Defining leadership, we can say that it is a relationship between leader and followers based on ability and position, with an aim to achieve the certain goals, which is made possible through conducive environment, mutual understanding and effective communication; allowing the clear insight of vision and the steps to attain it, to the followers .
To have a successful leadership is quintessential in today’s era, to tackle effectively the cloud of adversities hovering over one head. Every niche on this planet is hunting for an effective leadership, be it a prospering organization or an illustrious school, a cornered kiosk or a grooming saloon, an agency or government institutions or simply a four-walled, comfy home; an ideal leadership is the imperative necessity of all.
The unending demand of creative leadership leads too many questions in one’s mind as what are the traits one should possess to come up as an authentic leader.In fact, authentic leadership is nothing, merely being a set of qualities that makes a person prominent in the sea of ordinarily-skilled people. However, these traits can be nurtured too.
Vision
The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. - Theodore Hesburgh
As the quote implies, first and foremost quality of thriving leadership is the leadership vision. Visionary leadership has a clear map of where to go. The visionary leader possess the ability to make concrete assessment of tomorrow and have the clear cut imaginative ideas to lead an organization or a team to an alluring accomplishment.
Judgment
Being able to analyze the fact and theories effectively and making apt decisions on these bases is quintessential for successful and effective leadership. The leadership where facts can not be weighed properly and alternatives and decisions are not taken correctly, the success is highly uncertain. It requires the critical analysis of data, keeping in view the problems and solutions and then making confident decisions, no matter how uncertain the situation is.
Decisiveness
The ability to make swift decision, after critical analysis and careful judgment of the facts, figures is what the true demand of time. The prompt but correct decisions of leader are what shape the destiny of an organization and of people associated with it. Hence, it is indispensable to come up with logical decision even in highly unfavorable aura so that hopes and aspirations of people are not shattered.
Good-communicator
Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves. - Stephen Covey
The best of leadership trait is having the good communication skills for influential leadership. More articulately and more fluently a leader is able to communicate his ideas and vision, more properly it would be achieved by followers. Good communication skills boost up mutual understanding between the followers and leader, who in turn work confidently in the most appropriate manner, to attain the desired goal.
Initiator
Once the decision is taken, even if it be welcomed with criticism, the duty of leaders is to take initiative towards it designed policy to make it apparent that you are confident of your decision that would eventually bear fruits. It will be helpful in instilling trust and confidence in followers, who make then collective effort to attain it.
Unselfishness
A true leadership trait to be possessed by all is the unselfishness i.e. giving priority to the work before concerning for self. It’ll be inspiring and motivating for the followers who will then do the same by being loyal and fully committed to the work, leading to a promised success.
Loyalty
Being loyal and fully committed to the work is what the initial demand of success. The leadership, if is loyal and honest to the company, the followers will then be loyal too. If the leader is able to inspire this uncanny loyalty in his followers, the immense collective commitment can be expected from all.
Disciplined
Deeply disciplined actions and thoughts are hall marks in the wide array of “best leadership qualities.” A disciplined leader ensures the correct prioritization of the tasks and remains adhered to the vision and mission of the organization, along with the organized involvement of team, so as to bring out the best. Its helps them to fulfill their roles and responsibilities in a systematic way, within the entrusted time frame, with least possible distraction.
Self-confident
A real leader faces the music, even when he doesn't like the tune. - Anon
Self-confidence, a key to successful leadership. It’s about having faith on your abilities and judgments, in spite of confining and piercing criticism. This invincible leadership characteristic allows the person to stick to the decision and be optimistic in dealing with all the hurdles that come in his way. All this can be achieved through leadership vision and setting smaller goals to let yourself trust on your abilities and becoming firm on your decision gradually. This will ensures the personal development of a person, too.
Integrity
Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions. Harold Geneen
Leader must possess integrity that is being honest and truthful in character and actions so that followers could trust him and follow him. As long as his actions reflect his words, followers will put complete trust on his policies and will be all the time willing wholeheartedly to give the best. Followers will approach him all the time for, they trust on him.
Perseverance
It demands the leader to put all its time and energy on the set goals to ensure the promising achievements. This leadership skill sets as an inspiration for the followers, who on visualizing the dedication and sincerity on the part of leader; feel motivated to give to the fullest, which results in the better and timely attainment of the assigned targets.
