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.”
Showing posts with label Leadership Style. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Leadership Style. Show all posts
Saturday, February 27, 2010
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.
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.
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
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!
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!
Six Simple Steps For Good Communication
“Communication is the real work of leadership,”-Nitin Nohria
The effectiveness of any leadership style and approach wholly rely on the leadership vision and, if only the leadership vision is communicated properly to the team, the best can be expected by the team mates for the success depends upon the communication where the leader is able to properly unveil his views, ideas and what he is thinking and feeling.
There are several ways of achieving the best communication between leaders and team mates that would lead to mutual understanding as well as good, friendly relations between the leader and team mates. When such a supporting and conducive aura for work has been created, the subordinates will always feel like being motivated and inspired and would work harder to give the best.
The effective communication is the one where receiver has got the message what the transmitter intend to communicate.
There are some easy yet effective steps that if implemented by the leaders ensure the good communication between the leaders and subordinates.
• Knowing Your Followers
Knowing the intellectual, mental level of the followers is a prerequisite for the helpful communication. The authentic leader successfully smells the fragrance of abilities, surrounding the individual follower. The leader is the able to accentuate the fragrance by polishing his abilities through the proper conveyance of his ideas.
The more deeply the leader is aware of the abilities, the knowledge and the mental level of the followers, the easier it would be for him to simplify his leadership vision for the effective communication to the team workers. This promises the welcoming breeze of success ahead.
• Writing Down Your Vision
The tasks and the important aspects of the vision should be given in black and white to the subordinates. The more the vision is in writing form, the concrete the existence is and the attainable the goals would be.
Having this in writing would first of all give the best idea of the goals and the path planned for it. Secondly, the subordinates could relate their progress by looking and reading the written goals. Thirdly, the message of the leader could be explained to the followers in the simpler form that could be approached by the mind of even those who are not having any prior knowledge. Moreover, the verbally said thing is least effective and lasting as compared to the written thing. It gives a very firm look and succeeds in getting the required result across the board.
• Presenting The Ideas
A session should be arranged a day or two after the written form of the vision is handed to the subordinates. The purpose of the session should be to allow the subordinates to come up with the fascinating and creative ideas that make the task livelier and worth achieving. The leaders himself must provide the different ideas too. This would result in the influx of the challenging yet alluring ideas and would ensure the healthier and well-structured communication between the leaders and the team workers.
• Actively Listening
“With the fluidity of information in business today, leaders need to be masterful listeners; they need to be able to receive as well as send.”- Badaracco
Good communication can not be ensured as long as one is not the good listener. The more the leaders pay heed to the subordinates ideas and problems, the closer he would be to them and understandable communication would stem from it. Only the good listening would produce the good response by the leader and a clear logical answer, too.
Listening is the basic model for the integrity in communication that facilitates mutual understanding and increases the chances of the victory.
• Clarifying the Queries
During the course of the task, it is logical that the subordinates would come up with some confusion when a cloud of confusion hovers around their mind. Therefore, the task of leader is to arrange a question-answer session where it should be the utmost endeavor of the leader to clarify the queries of the subordinates either by displaying slides or by giving examples and by verbally explaining it. The higher the exchange of words and ideas would, the stronger the communication knot would be.
• Exchange Of Feedback
Feedback is immensely imperative for the successfully good communication between the leader and the subordinates. The leader is supposed to give feedback on the activities and work of the subordinates. However, the importance of this very feedback demands the greater care in the selection of words for the negativity can hamper the skills of the follower. It does not imply that the mistakes should not be told to the follower but, it could be done so by the very aptly chosen supportive and optimistic words.
Though the feedback by the leader is important, the essence of the feedback could not be ignored either. At the end of the day, the subordinates should be spurred to give feedback of the activities and come up with any possible suggestions, too. It would improve the working aura and would promise the success too.
The greater the exchange of ideas would be and more properly the problems would be addressed, the healthier the communication would be and finer the chances of selection. This highlights the importance of the communication and the good communication skill can be attained by simply following the above-mentioned techniques. Happy successful leadership!
Instilling The True Leadership characteristics In Tomorrow’s Leaders!!
