The past research on leadership has revealed many of its aspects and has come up with many successful leadership theories and a wide array of leadership styles; however, none of the theory and style could assure the promising success if followed in an organization or even in a department of the organization. The present complex yet intriguing scenario demands a multi-skilled leader, capable of using the variety of leadership styles when dealing with different confronting situations.
Research concludes that it is not only the leadership styles, leadership skills and traits that ensure the effective leadership but, the various situational factors and the interaction between leaders and followers also play an immense part in analyzing the effective leadership.
For the proper analysis of situation and then gradually deciding the style to be implemented; one should judge the situation from different dimensions.
Degree Of Authority
First thing to be assessed is the amount of power a leader is entrusted with in an organization. Such as the degree of financial resources and the expertise available, the deadlines for the particular task and the directions and limitations accompanying the task. The more the leader is allowed to play a free hand by the organization, the better he be able to lead the group properly and obtain the results without the use of autocratic approach.
Nature Of The Task
The nature of the task affects the leadership style too. If the goals are well defined to the followers along with the steps available to be taken, the more easily the best results would be obtained. The good quality can be ensured and the followers could be made responsible as well as rewarded for their tasks. However, if the work is task oriented and the goals are unstructured, there will be room for distractions and, there are high chances that the efforts of followers are not channeled well. Hence, the outcome would not be productive either.
Communication skills
The factors like interpersonal communication skills, mutual understanding and the relationship between the leader and followers are of immense importance to judge the effectiveness of any applied style as the authority exercised by leader and the task to be accomplished are highly under the control of the organization but, here in personal relations and understanding, the leader is totally independent of organization.Hence,if the relations exercised by both the parties are good and are based on mutual understandings, the democratic or participative style can prove to be effective for leadership.
Judging The Most Appropriate Leadership
Considering the authority of leader, the nature of task and the relations between leaders and followers’ one could decide the situation and based on that situation, leadership style and the degree leadership success could be assessed.
If the leader’s power is weak and the task is not clearly defined, along with poor, dotted relations with the followers, the situation is unfavorable. The successful leadership can be ensured by adopting a style that focuses more on task by using autocratic style where, all the decisions are taken solely by leader and the subordinated are directed to do certain tasks. Though, the subordinates would be uncertain of their future but, the maximum results could be achieved by directing the team mates at all steps.
On the other hand, when the situation is extremely favorable such as the power exercised by the leader is maximum, the tasks are articulately defined and, the strong, well-supported relations are established, the leader can focus solely on the attainment of goal by adopting the democratic style which permits the followers to come up with useful suggestions and, they are well integrated in the decision making process too.
However, when the situation is a balance between favorable and unfavorable i.e. moderate; the successful leadership can be achieved when the leader focuses on the relations. Under this situation, the leader should follow employee-centered style where the goals are defined to subordinates and they are given full freedom to do it in the way they want to do. The leader focuses on the human aspect and the goals solely.
The authentic leadership comes when the leader critically analysis the situation well and integrate it with different styles and approaches. Neither the task oriented approach nor the good relationship approach could be effective unless it is well integrated with the true essence of goal. The more amalgamated sort of styles one pursues, the more successful he would be. The things like his confidence on system and the subordinates, the expectations from the subordinates and from the organization play imperative part in determining the leadership success.However, once all the assessments are made carefully, keeping in view the above-mentioned factors and the styles are implemented accordingly, the increase in inclination towards leadership effectiveness can be assured.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Visionary Leadership
The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet- Theodore M. Hesburgh
The leadership model applied in the firms and multinational companies focus on the visionary aspect of the leadership. Having a clearly defined vision is imperative for a leader, or else it would be like he is rowing in the sea to aimlessly, totally at the mercy of waves to decide his destination.
Visionary leadership is a step towards a promising success for, visionary leaders entirely focuses their energies on the goal and, aim at bringing out the best in the individuals by concentrating more on opportunities rather than confining obstacles. He takes initiatives, suggest solutions, take timely decisions and implement it with help of rightly guided subordinates to turn the obstacles in to opportunities.
Sense Of Ownership
Visionary leadership can only be attained if a leader feels like being owner of the authorities given to him. Only when he feels it deep from the heart and exercise his authorities, he will be more likely to appear as a visionary leader by sharing his vision with followers. The idealism of the vision can be changed in to realism only when the leader shares his vision with the delegates and empower them by giving them their due authority and responsibility.