Magnanimity
Magnanimity allows the leader to give the followers their due credit. A successful leadership truly acknowledges the crucial part played by followers and gives them their due reward, so as to ensure the consistency on their part. It also demands the leader to be the sole absorbent of failures and discouraging remarks, preventing any remote hint of it to the followers, for the optimism to diffuse itself all over the team thus, ensuring the lasting triumph. It does not imply that you keep the followers in dark, regarding the hard truths, but you convey them in an optimistic way so that their performance is least affected.
Openness
Being open to the criticism, new ideas and feedback is exceptionally essential for the collective development of leadership and followers. It will ensure the influx of challenging and new ideas that will nourish their vision more finely, making the goal more interesting and fascinating to be achieved. It will also result in the personal development of the followers and leaders.Moreover, being open to the feedback by follower would allow the mutual understanding to boost between leader and follower and will remove any existing misunderstandings.
Endurance
Gradually when you are acknowledged as an effective leader, the more you are burdened with challenging tasks and confronting criticism. At this crucial time, the perservance and patience is highly important leadership trait. The leader must possess mental and physical stamina to endure the gloomy aura, so as to be welcomed by warm, bright success. It can be done well by focusing solely on your goal and being firmly confident of what you do.
Courage
Ability to accept constructive criticism is the hallmark of leadership trait. As long as the leader take the criticism with good heart and drive better results from it, the leader can ensure the success by driving and implementing different ideas from the criticism.
Justice
One of the indispensable leadership characteristic is being impartial and consistent in decisions and dealings. He must listen to everyone’s voice with equal importance and then jump to conclusions, considering the facts, without even the tinge of unfairness and favoritism.when the followers perceive that they are treated fairly and are given their due rights, they would be more loyal and committed to the organization and the leader.
The people who possess the useful amalgamation of these entire leadership traits would eventually be prominent in the midst of ordinary crowds and will guide the destination of many towards eternal success since, all the leadership challenges and hurdles could easily be tackled by such a leader and his vision is based on the collective good for all!!
Monday, February 8, 2010
Ensuring The Effective Leadership
The thorough research on this important phenomenon of effective leadership has resulted in the upsurge of many leadership theories, styles and skills, each guaranteeing the terrific accomplishment of tasks; however, the studies has also reveled that the pursuance of any particular leadership style or theory or having some leadership skills are not enough for this worthy and outstanding job and, a lot more has to be considered and done for the effective leadership.
Each individual is unique and therefore, each leader is unique in its own way. Consequently, each individual has to adopt a distinctive amalgamated form of styles and skills in order to rise as matchless leader in extensively diverse pool.
There are some qualities that form the basis of the effective leadership and so, should be possessed by all.
Flexibility
Flexibility is the universal trait of today’s leader. He has to be flexible in his attitude, behavior and approaches. He must be flexible in the leadership powers, too. The effective leadership stems from the adaptation of leadership style on the basis of the capabilities of the followers and the situation. When the little knowledge is possessed by the subordinates, he must be the sole decision-maker and should guide them at all the steps. He can have shared leadership when the followers have much knowledge about the task and could be relied.
These balances in the styles and attitude determine the leadership influence on the juniors and this very impact of leader judges the victory of the organization or team.
Fully Acknowledged
Being active and fully acknowledging the responsibilities and authorities is an essential trait for an effective leadership. Only when one knows the leadership strengths and the area where he can exercise his authority, the correct goals can be set and visions can be carved ideally and properly.
Creating A Favorable Environment
The leadership can only be fruitful and can have underlying impacts if the favorable working atmosphere is built up, which clearly lights up the goals and the future career of the individual. The resources and the machinery and other input factors should be available for the maximum use. This would create a comfortable and helpful working environment for the followers.
Consultancy With Subordinates
Consulting should be done with all the members while setting the goals.Furthermore; the win-win attitude should only dominate the thoughts of all. This would lead to the mutual consensus that would only promise the unending triumph.
Additionally, the suggestions and ideas of the budding minds should be given their due importance as today’s young generation want their voice to be shared no matter how much distorted the vision is. Moreover, the weekly discussions on the imperative topics, having an immense influence on the individual and organization as whole should be discussed. The crucial decisions, affecting the lives and the future of the followers, should be taken by taking them in to utmost assurance.
