Leadership styles that are being adopted by leaders have evolved over the years due to the changes that take place in the business environment (Clark & Clark, 1996). The ever changing nature of work or business environment has made it necessary for leaders to continuously sharpen their skills so that they may be in a position to handle the arising leadership challenges or tasks. The management of the organization needs to possess the leadership skills that will enable them to get the work done (Clark & Clark, 1996).
The study of leadership enables the learners to be aware of and understand the key attributes and characteristics that are required for one to be an effective leader. A leader requires some of the attributes that can be learnt such as listening, gathering a variety of opinion, considering effective strategies that lead to achievement of goal and generation of a clear vision (Vojta n.d.). The leader must focus on a shared goal. An individual is able to learn that leadership is a process of influencing the activities that are performed in the organization so that the organizational goals can be achieved (McCarthy, 2010). Effective leadership requires that a leader should possess attributes such as maturity, conviction, and expertise that will enable him to provide proper direction to the team. Such traits will also enable them to instill motivation, self esteem and teamwork among their team members. Learners are also able to learn that effective leadership requires that leaders have to be visionary. They need to be disciplined thinkers and think of the innovative ways that they can use to transform the situations that surround the organization and attain the vision and goals of their organizations (Vojta n.d.).
Study of leadership makes people able know what makes a leader different from a manager. They are able to understand that leaders develop visions and drive change for their organizations or teams while managers are more concerned with the monitoring of the organizational progress and giving solutions to the problems (Jackson, 2007). They are able to know that not all the managers are leaders and not all leaders are managers. This can be distinguished in the manner in which they derive position of power. For instance, in most cases managers derive their position power from their legitimate authority and control over the resources and work environment while leaders on the other hand, derive their personal power from their expertise, friendship and loyalty (Jackson, 2007). Managers exercise power of the people while leaders create and share power with the people or team.
Leadership effectiveness calls for on to become inspirational to his or her followers. This enables them to accomplish their tasks. Leaders must appeal to the people that they lead and attract them to so that they may work towards the achievement of the shared vision (Boedker et al, 2011). They must have a strong charisma for them to attract large number of followers who he can inspire and motivate to achieve the common goals. Leaders who have a strong sense of charisma are able to provide energy and build up the zeal to work towards the achievement of the organizational goals and objectives.
REFERENCES
Boedker, C et al. (2011) “Leadership, Culture and Management Practices of High Performing Workplaces in Australia: The High Performing Workplaces Index,” Viewed on September 21, 2012 <http://www.deewr.gov.au/Skills/Programs/WorkDevelop/Documents/SKEHPW.pdf>
Clark, KE &Clark, MB. (1996) “Choosing to Lead,” 2nd Edition. Center for Creative Leadership, Greensboro, N.C.
Jackson, P. (2007) “Introduction: Why Studying Leadership Matters,” Viewed on September 21, 2012 <http://www.uk.sagepub.com/upm-data/15686_02_Jackson_&_Parry_Ch_01.pdf>
McCarthy, C. (2010) “Global Leadership: An Analysis of three Leadership Competency Models in Multinational Corporations,” Viewed on September 20, 2012 <http://doras.dcu.ie/15711/1/PhD_McCarthy_2010_TOTAL_20.9.2010.pdf>
Vojta, M n.d., “Characteristics of the Effective Leader,” Viewed on September 21, 2012 <http://www.tnstate.edu/servicelearning/documents/Leadership%20Characteristics.pdf>
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