Source Of Inspiration
Visionary leaderships is rewarding and demanding at the time. You have to stand up passionately for your decisions and face the criticism optimistically and whole heartedly. Moreover, you have to bear the brunt of any mishap or any action on the part of subordinate. This is to manifest the true commitment from deep inside down, through words as well as actions; this strong, unbeatable commitment would be a source of inspiration and motivation for the subordinates. This very source of inspiration and motivation will engulf the subordinates and leaders, infusing in them a spiritual inclination towards hard work, which would bring the best out of them.
Good Communication Skills
Comprehensible and good communication skills are crucial to be attained to exercise the leadership of vision. The visionary leader has to appear black, rather than gray, in the midst of white crowds; and only when he is able to communicate articulately, convey his vision fluently and enthusiastically, he would appear as an effective leader. This skill is essential to gain support in the organization as well as among the peers and, also to have an influence on others. All the same, in visionary leadership, the leader has to appear as more friendly leader rather than bossy, classic leader.
Favorable Working Environment
Visionary leaders have to frame the working aura in such a way that subordinates feel like doing creative and rewarding work. It can be done so by keeping them involved in the work and by allowing them to come up with creative ideas and productive decisions. They dedication of the subordinates should be appreciated so that they can believe on their superb potential. Encourage them to share their problems and what improvements they want in work. When such shared leadership would be practiced, the subordinates would be able to understand the vision and his expectations, enabling them to mould their efforts in such a way to attain breakthroughs in the work environment.
Such a clear vision, mutual understanding and strong relationship is the essence of all the organizations and only visionary leadership could pave the way to success of such organizations.
The leadership model applied in the firms and multinational companies focus on the visionary aspect of the leadership. Having a clearly defined vision is imperative for a leader, or else it would be like he is rowing in the sea to aimlessly, totally at the mercy of waves to decide his destination.
Visionary leadership is a step towards a promising success for, visionary leaders entirely focuses their energies on the goal and, aim at bringing out the best in the individuals by concentrating more on opportunities rather than confining obstacles. He takes initiatives, suggest solutions, take timely decisions and implement it with help of rightly guided subordinates to turn the obstacles in to opportunities.
Sense Of Ownership
Visionary leadership can only be attained if a leader feels like being owner of the authorities given to him. Only when he feels it deep from the heart and exercise his authorities, he will be more likely to appear as a visionary leader by sharing his vision with followers. The idealism of the vision can be changed in to realism only when the leader shares his vision with the delegates and empower them by giving them their due authority and responsibility.
Source Of Inspiration
Visionary leaderships is rewarding and demanding at the time. You have to stand up passionately for your decisions and face the criticism optimistically and whole heartedly. Moreover, you have to bear the brunt of any mishap or any action on the part of subordinate. This is to manifest the true commitment from deep inside down, through words as well as actions; this strong, unbeatable commitment would be a source of inspiration and motivation for the subordinates. This very source of inspiration and motivation will engulf the subordinates and leaders, infusing in them a spiritual inclination towards hard work, which would bring the best out of them.
Good Communication Skills
Comprehensible and good communication skills are crucial to be attained to exercise the leadership of vision. The visionary leader has to appear black, rather than gray, in the midst of white crowds; and only when he is able to communicate articulately, convey his vision fluently and enthusiastically, he would appear as an effective leader. This skill is essential to gain support in the organization as well as among the peers and, also to have an influence on others. All the same, in visionary leadership, the leader has to appear as more friendly leader rather than bossy, classic leader.
Favorable Working Environment
Visionary leaders have to frame the working aura in such a way that subordinates feel like doing creative and rewarding work. It can be done so by keeping them involved in the work and by allowing them to come up with creative ideas and productive decisions. They dedication of the subordinates should be appreciated so that they can believe on their superb potential. Encourage them to share their problems and what improvements they want in work. When such shared leadership would be practiced, the subordinates would be able to understand the vision and his expectations, enabling them to mould their efforts in such a way to attain breakthroughs in the work environment.
Such a clear vision, mutual understanding and strong relationship is the essence of all the organizations and only visionary leadership could pave the way to success of such organizations.
