LEADERSHIP

Leadership

Leadership

Definition of Leadership

Leadership is stated as the "process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task." Definitions more inclusive of followers have also emerged. Alan Keith stated that, "Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen." Tom DeMarco says that leadership needs to be distinguished from posturing. (Lagace 2010). A leader is a person in the group that possesses the combination of personality and skills that makes others want to follow his or her direction. (Pearce 2008)

My Definition of Leadership

Leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal. Put even more simply, the leader is the inspiration and director of the action. In business, leadership is welded to performance. Effective leaders are those who increase their companys' bottom lines.

Comparison of Leadership Definition Versions

In the past my understanding of leadership was first and foremost stipulated by having certain personal characteristics, like intelligence, know-how, dominance, self-confidence, accountability, integrity and interpersonal skills. The assumption underlying this understanding of leadership reflects the idea of the trait theories. Since human resources are the most valuable competitive advantage of any organization further style theories stamped my understanding of leadership. In that concern for both the tasks and people are seen as most effective style. Derived from this view of leadership my understanding was that those skills/abilities were required to be perceived as a successful and effective leader.

As a result of the studies my view of leadership altered in two ways. First of all, it revealed the limitations of the trait as well as the style theories and second it revealed the vital importance of think about leadership as a process. Furthermore the success of a manager depends on interpersonal skills. In that being a leader is a core component of the expected interactions in various circumstances.

First of all, one of the most essential qualities to becoming a successful leader is having the ability to communicate effectively. A leader must be able to convey his ideas to diverse individuals and adjust their styles to meet the needs of the people they lead. A business cannot accomplish any of its goals without the collaboration of the entire office. A leader must be able to effectively get his ideas across to his co-workers day in and day out in order to be successful.

Not only that, a great leader must acquire the ability to make tough decisions no matter what the risk may be. He can not be concerned with how others will look at him based on a decision. A great leader must have confidence in himself as well as his abilities to lead effectively. He should recognize the costly penalty that indecision can have on an organization, and avoids that situation at all costs.

Leadership remains one of the most relevant aspects of the organizational context. However, defining leadership has been challenging and definitions can vary depending on ...