Discussion Of Work Related Problems
The work related problems should be discusses weekly and the individuals should be encouraged to come up with the critically logical solutions to the challenging problems. They must be rewarded and spurred for their contributions and should be given annual or bi-annual awards and certificates of excellence.
All the same, the important aspect of successful leadership is that leader pay a genuine heed to the problems and grievances of the subordinates. Keenness in the general welfare of the followers and helping them coping the problems would establish an unexplainable closer link between the followers’ and the leaders.
Only when the juniors feel that they are heard and responded and, their life and presence are precious to the leader, they feel like being closer to their leader. This association would ultimately convince them to live up to the expectations of their leader by giving their best.
Time Management
The time management and adhering to the deadlines can pledge the effective leadership, too. The leaders must ensure that at every time the progress in the task should be made to avoid the swift working at the eleventh hour. This leadership skill is vital for the very of survival of leadership.
On the whole, the effective leadership creates the feeling of trust and confidence and accentuates the leadership strengths of all the individuals. It is the source of motivation and inspiration for the subordinates. The effective leadership creates the feeling of trust and confidence and accentuates the leadership strengths of all the individuals. The individual feels like being more productive with the every sunset, and more capable and strong with the every sun rise. The impact of the effective leadership is so deep that the radiant light engulfs the very nook of darkness of the life of the subordinates, and illuminates the way of success!
Each individual is unique and therefore, each leader is unique in its own way. Consequently, each individual has to adopt a distinctive amalgamated form of styles and skills in order to rise as matchless leader in extensively diverse pool.
There are some qualities that form the basis of the effective leadership and so, should be possessed by all.
Flexibility
Flexibility is the universal trait of today’s leader. He has to be flexible in his attitude, behavior and approaches. He must be flexible in the leadership powers, too. The effective leadership stems from the adaptation of leadership style on the basis of the capabilities of the followers and the situation. When the little knowledge is possessed by the subordinates, he must be the sole decision-maker and should guide them at all the steps. He can have shared leadership when the followers have much knowledge about the task and could be relied.
These balances in the styles and attitude determine the leadership influence on the juniors and this very impact of leader judges the victory of the organization or team.
Fully Acknowledged
Being active and fully acknowledging the responsibilities and authorities is an essential trait for an effective leadership. Only when one knows the leadership strengths and the area where he can exercise his authority, the correct goals can be set and visions can be carved ideally and properly.
Creating A Favorable Environment
The leadership can only be fruitful and can have underlying impacts if the favorable working atmosphere is built up, which clearly lights up the goals and the future career of the individual. The resources and the machinery and other input factors should be available for the maximum use. This would create a comfortable and helpful working environment for the followers.
Consultancy With Subordinates
Consulting should be done with all the members while setting the goals.Furthermore; the win-win attitude should only dominate the thoughts of all. This would lead to the mutual consensus that would only promise the unending triumph.
Additionally, the suggestions and ideas of the budding minds should be given their due importance as today’s young generation want their voice to be shared no matter how much distorted the vision is. Moreover, the weekly discussions on the imperative topics, having an immense influence on the individual and organization as whole should be discussed. The crucial decisions, affecting the lives and the future of the followers, should be taken by taking them in to utmost assurance.
Discussion Of Work Related Problems
The work related problems should be discusses weekly and the individuals should be encouraged to come up with the critically logical solutions to the challenging problems. They must be rewarded and spurred for their contributions and should be given annual or bi-annual awards and certificates of excellence.
All the same, the important aspect of successful leadership is that leader pay a genuine heed to the problems and grievances of the subordinates. Keenness in the general welfare of the followers and helping them coping the problems would establish an unexplainable closer link between the followers’ and the leaders.
Only when the juniors feel that they are heard and responded and, their life and presence are precious to the leader, they feel like being closer to their leader. This association would ultimately convince them to live up to the expectations of their leader by giving their best.
Time Management
The time management and adhering to the deadlines can pledge the effective leadership, too. The leaders must ensure that at every time the progress in the task should be made to avoid the swift working at the eleventh hour. This leadership skill is vital for the very of survival of leadership.
On the whole, the effective leadership creates the feeling of trust and confidence and accentuates the leadership strengths of all the individuals. It is the source of motivation and inspiration for the subordinates. The effective leadership creates the feeling of trust and confidence and accentuates the leadership strengths of all the individuals. The individual feels like being more productive with the every sunset, and more capable and strong with the every sun rise. The impact of the effective leadership is so deep that the radiant light engulfs the very nook of darkness of the life of the subordinates, and illuminates the way of success!