Characteristics Of Transformational Leadership Traits-A Way To Promising Success!!
Defining leadership, we can say that it is a relationship between leader and followers based on ability and position, with an aim to achieve the certain goals, which is made possible through conducive environment, mutual understanding and effective communication; allowing the clear insight of vision and the steps to attain it, to the followers .
To have a successful leadership is quintessential in today’s era, to tackle effectively the cloud of adversities hovering over one head. Every niche on this planet is hunting for an effective leadership, be it a prospering organization or an illustrious school, a cornered kiosk or a grooming saloon, an agency or government institutions or simply a four-walled, comfy home; an ideal leadership is the imperative necessity of all.
The unending demand of creative leadership leads too many questions in one’s mind as what are the traits one should possess to come up as an authentic leader.In fact, authentic leadership is nothing, merely being a set of qualities that makes a person prominent in the sea of ordinarily-skilled people. However, these traits can be nurtured too.
Vision
The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. - Theodore Hesburgh
As the quote implies, first and foremost quality of thriving leadership is the leadership vision. Visionary leadership has a clear map of where to go. The visionary leader possess the ability to make concrete assessment of tomorrow and have the clear cut imaginative ideas to lead an organization or a team to an alluring accomplishment.
Judgment
Being able to analyze the fact and theories effectively and making apt decisions on these bases is quintessential for successful and effective leadership. The leadership where facts can not be weighed properly and alternatives and decisions are not taken correctly, the success is highly uncertain. It requires the critical analysis of data, keeping in view the problems and solutions and then making confident decisions, no matter how uncertain the situation is.
Decisiveness
The ability to make swift decision, after critical analysis and careful judgment of the facts, figures is what the true demand of time. The prompt but correct decisions of leader are what shape the destiny of an organization and of people associated with it. Hence, it is indispensable to come up with logical decision even in highly unfavorable aura so that hopes and aspirations of people are not shattered.
Good-communicator
Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves. - Stephen Covey
The best of leadership trait is having the good communication skills for influential leadership. More articulately and more fluently a leader is able to communicate his ideas and vision, more properly it would be achieved by followers. Good communication skills boost up mutual understanding between the followers and leader, who in turn work confidently in the most appropriate manner, to attain the desired goal.
Initiator
Once the decision is taken, even if it be welcomed with criticism, the duty of leaders is to take initiative towards it designed policy to make it apparent that you are confident of your decision that would eventually bear fruits. It will be helpful in instilling trust and confidence in followers, who make then collective effort to attain it.
Unselfishness
A true leadership trait to be possessed by all is the unselfishness i.e. giving priority to the work before concerning for self. It’ll be inspiring and motivating for the followers who will then do the same by being loyal and fully committed to the work, leading to a promised success.
Loyalty
Being loyal and fully committed to the work is what the initial demand of success. The leadership, if is loyal and honest to the company, the followers will then be loyal too. If the leader is able to inspire this uncanny loyalty in his followers, the immense collective commitment can be expected from all.
Disciplined
Deeply disciplined actions and thoughts are hall marks in the wide array of “best leadership qualities.” A disciplined leader ensures the correct prioritization of the tasks and remains adhered to the vision and mission of the organization, along with the organized involvement of team, so as to bring out the best. Its helps them to fulfill their roles and responsibilities in a systematic way, within the entrusted time frame, with least possible distraction.
Self-confidence
A real leader faces the music, even when he doesn't like the tune. - Anon
Self-confidence, a key to successful leadership. It’s about having faith on your abilities and judgments, in spite of confining and piercing criticism. This invincible leadership characteristic allows the person to stick to the decision and be optimistic in dealing with all the hurdles that come in his way. All this can be achieved through leadership vision and setting smaller goals to let yourself trust on your abilities and becoming firm on your decision gradually. This will ensures the personal development of a person, too.
Integrity
Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions. Harold Geneen
Leader must possess integrity that is being honest and truthful in character and actions so that followers could trust him and follow him. As long as his actions reflect his words, followers will put complete trust on his policies and will be all the time willing whole heartedly to give the best. Followers will approach him all the time for, they trust on him.
