LEADERSHIP

Leadership

Objective of the Paper

This paper intends to highlight and analyze the leadership style of the person whom I consider a kind of role model in the organization I worked. His leadership style is linked with various kinds of leadership qualities and leadership theories. The concept of leadership and the contingency theory of leadership are also highlighted in this paper (Allan & Cherrey 2000, 45).

Organization in Which I Worked

The organization in which I worked use to deal in balloon imports and then supply them to retail outlets.

Industry

Trader/Supplier

Location

Northern California

Size

5 Employee, 2 million turnover

Age

9-years

Identified Leader

My Senior Manager at previous job

Leadership

Leadership is a concept used in many different contexts with an array of meanings. Accordingly, there is a lack of common understanding as to what leadership is and what constitutes good leadership. In fact, a Google search of leadership definition leads to more than 22 million results. The purpose of this chapter is to offer some clarity to the concept of leadership and provide a thoughtful discussion on leadership perspectives and models that can be identified as progressive and effective for both personal and organizational success (Astin & Leland 1991, 77).

Leadership is an important concept for professionals working in nonprofit organizations. The discussions in this chapter highlight how leadership is a process that takes place in all aspects of an organization, and professionals can influence leadership in the organization and larger community from any level of an organization. To engage in leadership or enhance and demonstrate leadership skills, one must not be the CEO or a member of the board of directors. Anyone can engage in leadership through being a committed, engaged, and hard-working member of the organization who is in touch with and acts in line with the organizational purpose and values.

Understandings of Leadership

In everyday language, the word leadership is used in a variety of ways, resulting in a myriad of quite different understandings of the same word. A few examples follow:

Position or rank: “The leadership of the organization is made up of six members.”

Status or market share: “The organization has leadership in the industry.”

Direction: “She provided leadership for the initiative.”

Skill or capacity: “He demonstrates strong leadership.”

Activity: “The group engaged in leadership.”

These different understandings can also be distinguished by something someone is (position), something someone has (skill), and something someone does (activity). These are three different concepts that are worth distinguishing (Bass 1985, 85).

Another important distinction is the difference between leader and leadership, two concepts and terms often used interchangeably. Whereas a leader is a position or a person, 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. 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 ...