Instilling The True Leadership Characteristics In Tomorrow’s Leaders!!
Our children will inherit the world that will be full of complexes, ambiguities and other social, political and economic problems and, in order to best cater with the growing problems, they have to be strong, sturdy, possessing the best leadership skills.
When such an immense necessity is of leadership characteristics, the children should be made acquainted with leadership styles, its theories and its traits at an early age, to nurture them as a successful leader in the best possible way.
The article well covers the important characteristics required for a leader and, unveil the different approaches at academic levels that would bring out of them a potential leadership.
There lies a wide array of leadership styles, classifying the diverse behaviors, actions and characteristics of varied people. However, the most successful is the “transformational Leadership Style” for; it encompasses the collective motivation and participation of leaders and subordinates, providing a source of inspiration for subordinates. Also, it could be applied while tackling various problems. Therefore, it is exceptionally important to carve our children as the transformational leader to best tackle the future adversities.
Good Communicator, Creative and Innovative, Imaginative, Keen Observer, Decisive, Responsible, fully aware, Motivated, Flexible, Assertive, Optimistic and Social; these are the hallmarks of the leader’s characteristics and, these could ensure the unconquerable leadership.
The fundamental qualities can be instilled by introducing few measures in the curriculum
• Good Communication Skills
The present globalized world is all about information and communication. No matter how much skills does a person possess, no matter how much intelligent and knowledgeable he is, it can not be displayed properly if the person lacks good communication skills. Hence, it is extremely vital to improve and mature the communication skills of pupils.
To instill the comprehensible communication skills, campus education must encourage public-speaking. Pupils must be assigned with some topics for presentation and at the assigned date, allow the children to express their ideas articulately in front of the students, teachers and administration staff. The audience must be spurred to come up with the useful question to alleviate the good communication and understanding skills of both.
Moreover, the children should be allowed to guide youth club members on the topic of their interest as a teacher, covering each and every niche of topic. Group discussion, conferences and debate competitions should be organized to encourage healthy conversation, giving them an opportunity to present their ideas articulately and fluently.
An effective way of developing the communication leadership skills is to allow the children to conduct assemblies, functions and do live coverage of the celebrations on religious days, national and international days. This will boost up their confidence and will unveil the best communication skills of them.
• Creativity, Innovation And Imagination
Arts, mathematics, sciences are full of projects and assignments that could compel the pupil to effectively use their brain to come up with logical solutions .These assignments foster creativeness, quick decisive power and stimulates rational behavior and thinking. Moreover, these subject exist due to the contribution of great leaders such as scientists, painters, calligraphers, educationist etc.It will allow them with the deep analysis of their contributions as a leader and would act as inspirations for them in future life, that is hungrily waiting for their superb leadership skills for a promising success.
A theme should be assigned to students monthly, allowing them to come up with any possible contribution covering the title from any angle. This would enable students to unleash their critical thinking and creative ideas. The display of all those things at the end of month will enable the true exchange of ideas and would allow them to trust on their invincible capabilities.
• Keen Observation
The most effective way is to take the students to any recreational site and ask them to list all the sights and sounds and explain each sight and sound with the web of creative, meaningful words that picture the scene as finely as possible. Also, read the services and the extra ordinary qualities and work of all the great leaders and, display some of the work on slides for a short while. Ask random questions to judge their observational and listening skills.
• Decision Power And Resilience
Organize the youth clubs, science, literary and English clubs and allow them to organize at least an activity a month. The school administration just allocates some specific budget; let the rest to be decided by the members. This will polish their decision making skills, develop their self-confidence and trust on themselves. Also, in case of any mistake on their part, they have to be resilient to support their decision.
Head Girls, Deputy Head Girls and prefect, all are the part of each and every school to maintain discipline. The best approach in choosing the young leaders is to allow the students to take decision. This can be done by organizing an election campaign week, allowing each candidate to speak few words about their plans and future changes. Students will analyze their capabilities and would vote for the one who think are the best. This decision power will allow them to realize the power of their vote, learn about the importance of democracy and will let them ponder over their decisions too. The will muster enough courage to stand up for their decision and face the consequences, no matter what.
