can be carved ideally and properly.
Creating A Favorable Environment
The leadership can only be fruitful and can have underlying impacts if the favorable working atmosphere is built up, which clearly lights up the goals and the future career of the individual. The resources and the machinery and other input factors should be available for the maximum use. This would create a comfortable and helpful working environment for the followers.
Consultancy With Subordinates
Consulting should be done with all the members while setting the goals.Furthermore; the win-win attitude should only dominate the thoughts of all. This would lead to the mutual consensus that would only promise the unending triumph.
Additionally, the suggestions and ideas of the budding minds should be given their due importance as today’s young generation want their voice to be shared no matter how much distorted the vision is. Moreover, the weekly discussions on the imperative topics, having an immense influence on the individual and organization as whole should be discussed. The crucial decisions, affecting the lives and the future of the followers, should be taken by taking them in to utmost assurance.
Discussion On Work Related Problems
The work related problems should be discusses weekly and the individuals should be encouraged to come up with the critically logical solutions to the challenging problems. They must be rewarded and spurred for their contributions and should be given annual or bi-annual awards and certificates of excellence.
All the same, the important aspect of successful leadership is that leader pay a genuine heed to the problems and grievances of the subordinates. Keenness in the general welfare of the followers and helping them coping the problems would establish an unexplainable closer link between the followers’ and the leaders.
Only when the juniors feel that they are heard and responded and, their life and presence are precious to the leader, they feel like being closer to their leader. This association would ultimately convince them to live up to the expectations of their leader by giving their best.
Time Management
The time management and adhering to the deadlines can pledge the effective leadership, too. The leaders must ensure that at every time the progress in the task should be made to avoid the swift working at the eleventh hour. This leadership skill is vital for the very of survival of leadership.
On the whole, the effective leadership creates the feeling of trust and confidence and accentuates the leadership strengths of all the individuals. It is the source of motivation and inspiration for the subordinates. The effective leadership creates the feeling of trust and confidence and accentuates the leadership strengths of all the individuals. The individual feels like being more productive with the every sunset, and more capable and strong with the every sun rise. The impact of the effective leadership is so deep that the radiant light engulfs the very nook of darkness of the life of the subordinates, and illuminates the way of success!

Developing Leadership Skills In Others-The True Example Of The Effective Leadership

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader. - John Quincy Adams
Ever since the life established on this beautiful planet, millions of authentic leaders have been exported by nature to this planet, who with their sincere, devoted efforts, endeavored to transform this planet into a heaven.
Since then the concept of leadership has evolved and by this time, this phenomenon has become increasingly important as it is the first and foremost necessity to attain success.
The leaders are many but authentic leaders are those written who transform another leader from his subordinates, thus leaving their undeniable impression for all times to come.
How the leader could ensure the upcoming of another effective leader from his subordinates and what strategies he could apply for this long lasting achievement; this article elucidates some easy steps to attain this success.
Coaching And Mentoring
The leader could inculcate the leadership skills by coaching them to head a small team. The leader must divide the whole team in small groups and assign each of them a sub-task .A team Leader should be appointed in that group, who would be responsible for all the activities of his followers and would be accountable for their actions, too.
A firm check should be maintained by the main leader that is the leader of all groups, who check their activities and guide them accordingly.
Establishing A Learning Climate
Few hours in a week should be assigned to the discussion and learning period where the main leader explains the beauty of the skills of effective leadership and also guide them to the road map of achieving them.
The subordinates should be encouraged to come up with queries and suggestions for the fine polishing of leadership qualities. Also, the sharing of experience will unveil the many important ways of achieving the successful leadership.
Guiding Reflections
The hand outs should be issued, unveiling the characteristics of the world’s great leaders, containing their life history. The reflections of their lives would be helpful in learning how they transferred their leadership skills to subordinates. Moreover, their great leadership attributes would come into light, allowing many to learn great lessons from it.
Appraising Performance
This is an important step on the part of the main leader. He must acknowledge the efforts of the sub-leaders in order to further encourage them. Additionally; he must spur the creative thinking of theirs that has made the goal easier and worth-achieving. The more the sub-leaders are supported for their skills and for their steps, taken independently, the more they will trust on their abilities and, each task would unveil the new, creative and critical ideas from them and would allow their personal development.
This critical and creative thinking is immensely indispensable to be developed in others so as to carve the best leader out of them.
Preparing Others for Changes And Challenges
The successful leaders realize the time when they have to be flexible or have to tighten their attitude. The quality is exceptionally important to be infused in the team leaders too for the effective leadership are all about the right decision at right time.
The leader could inculcate this important skill by subjecting them to tough tasks with strict deadlines and, at the same time demands the critical thinking. The facts, figures and the outline of the task should be provided, the rest should be analyzed by the sub-leaders, critical analysis of the facts and the designing of the strategy should solely be done by the sub-leaders.
Every time the new yet challenging task should be entrusted. Consistency in these types of task will eventually make them strong in the face of the increasing challenges and, they would be able to tackle it effectively.
Subjected to such well-defined and structured training, the subordinates will eventually be able to unveil the great leadership traits possessed by them, waiting to be exposed!