LEADERSHIP

Leadership

Leadership

Defining leadership as a process means that it is not a trait or characteristic that resides in the leader but a transactional event that occurs between the leader and his or her followers. (Northouse, 2003) Leadership involves influence; it is concerned with how the leader affects followers. Northouse (2003) believes that influence is the sine qua non of leadership. Without influence, leadership does not exist. It occurs in groups. Groups are the context in which leadership takes place. Leadership involves influencing a group of individuals who have a common purpose. Leadership includes attention to goals. This means that leadership has to do with directing a group of individuals toward accomplishing some task or end. Leaders direct their energies toward individuals who are trying to achieve something together. Therefore, leadership occurs and has its effects in contexts where individuals are moving toward a goal. (Northouse, 2003) From this and the other definitions it can be concluded that leadership is a function of the leader, subordinates and the situation working together for a common goal.

The most important leadership traits include honesty, creativity, inspiration, and intelligence. I believe to be an effective leader your subordinates must trust and believe in you. They have to be sold on your vision of the future. The leader's actions always set the pace. This behavior wins trust, loyalty, and ensures the organization's continued vitality (Concepts of leadership, 2008)A Great leader must be honest. They must display sincerity, integrity, and candor in all actions. Being deceptive will not inspire trust. When you start a leadership position, you need to assume that people will think you are a little dishonest. In order to be seen as an honest individual, you will have to go out of your way to display honesty. People will not assume you are honest simply because you have never been caught lying (Five most important leadership traits, 2008).

One must be innovative. Make timely and appropriate changes in thinking, plans, and methods. Show creativity by thinking of new and better goals, ideas, and solutions to problems. (Leadership character and traits, 2008) To be creative the leader must have original ideas. It is not just about having the best idea's, one must be innovative, have solutions to problems that may arise, create programs, strategies, tactics, laws and regulations. All this will keep the organization moving forward.

People want to be inspired. In fact, there is a whole class of ...