• Optimism
The optimistic thinking could be best inculcated if teachers use only the positive language in explaining any thing dreadful and dangerous. Also, in any open play ground, allow the students to list the bad and good sights and sounds. Furthermore, ask the students to list the good aspects of the previous day. This would allow them to find a ray of hope even no matter how worst the day had been. The student must be acquainted with the background and reasonable information of any thing and personality and, then should be asked to summarize the positive aspects only. All these measures would make them sanguine to the core.
• Sociability And Flexibility
These are the most important leadership traits required in today’s leaders .In fact these form the true essence for an authentic leadership. The transformational leadership itself is all about the sociability and flexibility. These leadership skills can be infused by entrusting with the tasks that allow group members cooperation as much as possible.
Encourage the group leader to take decisions that transform the ideals of all in to realism, keeping in view their vision. This will help him to have good social behavior as well as flexibility in his approach. The group members should also be encouraged to amalgamate the suggestions of all in such a way that ensures the victorious outcome.
Once all these actions are taken, the genuine leadership qualities will become the part of their incomparable personality, eventually leading them to be a successful leader. The students are future of tomorrow; any careless mistake on our part could explode their future in no time, creating a huge problem on the face of earth. That’s why it is exceptionally important to water these seeds with good efforts to make them strong, sturdy plant that cheerfully blooms in the blissful blossoms of successful people.
When such an immense necessity is of leadership characteristics, the children should be made acquainted with leadership styles, its theories and its traits at an early age, to nurture them as a successful leader in the best possible way.
The article well covers the important characteristics required for a leader and, unveil the different approaches at academic levels that would bring out of them a potential leadership.
There lies a wide array of leadership styles, classifying the diverse behaviors, actions and characteristics of varied people. However, the most successful is the “transformational Leadership Style” for; it encompasses the collective motivation and participation of leaders and subordinates, providing a source of inspiration for subordinates. Also, it could be applied while tackling various problems. Therefore, it is exceptionally important to carve our children as the transformational leader to best tackle the future adversities.
Good Communicator, Creative and Innovative, Imaginative, Keen Observer, Decisive, Responsible, fully aware, Motivated, Flexible, Assertive, Optimistic and Social; these are the hallmarks of the leader’s characteristics and, these could ensure the unconquerable leadership.
The fundamental qualities can be instilled by introducing few measures in the curriculum
• Good Communication Skills
The present globalized world is all about information and communication. No matter how much skills does a person possess, no matter how much intelligent and knowledgeable he is, it can not be displayed properly if the person lacks good communication skills. Hence, it is extremely vital to improve and mature the communication skills of pupils.
To instill the comprehensible communication skills, campus education must encourage public-speaking. Pupils must be assigned with some topics for presentation and at the assigned date, allow the children to express their ideas articulately in front of the students, teachers and administration staff. The audience must be spurred to come up with the useful question to alleviate the good communication and understanding skills of both.
Moreover, the children should be allowed to guide youth club members on the topic of their interest as a teacher, covering each and every niche of topic. Group discussion, conferences and debate competitions should be organized to encourage healthy conversation, giving them an opportunity to present their ideas articulately and fluently.
An effective way of developing the communication leadership skills is to allow the children to conduct assemblies, functions and do live coverage of the celebrations on religious days, national and international days. This will boost up their confidence and will unveil the best communication skills of them.
• Creativity, Innovation And Imagination
Arts, mathematics, sciences are full of projects and assignments that could compel the pupil to effectively use their brain to come up with logical solutions .These assignments foster creativeness, quick decisive power and stimulates rational behavior and thinking. Moreover, these subject exist due to the contribution of great leaders such as scientists, painters, calligraphers, educationist etc.It will allow them with the deep analysis of their contributions as a leader and would act as inspirations for them in future life, that is hungrily waiting for their superb leadership skills for a promising success.
A theme should be assigned to students monthly, allowing them to come up with any possible contribution covering the title from any angle. This would enable students to unleash their critical thinking and creative ideas. The display of all those things at the end of month will enable the true exchange of ideas and would allow them to trust on their invincible capabilities.
• Keen Observation
The most effective way is to take the students to any recreational site and ask them to list all the sights and sounds and explain each sight and sound with the web of creative, meaningful words that picture the scene as finely as possible. Also, read the services and the extra ordinary qualities and work of all the great leaders and, display some of the work on slides for a short while. Ask random questions to judge their observational and listening skills.