Our children will inherit the world that will be full of complexes, ambiguities and other social, political and economic problems and, in order to best cater with the growing problems, they have to be strong, sturdy, possessing the best leadership skills.
When such an immense necessity is of leadership characteristics, the children should be made acquainted with leadership styles, its theories and its traits at an early age, to nurture them as a successful leader in the best possible way.
The article well covers the important characteristics required for a leader and, unveil the different approaches at academic levels that would bring out of them a potential leadership.
There lies a wide array of leadership styles, classifying the diverse behaviors, actions and characteristics of varied people. However, the most successful is the “transformational Leadership Style” for; it encompasses the collective motivation and participation of leaders and subordinates, providing a source of inspiration for subordinates. Also, it could be applied while tackling various problems. Therefore, it is exceptionally important to carve our children as the transformational leader to best tackle the future adversities.
Good Communicator, Creative and Innovative, Imaginative, Keen Observer, Decisive, Responsible, fully aware, Motivated, Flexible, Assertive, Optimistic and Social; these are the hallmarks of the leader’s characteristics and, these could ensure the unconquerable leadership.
The fundamental qualities can be instilled by introducing few measures in the curriculum
• Good Communication Skills
The present globalized world is all about information and communication. No matter how much skills does a person possess, no matter how much intelligent and knowledgeable he is, it can not be displayed properly if the person lacks good communication skills. Hence, it is extremely vital to improve and mature the communication skills of pupils.
To instill the comprehensible communication skills, campus education must encourage public-speaking. Pupils must be assigned with some topics for presentation and at the assigned date, allow the children to express their ideas articulately in front of the students, teachers and administration staff. The audience must be spurred to come up with the useful question to alleviate the good communication and understanding skills of both.
Moreover, the children should be allowed to guide youth club members on the topic of their interest as a teacher, covering each and every niche of topic. Group discussion, conferences and debate competitions should be organized to encourage healthy conversation, giving them an opportunity to present their ideas articulately and fluently.
An effective way of developing the communication leadership skills is to allow the children to conduct assemblies, functions and do live coverage of the celebrations on religious days, national and international days. This will boost up their confidence and will unveil the best communication skills of them.
• Creativity, Innovation And Imagination
Arts, mathematics, sciences are full of projects and assignments that could compel the pupil to effectively use their brain to come up with logical solutions .These assignments foster creativeness, quick decisive power and stimulates rational behavior and thinking. Moreover, these subject exist due to the contribution of great leaders such as scientists, painters, calligraphers, educationist etc.It will allow them with the deep analysis of their contributions as a leader and would act as inspirations for them in future life, that is hungrily waiting for their superb leadership skills for a promising success.
A theme should be assigned to students monthly, allowing them to come up with any possible contribution covering the title from any angle. This would enable students to unleash their critical thinking and creative ideas. The display of all those things at the end of month will enable the true exchange of ideas and would allow them to trust on their invincible capabilities.
• Keen Observation
The most effective way is to take the students to any recreational site and ask them to list all the sights and sounds and explain each sight and sound with the web of creative, meaningful words that picture the scene as finely as possible. Also, read the services and the extra ordinary qualities and work of all the great leaders and, display some of the work on slides for a short while. Ask random questions to judge their observational and listening skills.
• Decision Power And Resilience
Organize the youth clubs, science, literary and English clubs and allow them to organize at least an activity a month. The school administration just allocates some specific budget; let the rest to be decided by the members. This will polish their decision making skills, develop their self-confidence and trust on themselves. Also, in case of any mistake on their part, they have to be resilient to support their decision.
Head Girls, Deputy Head Girls and prefect, all are the part of each and every school to maintain discipline. The best approach in choosing the young leaders is to allow the students to take decision. This can be done by organizing an election campaign week, allowing each candidate to speak few words about their plans and future changes. Students will analyze their capabilities and would vote for the one who think are the best. This decision power will allow them to realize the power of their vote, learn about the importance of democracy and will let them ponder over their decisions too. The will muster enough courage to stand up for their decision and face the consequences, no matter what.
