LEADERSHIP & TEAM DEVELOPMENT

Leadership & Team Development

Leadership & Team Development

Introduction

Leadership concept is used in many contexts with an array of meanings. Accordingly, there is a lack of common understanding as to what leadership is and what constitutes a good leadership. Leadership is an important concept for professionals working in different organizations. The leadership takes place in all aspects of an organization, and professionals can influence leadership in the organization and the larger community from any level of an organization (Walsh 1995, pp. 113). To engage in leadership or to enhance and demonstrate leadership skills, one must not be the CEO or a member of the board of directors.

Leadership

Leadership is understood as a process or activity in which people are mobilized to create a positive change. Note that the definition identifies leadership as a process or activity in which many people can partake (not a position or skill), and it involves creating change (not maintaining the status quo). So why should we focus on and care about leadership? On an individual or personal level, developing leadership capacity is important because it helps to be more effective person and group member, one who is able to think innovatively and initiate changes.

Leadership can be viewed as an activity. In addition, while a leader can engage in leadership, it is important to recognize that leaders do not always engage in leadership, and one need not hold the title of leader to engage in leadership (Smith 1990, pp. 167). Reframing this common misconception that only a leader can do leadership is important, especially because people who are not in leadership positions can still make a positive difference and contribute to the leadership process.

Leadership is emphasized as an activity, or something someone does. In other words, what someone does is more important than what someone is capable of doing. To engage effectively in leadership, one must develop a range of leadership skills and capacities.

Leadership Concept

Leadership contributes to innovative thinking and new ways of operating and thriving in an ever-changing and complex world. On a larger, societal level, leadership is needed for creating a better, more just world.

Leadership relates to three contexts (individual, group, societal) which are interconnected. Whereby, what happens on an individual level influences the group and societal levels, what happens on group level influences the individuals and the larger society, and leadership and change in a societal level influence individuals and group.

Leadership is understood as a process or activity in which people are mobilized to create positive change. Note that the definition identifies leadership as a process or activity in which many people can partake, and it involves creating change (not maintaining the status quo). So why should we focus on and care about leadership? The answer is multifaceted and perhaps most easily understood in examining this question on three levels: individual, group, and societal (Pritchett 1992, pp. 23). On an individual or personal level, developing leadership capacity is important because it helps someone become a more effective person and group member, one who ...