Perseverance
It demands the leader to put all its time and energy on the set goals to ensure the promising achievements. This leadership skill sets as an inspiration for the followers, who on visualizing the dedication and sincerity on the part of leader; feel motivated to give to the fullest, which results in the better and timely attainment of the assigned targets.
Magnanimity
Magnanimity allows the leader to give the followers their due credit. A successful leadership truly acknowledges the crucial part played by followers and gives them their due reward, so as to ensure the consistency on their part. It also demands the leader to be the sole absorbent of failures and discouraging remarks, preventing any remote hint of it to the followers, for the optimism to diffuse itself all over the team thus, ensuring the lasting triumph. It does not imply that you keep the followers in dark, regarding the hard truths, but you convey them in an optimistic way so that their performance is least affected.
Openness
Being open to the criticism, new ideas and feedback is exceptionally essential for the collective development of leadership and followers. It will ensure the influx of challenging and new ideas that will nourish their vision more finely, making the goal more interesting and fascinating to be achieved. It will also result in the personal development of the followers and leaders.Moreover, being open to the feedback by follower would allow the mutual understanding to boost between leader and follower and will remove any existing misunderstandings.
Endurance
Gradually when you are acknowledged as an effective leader, the more you are burdened with challenging tasks and confronting criticism. At this crucial time, the perseverance and patience is highly important leadership trait. The leader must possess mental and physical stamina to endure the gloomy aura, so as to be welcomed by warm, bright success. It can be done well by focusing solely on your goal and being firmly confident of what you do.
Courage
Ability to accept constructive criticism is the hallmark of leadership trait. As long as the leader take the criticism with good heart and drive better results from it, the leader can ensure the success by driving and implementing different ideas from the criticism.
Justice
One of the indispensable leadership characteristic is being impartial and consistent in decisions and dealings. He must listen to everyone’s voice with equal importance and then jump to conclusions, considering the facts, without even the tinge of unfairness and favoritism.when the followers perceive that they are treated fairly and are given their due rights, they would be more loyal and committed to the organization and the leader.
The people who possess the useful amalgamation of these entire leadership traits would eventually be prominent in the midst of ordinary crowds and will guide the destination of many towards eternal success since, all the leadership challenges and hurdles could easily be tackled by such a leader and his vision is based on the collective good for all!!
To have a successful leadership is quintessential in today’s era, to tackle effectively the cloud of adversities hovering over one head. Every niche on this planet is hunting for an effective leadership, be it a prospering organization or an illustrious school, a cornered kiosk or a grooming saloon, an agency or government institutions or simply a four-walled, comfy home; an ideal leadership is the imperative necessity of all.
The unending demand of creative leadership leads too many questions in one’s mind as what are the traits one should possess to come up as an authentic leader.In fact, authentic leadership is nothing, merely being a set of qualities that makes a person prominent in the sea of ordinarily-skilled people. However, these traits can be nurtured too.
Vision
The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. - Theodore Hesburgh
As the quote implies, first and foremost quality of thriving leadership is the leadership vision. Visionary leadership has a clear map of where to go. The visionary leader possess the ability to make concrete assessment of tomorrow and have the clear cut imaginative ideas to lead an organization or a team to an alluring accomplishment.
Judgment
Being able to analyze the fact and theories effectively and making apt decisions on these bases is quintessential for successful and effective leadership. The leadership where facts can not be weighed properly and alternatives and decisions are not taken correctly, the success is highly uncertain. It requires the critical analysis of data, keeping in view the problems and solutions and then making confident decisions, no matter how uncertain the situation is.
Decisiveness
The ability to make swift decision, after critical analysis and careful judgment of the facts, figures is what the true demand of time. The prompt but correct decisions of leader are what shape the destiny of an organization and of people associated with it. Hence, it is indispensable to come up with logical decision even in highly unfavorable aura so that hopes and aspirations of people are not shattered.
Good-communicator
Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves. - Stephen Covey
The best of leadership trait is having the good communication skills for influential leadership. More articulately and more fluently a leader is able to communicate his ideas and vision, more properly it would be achieved by followers. Good communication skills boost up mutual understanding between the followers and leader, who in turn work confidently in the most appropriate manner, to attain the desired goal.