• Decision Power And Resilience
Organize the youth clubs, science, literary and English clubs and allow them to organize at least an activity a month. The school administration just allocates some specific budget; let the rest to be decided by the members. This will polish their decision making skills, develop their self-confidence and trust on themselves. Also, in case of any mistake on their part, they have to be resilient to support their decision.
Head Girls, Deputy Head Girls and prefect, all are the part of each and every school to maintain discipline. The best approach in choosing the young leaders is to allow the students to take decision. This can be done by organizing an election campaign week, allowing each candidate to speak few words about their plans and future changes. Students will analyze their capabilities and would vote for the one who think are the best. This decision power will allow them to realize the power of their vote, learn about the importance of democracy and will let them ponder over their decisions too. The will muster enough courage to stand up for their decision and face the consequences, no matter what.
• Optimism
The optimistic thinking could be best inculcated if teachers use only the positive language in explaining any thing dreadful and dangerous. Also, in any open play ground, allow the students to list the bad and good sights and sounds. Furthermore, ask the students to list the good aspects of the previous day. This would allow them to find a ray of hope even no matter how worst the day had been. The student must be acquainted with the background and reasonable information of any thing and personality and, then should be asked to summarize the positive aspects only. All these measures would make them sanguine to the core.
• Sociability And Flexibility
These are the most important leadership traits required in today’s leaders .In fact these form the true essence for an authentic leadership. The transformational leadership itself is all about the sociability and flexibility. These leadership skills can be infused by entrusting with the tasks that allow group members cooperation as much as possible.
Encourage the group leader to take decisions that transform the ideals of all in to realism, keeping in view their vision. This will help him to have good social behavior as well as flexibility in his approach. The group members should also be encouraged to amalgamate the suggestions of all in such a way that ensures the victorious outcome.
Once all these actions are taken, the genuine leadership qualities will become the part of their incomparable personality, eventually leading them to be a successful leader. The students are future of tomorrow; any careless mistake on our part could explode their future in no time, creating a huge problem on the face of earth. That’s why it is exceptionally important to water these seeds with good efforts to make them strong, sturdy plant that cheerfully blooms in the blissful blossoms of successful people.
What Ensures An Effective Leadership?
The past research on leadership has revealed many of its aspects and has come up with many successful leadership theories and a wide array of leadership styles; however, none of the theory and style could assure the promising success if followed in an organization or even in a department of the organization. The present complex yet intriguing scenario demands a multi-skilled leader, capable of using the variety of leadership styles when dealing with different confronting situations.
Research concludes that it is not only the leadership styles, leadership skills and traits that ensure the effective leadership but, the various situational factors and the interaction between leaders and followers also play an immense part in analyzing the effective leadership.
For the proper analysis of situation and then gradually deciding the style to be implemented; one should judge the situation from different dimensions.
Degree Of Authority
First thing to be assessed is the amount of power a leader is entrusted with in an organization. Such as the degree of financial resources and the expertise available, the deadlines for the particular task and the directions and limitations accompanying the task. The more the leader is allowed to play a free hand by the organization, the better he be able to lead the group properly and obtain the results without the use of autocratic approach.
Nature Of The Task
The nature of the task affects the leadership style too. If the goals are well defined to the followers along with the steps available to be taken, the more easily the best results would be obtained. The good quality can be ensured and the followers could be made responsible as well as rewarded for their tasks. However, if the work is task oriented and the goals are unstructured, there will be room for distractions and, there are high chances that the efforts of followers are not channeled well. Hence, the outcome would not be productive either.
Communication skills
The factors like interpersonal communication skills, mutual understanding and the relationship between the leader and followers are of immense importance to judge the effectiveness of any applied style as the authority exercised by leader and the task to be accomplished are highly under the control of the organization but, here in personal relations and understanding, the leader is totally independent of organization.Hence,if the relations exercised by both the parties are good and are based on mutual understandings, the democratic or participative style can prove to be effective for leadership.
Judging The Most Appropriate Leadership
Considering the authority of leader, the nature of task and the relations between leaders and followers’ one could decide the situation and based on that situation, leadership style and the degree leadership success could be assessed.
