Leadership and Self Evaluation

Abstract

Leadership is the process by which an individual has influence over people and inspires, motivates and directs its activities to reach the goals; the essence of leadership is to have followers. There are various leadership approaches and styles that determine how an individual achieve his or her objectives with maximum benefits and less efforts as well as cost. This paper aims to discuss different leadership styles and approaches in terms of different leadership situations.

Table of Contents

Abstract2

Introduction4

Leadership Theories in Different Situations5

Management Context5

Situational Theory6

Transformational Theory7

Skills Demonstrated by Two Leaders8

Contigency Theory10

Behavioural Theory10

Conclusion11

References13

Leadership and Self Evaluation

Introduction

The term leadership, by its very nature, is laden with meaning often derived from the interpreter's varied life history (Kippenberger, 2002). For some, this represents an internalized identity, shared processes, or civic engagement grounded in experiences as social activists, with developmental mentors, or from positive group experiences. For others, the term may elicit a more negative interpretation associated with abuses of power, positional, or an impersonal focus on end goals (Northouse, 2008). These interpretations are often the effect of socio-historical marginalization or negative encounters with those that inappropriately wielded influence. Both ends of this interpretive spectrum can also be found in the body of literature representing leadership theory. Contemporary theory, however, has attempted to reframe the term with a greater focus on moral discourse and social purpose, shifting away from previous theory that favored management, production, and authority (Dereli, 2010).

The history of effective leadership is laden with inspiring tales of crochets, explorers, military heroes, athletes, scientists, and educators (Northouse, 2008). Effective leaders have shaded nations, corporations, education systems, and the lives of millions of people. From ancient times to the resent, observers remain perplexed about the actual essence of leadership and how to teach it. However, researchers agree that personal, physical, gender and personality traits determine successful leadership (Judge, 2002).

Leadership Theories in Different Situations

Management Context

The context of management can be defined as a reflection of various forms of managerial skills in a specific situation or business landscape. It is important to know that every manager is exposed to different situations where they need to demonstrate certain skills in order to handle a specific situation within a particular framework. This can be addressed in the leadership theories. Leadership theories come with many roots that are widely used all over the world in studies and even practically. Trait theory is one of the leadership theories according to which people are born with certain exceptional skills, abilities and attributes that need to be recognized and used largely (Northouse, 2009). It believes that individual is required to take out his potentials, as every human being is different from others, having incomparable and special attributes. Trait means attributes like intelligence, creativity, and sense of responsibility that help to make one a good leader. The trait theories of leadership move on the concept that leaders have similar types of characteristics that relate to social, mental, physical, and personality level and help to differentiate them from ordinary ...