• Optimism
The optimistic thinking could be best inculcated if teachers use only the positive language in explaining any thing dreadful and dangerous. Also, in any open play ground, allow the students to list the bad and good sights and sounds. Furthermore, ask the students to list the good aspects of the previous day. This would allow them to find a ray of hope even no matter how worst the day had been. The student must be acquainted with the background and reasonable information of any thing and personality and, then should be asked to summarize the positive aspects only. All these measures would make them sanguine to the core.
• Sociability And Flexibility
These are the most important leadership traits required in today’s leaders .In fact these form the true essence for an authentic leadership. The transformational leadership itself is all about the sociability and flexibility. These leadership skills can be infused by entrusting with the tasks that allow group members cooperation as much as possible.
Encourage the group leader to take decisions that transform the ideals of all in to realism, keeping in view their vision. This will help him to have good social behavior as well as flexibility in his approach. The group members should also be encouraged to amalgamate the suggestions of all in such a way that ensures the victorious outcome.
Once all these actions are taken, the genuine leadership qualities will become the part of their incomparable personality, eventually leading them to be a successful leader. The students are future of tomorrow; any careless mistake on our part could explode their future in no time, creating a huge problem on the face of earth. That’s why it is exceptionally important to water these seeds with good efforts to make them strong, sturdy plant that cheerfully blooms in the blissful blossoms of successful people.
When such an immense necessity is of leadership characteristics, the children should be made acquainted with leadership styles, its theories and its traits at an early age, to nurture them as a successful leader in the best possible way.
The article well covers the important characteristics required for a leader and, unveil the different approaches at academic levels that would bring out of them a potential leadership.
There lies a wide array of leadership styles, classifying the diverse behaviors, actions and characteristics of varied people. However, the most successful is the “transformational Leadership Style” for; it encompasses the collective motivation and participation of leaders and subordinates, providing a source of inspiration for subordinates. Also, it could be applied while tackling various problems. Therefore, it is exceptionally important to carve our children as the transformational leader to best tackle the future adversities.
Good Communicator, Creative and Innovative, Imaginative, Keen Observer, Decisive, Responsible, fully aware, Motivated, Flexible, Assertive, Optimistic and Social; these are the hallmarks of the leader’s characteristics and, these could ensure the unconquerable leadership.
The fundamental qualities can be instilled by introducing few measures in the curriculum
• Good Communication Skills
The present globalized world is all about information and communication. No matter how much skills does a person possess, no matter how much intelligent and knowledgeable he is, it can not be displayed properly if the person lacks good communication skills. Hence, it is extremely vital to improve and mature the communication skills of pupils.
To instill the comprehensible communication skills, campus education must encourage public-speaking. Pupils must be assigned with some topics for presentation and at the assigned date, allow the children to express their ideas articulately in front of the students, teachers and administration staff. The audience must be spurred to come up with the useful question to alleviate the good communication and understanding skills of both.
Moreover, the children should be allowed to guide youth club members on the topic of their interest as a teacher, covering each and every niche of topic. Group discussion, conferences and debate competitions should be organized to encourage healthy conversation, giving them an opportunity to present their ideas articulately and fluently.
An effective way of developing the communication leadership skills is to allow the children to conduct assemblies, functions and do live coverage of the celebrations on religious days, national and international days. This will boost up their confidence and will unveil the best communication skills of them.
• Creativity, Innovation And Imagination
Arts, mathematics, sciences are full of projects and assignments that could compel the pupil to effectively use their brain to come up with logical solutions .These assignments foster creativeness, quick decisive power and stimulates rational behavior and thinking. Moreover, these subject exist due to the contribution of great leaders such as scientists, painters, calligraphers, educationist etc.It will allow them with the deep analysis of their contributions as a leader and would act as inspirations for them in future life, that is hungrily waiting for their superb leadership skills for a promising success.
A theme should be assigned to students monthly, allowing them to come up with any possible contribution covering the title from any angle. This would enable students to unleash their critical thinking and creative ideas. The display of all those things at the end of month will enable the true exchange of ideas and would allow them to trust on their invincible capabilities.