If the leader’s power is weak and the task is not clearly defined, along with poor, dotted relations with the followers, the situation is unfavorable. The successful leadership can be ensured by adopting a style that focuses more on task by using autocratic style where, all the decisions are taken solely by leader and the subordinated are directed to do certain tasks. Though, the subordinates would be uncertain of their future but, the maximum results could be achieved by directing the team mates at all steps.
On the other hand, when the situation is extremely favorable such as the power exercised by the leader is maximum, the tasks are articulately defined and, the strong, well-supported relations are established, the leader can focus solely on the attainment of goal by adopting the democratic style which permits the followers to come up with useful suggestions and, they are well integrated in the decision making process too.
However, when the situation is a balance between favorable and unfavorable i.e. moderate; the successful leadership can be achieved when the leader focuses on the relations. Under this situation, the leader should follow employee-centered style where the goals are defined to subordinates and they are given full freedom to do it in the way they want to do. The leader focuses on the human aspect and the goals solely.
The authentic leadership comes when the leader critically analysis the situation well and integrate it with different styles and approaches. Neither the task oriented approach nor the good relationship approach could be effective unless it is well integrated with the true essence of goal. The more amalgamated sort of styles one pursues, the more successful he would be. The things like his confidence on system and the subordinates, the expectations from the subordinates and from the organization play imperative part in determining the leadership success.However, once all the assessments are made carefully, keeping in view the above-mentioned factors and the styles are implemented accordingly, the increase in inclination towards leadership effectiveness can be assured.
Research concludes that it is not only the leadership styles, leadership skills and traits that ensure the effective leadership but, the various situational factors and the interaction between leaders and followers also play an immense part in analyzing the effective leadership.
For the proper analysis of situation and then gradually deciding the style to be implemented; one should judge the situation from different dimensions.
Degree Of Authority
First thing to be assessed is the amount of power a leader is entrusted with in an organization. Such as the degree of financial resources and the expertise available, the deadlines for the particular task and the directions and limitations accompanying the task. The more the leader is allowed to play a free hand by the organization, the better he be able to lead the group properly and obtain the results without the use of autocratic approach.
Nature Of The Task
The nature of the task affects the leadership style too. If the goals are well defined to the followers along with the steps available to be taken, the more easily the best results would be obtained. The good quality can be ensured and the followers could be made responsible as well as rewarded for their tasks. However, if the work is task oriented and the goals are unstructured, there will be room for distractions and, there are high chances that the efforts of followers are not channeled well. Hence, the outcome would not be productive either.
Communication skills
The factors like interpersonal communication skills, mutual understanding and the relationship between the leader and followers are of immense importance to judge the effectiveness of any applied style as the authority exercised by leader and the task to be accomplished are highly under the control of the organization but, here in personal relations and understanding, the leader is totally independent of organization.Hence,if the relations exercised by both the parties are good and are based on mutual understandings, the democratic or participative style can prove to be effective for leadership.
Judging The Most Appropriate Leadership
Considering the authority of leader, the nature of task and the relations between leaders and followers’ one could decide the situation and based on that situation, leadership style and the degree leadership success could be assessed.
If the leader’s power is weak and the task is not clearly defined, along with poor, dotted relations with the followers, the situation is unfavorable. The successful leadership can be ensured by adopting a style that focuses more on task by using autocratic style where, all the decisions are taken solely by leader and the subordinated are directed to do certain tasks. Though, the subordinates would be uncertain of their future but, the maximum results could be achieved by directing the team mates at all steps.
On the other hand, when the situation is extremely favorable such as the power exercised by the leader is maximum, the tasks are articulately defined and, the strong, well-supported relations are established, the leader can focus solely on the attainment of goal by adopting the democratic style which permits the followers to come up with useful suggestions and, they are well integrated in the decision making process too.
However, when the situation is a balance between favorable and unfavorable i.e. moderate; the successful leadership can be achieved when the leader focuses on the relations. Under this situation, the leader should follow employee-centered style where the goals are defined to subordinates and they are given full freedom to do it in the way they want to do. The leader focuses on the human aspect and the goals solely.
The authentic leadership comes when the leader critically analysis the situation well and integrate it with different styles and approaches. Neither the task oriented approach nor the good relationship approach could be effective unless it is well integrated with the true essence of goal. The more amalgamated sort of styles one pursues, the more successful he would be. The things like his confidence on system and the subordinates, the expectations from the subordinates and from the organization play imperative part in determining the leadership success.However, once all the assessments are made carefully, keeping in view the above-mentioned factors and the styles are implemented accordingly, the increase in inclination towards leadership effectiveness can be assured.