Initiator
Once the decision is taken, even if it be welcomed with criticism, the duty of leaders is to take initiative towards it designed policy to make it apparent that you are confident of your decision that would eventually bear fruits. It will be helpful in instilling trust and confidence in followers, who make then collective effort to attain it.
Unselfishness
A true leadership trait to be possessed by all is the unselfishness i.e. giving priority to the work before concerning for self. It’ll be inspiring and motivating for the followers who will then do the same by being loyal and fully committed to the work, leading to a promised success.
Loyalty
Being loyal and fully committed to the work is what the initial demand of success. The leadership, if is loyal and honest to the company, the followers will then be loyal too. If the leader is able to inspire this uncanny loyalty in his followers, the immense collective commitment can be expected from all.
Disciplined
Deeply disciplined actions and thoughts are hall marks in the wide array of “best leadership qualities.” A disciplined leader ensures the correct prioritization of the tasks and remains adhered to the vision and mission of the organization, along with the organized involvement of team, so as to bring out the best. Its helps them to fulfill their roles and responsibilities in a systematic way, within the entrusted time frame, with least possible distraction.
Self-confidence
A real leader faces the music, even when he doesn't like the tune. - Anon
Self-confidence, a key to successful leadership. It’s about having faith on your abilities and judgments, in spite of confining and piercing criticism. This invincible leadership characteristic allows the person to stick to the decision and be optimistic in dealing with all the hurdles that come in his way. All this can be achieved through leadership vision and setting smaller goals to let yourself trust on your abilities and becoming firm on your decision gradually. This will ensures the personal development of a person, too.
Integrity
Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions. Harold Geneen
Leader must possess integrity that is being honest and truthful in character and actions so that followers could trust him and follow him. As long as his actions reflect his words, followers will put complete trust on his policies and will be all the time willing whole heartedly to give the best. Followers will approach him all the time for, they trust on him.
Perseverance
It demands the leader to put all its time and energy on the set goals to ensure the promising achievements. This leadership skill sets as an inspiration for the followers, who on visualizing the dedication and sincerity on the part of leader; feel motivated to give to the fullest, which results in the better and timely attainment of the assigned targets.
Magnanimity
Magnanimity allows the leader to give the followers their due credit. A successful leadership truly acknowledges the crucial part played by followers and gives them their due reward, so as to ensure the consistency on their part. It also demands the leader to be the sole absorbent of failures and discouraging remarks, preventing any remote hint of it to the followers, for the optimism to diffuse itself all over the team thus, ensuring the lasting triumph. It does not imply that you keep the followers in dark, regarding the hard truths, but you convey them in an optimistic way so that their performance is least affected.
Openness
Being open to the criticism, new ideas and feedback is exceptionally essential for the collective development of leadership and followers. It will ensure the influx of challenging and new ideas that will nourish their vision more finely, making the goal more interesting and fascinating to be achieved. It will also result in the personal development of the followers and leaders.Moreover, being open to the feedback by follower would allow the mutual understanding to boost between leader and follower and will remove any existing misunderstandings.
Endurance
Gradually when you are acknowledged as an effective leader, the more you are burdened with challenging tasks and confronting criticism. At this crucial time, the perseverance and patience is highly important leadership trait. The leader must possess mental and physical stamina to endure the gloomy aura, so as to be welcomed by warm, bright success. It can be done well by focusing solely on your goal and being firmly confident of what you do.
Courage
Ability to accept constructive criticism is the hallmark of leadership trait. As long as the leader take the criticism with good heart and drive better results from it, the leader can ensure the success by driving and implementing different ideas from the criticism.
Justice
One of the indispensable leadership characteristic is being impartial and consistent in decisions and dealings. He must listen to everyone’s voice with equal importance and then jump to conclusions, considering the facts, without even the tinge of unfairness and favoritism.when the followers perceive that they are treated fairly and are given their due rights, they would be more loyal and committed to the organization and the leader.
The people who possess the useful amalgamation of these entire leadership traits would eventually be prominent in the midst of ordinary crowds and will guide the destination of many towards eternal success since, all the leadership challenges and hurdles could easily be tackled by such a leader and his vision is based on the collective good for all!!
Characteristics Of Transformational Leadership
Changing times are demanding different approaches to make the best of the available opportunity. The current world scenario, its political and economic environment, all demanding unique skills and perspectives to be dealt effectively. At such a high time when the problems are as diverse as possibly could be and, solutions even more varying widely, only a “transformational leader,” possessing the best of the leadership skills, could successfully tackle the problems.