• Keen Observation
The most effective way is to take the students to any recreational site and ask them to list all the sights and sounds and explain each sight and sound with the web of creative, meaningful words that picture the scene as finely as possible. Also, read the services and the extra ordinary qualities and work of all the great leaders and, display some of the work on slides for a short while. Ask random questions to judge their observational and listening skills.
• Decision Power And Resilience
Organize the youth clubs, science, literary and English clubs and allow them to organize at least an activity a month. The school administration just allocates some specific budget; let the rest to be decided by the members. This will polish their decision making skills, develop their self-confidence and trust on themselves. Also, in case of any mistake on their part, they have to be resilient to support their decision.
Head Girls, Deputy Head Girls and prefect, all are the part of each and every school to maintain discipline. The best approach in choosing the young leaders is to allow the students to take decision. This can be done by organizing an election campaign week, allowing each candidate to speak few words about their plans and future changes. Students will analyze their capabilities and would vote for the one who think are the best. This decision power will allow them to realize the power of their vote, learn about the importance of democracy and will let them ponder over their decisions too. The will muster enough courage to stand up for their decision and face the consequences, no matter what.
• Optimism
The optimistic thinking could be best inculcated if teachers use only the positive language in explaining any thing dreadful and dangerous. Also, in any open play ground, allow the students to list the bad and good sights and sounds. Furthermore, ask the students to list the good aspects of the previous day. This would allow them to find a ray of hope even no matter how worst the day had been. The student must be acquainted with the background and reasonable information of any thing and personality and, then should be asked to summarize the positive aspects only. All these measures would make them sanguine to the core.
• Sociability And Flexibility
These are the most important leadership traits required in today’s leaders .In fact these form the true essence for an authentic leadership. The transformational leadership itself is all about the sociability and flexibility. These leadership skills can be infused by entrusting with the tasks that allow group members cooperation as much as possible.
Encourage the group leader to take decisions that transform the ideals of all in to realism, keeping in view their vision. This will help him to have good social behavior as well as flexibility in his approach. The group members should also be encouraged to amalgamate the suggestions of all in such a way that ensures the victorious outcome.
Once all these actions are taken, the genuine leadership qualities will become the part of their incomparable personality, eventually leading them to be a successful leader. The students are future of tomorrow; any careless mistake on our part could explode their future in no time, creating a huge problem on the face of earth. That’s why it is exceptionally important to water these seeds with good efforts to make them strong, sturdy plant that cheerfully blooms in the blissful blossoms of successful people.
Assessing The Leadership Skills In A Job applicant
The present world is constantly emerging as more competitive and demanding. In order to cope with up with the fast emerging trends, it has become immensely necessary to have the employees which posses the best leadership skills that are essential for job since, the competent, effective leadership is the necessity at all the levels.
Since creative leadership traits have become an increasing demand of all the organizations, here are some tests that would enable the employer to finely judge the leadership skills in the employee for the best selection.
The Psychological Test
It consists of a series of question and answers that allow perceiving the character and thinking of the employee. It includes a series of some group versus individual tests. It helps the employer to evaluate that how much the employee is inclined to have good communication and understanding between him, his team mates and the subordinates. The proper assessment of one’s character is essential as it gives the idea of how much flexible he is in his approach.
If the job requires the participative or employee-centered style to be implemented, this test is indispensable as it gives the idea of how much he is task oriented and good at human relations, the main prerequisite of the styles.
The Ability Test
This test is not basically the test of any required leadership skill but since the good knowledge of the job ensures the right guidance by the leader, this test is essential. Also, if the employee is the subordinate of any leader, the good knowledge is vital to come up with the challenging, creative ideas in participative leadership.
The Personality Test
This test examines the behavior and actions of the person when subjected to different situations. A leader has to be optimistic and remain cool even in the tense, hot situation. This is essential as it infuses the feeling of confidence and trust among the subordinates, required for the optimum efforts by the subordinates.
The test involves some group activities, with the tough deadlines. The employees are keenly observed through out the task to judge the confidence, sharpness and the decision-making ability of the leader.
Emotional Intelligence Test
This test is aimed at evaluating the ability of an employee to control his feelings and emotions. The leadership styles that demand the good social relations between the subordinates and the leader, the positive emotional intelligence tests are then rightly demanded.
It facilitates the employee to ascertain the social and communication skills of the employee and how much he is aware of the surroundings and could well control his impact on others. This test helps to examine the balanced approach of the employee in getting the assigned work from the subordinates and exercising his leadership authorities on them.
Integrity Test
Integrity is one the exceptionally important leadership trait. Every good leader is found to possess this tremendous skill. This test gives an idea of whether the person will indulge in any unfair means. The honesty, sincerity and commitment of the employee could be well ascertained through this test.
The test includes some activities and leadership questionnaire to assess the sincerity and honesty in his words and actions. If there lies the deep, closer link between what he answered in the questionnaire and what he does in the practical task, the person possess integrity, the most imperative leadership skill.
Interview
The last but not the least is the interview test which allows the leader to figure out the confidence and the communication skills of the employer. If the interview is structure based, with some challenging questions, the employee can well discover the decision-making capability of the individual.
The effective leadership requires the good decision-making ability. Hence; the structured interview will help the employee to ascertain leadership characteristic in the individual. Once all these tests are properly performed, the authentic leadership can be easily figured out among the masses.
Since creative leadership traits have become an increasing demand of all the organizations, here are some tests that would enable the employer to finely judge the leadership skills in the employee for the best selection.
The Psychological Test
It consists of a series of question and answers that allow perceiving the character and thinking of the employee. It includes a series of some group versus individual tests. It helps the employer to evaluate that how much the employee is inclined to have good communication and understanding between him, his team mates and the subordinates. The proper assessment of one’s character is essential as it gives the idea of how much flexible he is in his approach.
If the job requires the participative or employee-centered style to be implemented, this test is indispensable as it gives the idea of how much he is task oriented and good at human relations, the main prerequisite of the styles.
The Ability Test
This test is not basically the test of any required leadership skill but since the good knowledge of the job ensures the right guidance by the leader, this test is essential. Also, if the employee is the subordinate of any leader, the good knowledge is vital to come up with the challenging, creative ideas in participative leadership.
The Personality Test
This test examines the behavior and actions of the person when subjected to different situations. A leader has to be optimistic and remain cool even in the tense, hot situation. This is essential as it infuses the feeling of confidence and trust among the subordinates, required for the optimum efforts by the subordinates.
The test involves some group activities, with the tough deadlines. The employees are keenly observed through out the task to judge the confidence, sharpness and the decision-making ability of the leader.
Emotional Intelligence Test
This test is aimed at evaluating the ability of an employee to control his feelings and emotions. The leadership styles that demand the good social relations between the subordinates and the leader, the positive emotional intelligence tests are then rightly demanded.
It facilitates the employee to ascertain the social and communication skills of the employee and how much he is aware of the surroundings and could well control his impact on others. This test helps to examine the balanced approach of the employee in getting the assigned work from the subordinates and exercising his leadership authorities on them.
Integrity Test
Integrity is one the exceptionally important leadership trait. Every good leader is found to possess this tremendous skill. This test gives an idea of whether the person will indulge in any unfair means. The honesty, sincerity and commitment of the employee could be well ascertained through this test.
The test includes some activities and leadership questionnaire to assess the sincerity and honesty in his words and actions. If there lies the deep, closer link between what he answered in the questionnaire and what he does in the practical task, the person possess integrity, the most imperative leadership skill.
Interview
The last but not the least is the interview test which allows the leader to figure out the confidence and the communication skills of the employer. If the interview is structure based, with some challenging questions, the employee can well discover the decision-making capability of the individual.
The effective leadership requires the good decision-making ability. Hence; the structured interview will help the employee to ascertain leadership characteristic in the individual. Once all these tests are properly performed, the authentic leadership can be easily figured out among the masses.
Are You A Successful Leader?
Leadership 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 .
The researchers have suggested the various leadership styles, theories and characteristics but what pledges the guaranteed triumph, the question is still in discussion. The successful leader can be defined as the one who has attained in all the tasks and has remained as an outstanding and influential person through out his job.
The article puts light on some of the qualities possessed by all the great leaders of the past.