The best definition of transformational leadership is best explained by Burns (1978) “it recognizes and exploits the existing need or demand of a potential follower....and looks for potential motives in followers, seeks to satisfy higher need and engages the full person of the follower(cited in Changing Minds.org.n.d).”
The transformational leader is of great importance as it possesses these fundamental qualities to build the strong edifice of future success.
Good Communication Skills
A transformational leader motivates the follower to achieve more then what is expected. They are the inspiring, motivational source for the subordinates as they with the good, comprehensible communication skills explains their vision in the most articulate and compelling way. They elucidate the vision and mission of their organization and, by explaining the route of their strategies; they picture where there organization would stand in the next few years.
Motivational Source
Transformational leaders are an immense source of support and motivation to the leaders as they offer the opportunity to acquire or polish the skills by training them and teaching them, several projects and seminars, group discussions are organized, all intended with the purpose to provide them with the expert knowledge and the expertise. These leaders groom their subordinates, making them into skillful, creative person.
The leader visualizes the possible outcome of the planned strategy, enabling the subordinate to work harder as they know that there extra efforts are appreciated and would lead to success of the individual and team as whole.
Source Of Trust
One of the outstanding qualities of the transformational leader is that he enables the followers to look beyond their capabilities by inspiring confidence in them and making them believe in the positive aspects of their personality.
This is highly important for it allows the employees to muster their energies and give to the fullest for they believe that they would be eventually successful.
Leading To A Difference
The transformational leader believes on the beauty of upcoming new and creative ideas, leading to the individualism and uniqueness in the overall tasks.
Transformational leader inspires his subordinates to have creative ideas by engaging them effectively in work. It willingly welcomes the suggestions of the employees and integrates it with the planned strategy so as to have the maximum output and the long lasting interest of the subordinates.
Transformational leader encourages his subordinates to reach out to their goal by their innovative thinking and productive implementation, followed by supportive advises of the leader.
All this leads to the drastic difference in the overall task and, these diverse outcomes best caters the interests and goals of the diverse team members.
Transformational leadership is all about transforming, the dire need in today’s changing world, to keep the interest and to unveil the best artistic and creative thoughts, hidden inside the diverse individual, waitng to exposed!
The best definition of transformational leadership is best explained by Burns (1978) “it recognizes and exploits the existing need or demand of a potential follower....and looks for potential motives in followers, seeks to satisfy higher need and engages the full person of the follower(cited in Changing Minds.org.n.d).”
The transformational leader is of great importance as it possesses these fundamental qualities to build the strong edifice of future success.
Good Communication Skills
A transformational leader motivates the follower to achieve more then what is expected. They are the inspiring, motivational source for the subordinates as they with the good, comprehensible communication skills explains their vision in the most articulate and compelling way. They elucidate the vision and mission of their organization and, by explaining the route of their strategies; they picture where there organization would stand in the next few years.
Motivational Source
Transformational leaders are an immense source of support and motivation to the leaders as they offer the opportunity to acquire or polish the skills by training them and teaching them, several projects and seminars, group discussions are organized, all intended with the purpose to provide them with the expert knowledge and the expertise. These leaders groom their subordinates, making them into skillful, creative person.
The leader visualizes the possible outcome of the planned strategy, enabling the subordinate to work harder as they know that there extra efforts are appreciated and would lead to success of the individual and team as whole.
Source Of Trust
One of the outstanding qualities of the transformational leader is that he enables the followers to look beyond their capabilities by inspiring confidence in them and making them believe in the positive aspects of their personality.
This is highly important for it allows the employees to muster their energies and give to the fullest for they believe that they would be eventually successful.
Leading To A Difference
The transformational leader believes on the beauty of upcoming new and creative ideas, leading to the individualism and uniqueness in the overall tasks.
Transformational leader inspires his subordinates to have creative ideas by engaging them effectively in work. It willingly welcomes the suggestions of the employees and integrates it with the planned strategy so as to have the maximum output and the long lasting interest of the subordinates.
Transformational leader encourages his subordinates to reach out to their goal by their innovative thinking and productive implementation, followed by supportive advises of the leader.