The successful leadership stems from being exceptionally sharp in decision-making and always come up with the right conclusions at demanding time. The leaders carefully analyze the facts and figures and open a new episode of creativity, each time they express their ideas. He possesses the ability to best interpret the information and reach at more practical and lucrative solutions.
The successful leaders possess vitality in his actions which instill the inspiration and the unbeatable feeling of motivation in the followers. This insurmountable inspiration and motivation acts as a catalyst towards the promising success. To get the task done, this is an important step by the leader as, it produces the cohesive feeling among the team mates. He must have a correct idea of the weakness and strengths of the individual and then work accordingly to bring them together, as a whole
Importantly, the successful leader is good at transferring his ideas and vision. The fluency, the enthusiasm with which he conveys his ideas to the subordinates engulf them with an invincible feeling of promised success. The clearer he is in his vision and goals, the better would be the performance of the followers.
To be an effective leader, he must have the true insight of the leadership styles and what style suits which situation. Only the apt of the situation and selection of the styles accordingly would assure the accomplishment of goals. On the basis of the individuals knowledge, the resources available, the related experiment, the nature of task and the relations with subordinates; the decision of situation is made in to effect.
Integrity in the words and actions is essential leadership skill. If the subordinates believe on the words of the leader, he would trust on him and will look forward to him in the troublesome situations. He would be expected to make fair judgments. The leader must be honest a in his judgments and must give the juniors their due reward; this will instill confidence in them to trust on their abilities and work harder.
To come up as an authentic leader, he has to make a leader among his subordinates. History has proved that only those leaders are written in the golden pages of history that have produced true leaders. For this to be done effectively, the leader must act as a role model for the subordinates and should keep his words. He must entrust the subordinates with few authorities in certain matters and expect the best from them. Timely guidance, instilling confidence through responsibilities would carve their skills of leadership, which would be unveiled as the situation demands.
If these superb qualities are the hallmarks of one’s character, he is truly a successful leader-the only support in the violent sea of crisis!
The researchers have suggested the various leadership styles, theories and characteristics but what pledges the guaranteed triumph, the question is still in discussion. The successful leader can be defined as the one who has attained in all the tasks and has remained as an outstanding and influential person through out his job.
The article puts light on some of the qualities possessed by all the great leaders of the past.
The successful leadership stems from being exceptionally sharp in decision-making and always come up with the right conclusions at demanding time. The leaders carefully analyze the facts and figures and open a new episode of creativity, each time they express their ideas. He possesses the ability to best interpret the information and reach at more practical and lucrative solutions.
The successful leaders possess vitality in his actions which instill the inspiration and the unbeatable feeling of motivation in the followers. This insurmountable inspiration and motivation acts as a catalyst towards the promising success. To get the task done, this is an important step by the leader as, it produces the cohesive feeling among the team mates. He must have a correct idea of the weakness and strengths of the individual and then work accordingly to bring them together, as a whole
Importantly, the successful leader is good at transferring his ideas and vision. The fluency, the enthusiasm with which he conveys his ideas to the subordinates engulf them with an invincible feeling of promised success. The clearer he is in his vision and goals, the better would be the performance of the followers.
To be an effective leader, he must have the true insight of the leadership styles and what style suits which situation. Only the apt of the situation and selection of the styles accordingly would assure the accomplishment of goals. On the basis of the individuals knowledge, the resources available, the related experiment, the nature of task and the relations with subordinates; the decision of situation is made in to effect.
Integrity in the words and actions is essential leadership skill. If the subordinates believe on the words of the leader, he would trust on him and will look forward to him in the troublesome situations. He would be expected to make fair judgments. The leader must be honest a in his judgments and must give the juniors their due reward; this will instill confidence in them to trust on their abilities and work harder.
To come up as an authentic leader, he has to make a leader among his subordinates. History has proved that only those leaders are written in the golden pages of history that have produced true leaders. For this to be done effectively, the leader must act as a role model for the subordinates and should keep his words. He must entrust the subordinates with few authorities in certain matters and expect the best from them. Timely guidance, instilling confidence through responsibilities would carve their skills of leadership, which would be unveiled as the situation demands.
If these superb qualities are the hallmarks of one’s character, he is truly a successful leader-the only support in the violent sea of crisis!
Top Five Leadership Styles
The well popular and the immensely important concept of leadership unveils with itself many approaches, leadership styles and skills which if truly applied and are well integrated ,keeping in view the reality and the depth of goal, will ensure the positive, promising environment for success. These leadership styles are emerged from the different theories put forwarded after the thorough research.
There lies a broad spectrum of leadership styles, ranging from the classic, old and bossy styles to the modern, participative and thoughtful styles, successfully catering the needs of as diverse situations as the styles possibly are. It covers all the areas of leadership, ranging from a small school to a corporate organization, from the coaching of athletes to running a successful business; only the apt selection of leadership style and proper application of it, ensures the effective leadership across the board.
The following are the most common leadership styles
Authoritarian Or Autocratic Style
This sort of leadership style mainly revolves around the power of the leader where the leader, solely, exercises all the powers and the subordinates are only expected to complete the designed job without any questioning. Since all the activities are controlled by leader and the subordinates are not taken in to confidence, so they are highly uncertain of their future. This results in high absenteeism and staff turnover. The leader does not participate in the group and, just come up with directions to the subordinates. Hence; this style lacks creativity and innovation of new ideas and techniques that come up if young subordinates are given at least a little free hand. These budding minds then feel like being bottled- up and are totally confined.
This style is generally viewed as the bossy or dictatorship style.
It is helpful only in the situation when the leaders possess the excellence in knowledge or there is lack of decision-making time.
Democratic Or Participative Style
This type of leadership style is truly creative as it permits all the subordinates to participate in the decision making process by coming up with ideal suggestion and creative ideas. Here, the subordinates are fully involved in the task, from decision-making process to working on it with commitment and, hence they are highly certain of their future and can visualize their success in near future. This impulse acts as a source of motivation.
Since, this style encourages the maximum participation on both sides; there lies the good communication and friendliness between the leader and the subordinates. Hence, this style could be well applied in the situations which are task-oriented and, at the same time demands the good, comprehensible communication.
It minimizes the aggression, hostility and grievances among the group members and paves way to the greater satisfaction and high morale. It ensures the personal development of subordinates, too.
Employee-Centered Style
The employee-centered style is little bit more freedom oriented than democratic style. The leaders just designed the achievable goals and, articulately explain it to the employers. The rest is the job of the subordinates to follow any possible strategy that paves the way to success. The leaders then focus on the human aspect of the subordinates and motivate them in the application of their useful thoughts.
This style is best applied on the subordinates who possess the considerable knowledge about the task.
Production-Centered Style
The style is quite contrary to the employee-centered style where the focus is on the production rather than on the human aspect. The employers are kept pushed to meet the deadlines without giving deserved attention to the assigned task. The focus is mainly on the increased productivity and the best use of employers is made to attain this target.
This style can no longer be applied in today’s scenario where the subordinates are not willing to be directed and pushed all the time. In fact, today’s scenario portrays that the subordinate is more leader than the leader himself.
Supportive Style
This style is linked with the psychological relation between leaders and subordinates, which springs from the good mutual understanding and good communication skills. Leader, when adopting supportive leadership, appreciates and truly acknowledges the work of subordinates, does not force the worker to do beyond his capacity and often keeps in mind the problems of subordinate. In fact the leader appears more as a source of help to the subordinates. More than that, he always stand up for the rights and efforts of the subordinates and, do not criticize them harshly or even in front of others. The leader is willing to get influx of ideas from the subordinates and, often appreciates and rewards them for their extraordinary thinking.
When such a strong, motivated and appreciably good relationship exists between them, they subordinates feel motivated and always endeavor to do the best.
However, this relationship can not be solely applied. It has to be integrated with the employee-centered style or participative style, the required perceived results can then be guaranteed.
The leadership styles are extremely diverse and their effective application is totally subjected to the situation. The hallmark of a true leadership is that it analyzes the changing attitudes, values and the situation appropriately and then implements the blend of leadership styles, which reflect those changes, that eventually ensures the good outcome at the end.
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