All this leads to the drastic difference in the overall task and, these diverse outcomes best caters the interests and goals of the diverse team members.
Transformational leadership is all about transforming, the dire need in today’s changing world, to keep the interest and to unveil the best artistic and creative thoughts, hidden inside the diverse individual, waitng to exposed!
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.”
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.
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.
Developing the Effective Team Work For Successful Leadership
The vehicle of accomplishment is fueled by teamwork.
Leadership brings with itself an array of responsibilities which have to be fulfilled so as to come up as the authentic leader amidst the unexpected cropping up of challenges. Every aspect of the leadership, be it from the managing point of view, communication skills, time management, critical thinking or the development of team; each niche is important to its core and desire the undivided attention.
Team development is exceptionally important for there is the illustrious adage “collective we make a difference.”
Here are some tips to be worked on for the successful and desired building of the team.
Increased Communication
Assign the group activities that demand the intense and effective communication. Field work should also be the part of it since more time they spent together, they better they would understand each other and comprehensible communication would bind them in the strong ties.
Utilizing The Diversities
The more the person possess the diverse experience, the better his skills and character are carved. Every organization possesses the diverse work force to address the diversity in customers.
The leader must divide them in the groups where each group possesses the persons from the varying background.The activities should be assigned that ensures the maximum interaction and demands them to understand and learn to tolerate and appreciate the differences.
When their inclination would shift from concentrating on the differences to appreciating the similarities, the bond would be stronger and a cooperative one.
Debriefing Experience
Teamwork does involve the efforts of each individual and, therefore each individual should be made responsible for his experience.
The feeling of they being accountable could only be aroused optimistically if they are asked to debrief about their experience of the assigned task. This would not only be an alternative source of being accountable, the benefiting point up springing is that the leader would be able to read the psyche of the individual and would assign the task accordingly in the future.
Moreover, the team mates would also be able to comprehend others’ thinking and ideas, fostering a true sense of collaboration between them.
Celebrating Success
The last but not the least key for the effective team work is to celebrate the success. The subordinates must be rewarded for their thinking and their critical, creative ideas.The acknowledgment of their hard work would spur them for exceptional ideas and encourage more innovative thinking.
These essential strategies have to be undertaken to muster up to the best from the team for if the good work is being produced by the individuals, the success of the individual, team and organization can be well assured.
Leadership brings with itself an array of responsibilities which have to be fulfilled so as to come up as the authentic leader amidst the unexpected cropping up of challenges. Every aspect of the leadership, be it from the managing point of view, communication skills, time management, critical thinking or the development of team; each niche is important to its core and desire the undivided attention.
Team development is exceptionally important for there is the illustrious adage “collective we make a difference.”
Here are some tips to be worked on for the successful and desired building of the team.
Increased Communication
Assign the group activities that demand the intense and effective communication. Field work should also be the part of it since more time they spent together, they better they would understand each other and comprehensible communication would bind them in the strong ties.
Utilizing The Diversities
The more the person possess the diverse experience, the better his skills and character are carved. Every organization possesses the diverse work force to address the diversity in customers.
The leader must divide them in the groups where each group possesses the persons from the varying background.The activities should be assigned that ensures the maximum interaction and demands them to understand and learn to tolerate and appreciate the differences.
When their inclination would shift from concentrating on the differences to appreciating the similarities, the bond would be stronger and a cooperative one.
Debriefing Experience
Teamwork does involve the efforts of each individual and, therefore each individual should be made responsible for his experience.
The feeling of they being accountable could only be aroused optimistically if they are asked to debrief about their experience of the assigned task. This would not only be an alternative source of being accountable, the benefiting point up springing is that the leader would be able to read the psyche of the individual and would assign the task accordingly in the future.
Moreover, the team mates would also be able to comprehend others’ thinking and ideas, fostering a true sense of collaboration between them.
Celebrating Success
The last but not the least key for the effective team work is to celebrate the success. The subordinates must be rewarded for their thinking and their critical, creative ideas.The acknowledgment of their hard work would spur them for exceptional ideas and encourage more innovative thinking.
These essential strategies have to be undertaken to muster up to the best from the team for if the good work is being produced by the individuals, the success of the individual, team and organization can be well assured.
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