Visionary Leadership
The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet- Theodore M. Hesburgh
The leadership model applied in the firms and multinational companies focus on the visionary aspect of the leadership. Having a clearly defined vision is imperative for a leader, or else it would be like he is rowing in the sea to aimlessly, totally at the mercy of waves to decide his destination.
Visionary leadership is a step towards a promising success for, visionary leaders entirely focuses their energies on the goal and, aim at bringing out the best in the individuals by concentrating more on opportunities rather than confining obstacles. He takes initiatives, suggest solutions, take timely decisions and implement it with help of rightly guided subordinates to turn the obstacles in to opportunities.
Sense Of Ownership
Visionary leadership can only be attained if a leader feels like being owner of the authorities given to him. Only when he feels it deep from the heart and exercise his authorities, he will be more likely to appear as a visionary leader by sharing his vision with followers. The idealism of the vision can be changed in to realism only when the leader shares his vision with the delegates and empower them by giving them their due authority and responsibility.
Source Of Inspiration
Visionary leaderships is rewarding and demanding at the time. You have to stand up passionately for your decisions and face the criticism optimistically and whole-heartedly. Moreover, you have to bear the brunt of any mishap or any action on the part of subordinate. This is to manifest the true commitment from deep inside down, through words as well as actions; this strong, unbeatable commitment would be a source of inspiration and motivation for the subordinates. This very source of inspiration and motivation will engulf the subordinates and leaders, infusing in them a spiritual inclination towards hard work, which would bring the best out of them.
Good Communication Skills
Comprehensible and good communication skills are crucial to be attained to exercise the leadership of vision. The visionary leader has to appear black, rather than gray, in the midst of white crowds; and only when he is able to communicate articulately, convey his vision fluently and enthusiastically, he would appear as an effective leader. This skill is essential to gain support in the organization as well as among the peers and, also to have an influence on others. All the same, in visionary leadership, the leader has to appear as more friendly leader rather than bossy, classic leader.
Favorable Working Environment
Visionary leaders have to frame the working aura in such a way that subordinates feel like doing creative and rewarding work. It can be done so by keeping them involved in the work and by allowing them to come up with creative ideas and productive decisions. They dedication of the subordinates should be appreciated so that they can believe on their superb potential. Encourage them to share their problems and what improvements they want in work. When such shared leadership would be practiced, the subordinates would be able to understand the vision and his expectations, enabling them to mould their efforts in such a way to attain breakthroughs in the work environment.
Such a clear vision, mutual understanding and strong relationship is the essence of all the organizations and only visionary leadership could pave the way to success of such organizations.
The leadership model applied in the firms and multinational companies focus on the visionary aspect of the leadership. Having a clearly defined vision is imperative for a leader, or else it would be like he is rowing in the sea to aimlessly, totally at the mercy of waves to decide his destination.
Visionary leadership is a step towards a promising success for, visionary leaders entirely focuses their energies on the goal and, aim at bringing out the best in the individuals by concentrating more on opportunities rather than confining obstacles. He takes initiatives, suggest solutions, take timely decisions and implement it with help of rightly guided subordinates to turn the obstacles in to opportunities.
Sense Of Ownership
Visionary leadership can only be attained if a leader feels like being owner of the authorities given to him. Only when he feels it deep from the heart and exercise his authorities, he will be more likely to appear as a visionary leader by sharing his vision with followers. The idealism of the vision can be changed in to realism only when the leader shares his vision with the delegates and empower them by giving them their due authority and responsibility.
Source Of Inspiration
Visionary leaderships is rewarding and demanding at the time. You have to stand up passionately for your decisions and face the criticism optimistically and whole-heartedly. Moreover, you have to bear the brunt of any mishap or any action on the part of subordinate. This is to manifest the true commitment from deep inside down, through words as well as actions; this strong, unbeatable commitment would be a source of inspiration and motivation for the subordinates. This very source of inspiration and motivation will engulf the subordinates and leaders, infusing in them a spiritual inclination towards hard work, which would bring the best out of them.
Good Communication Skills
Comprehensible and good communication skills are crucial to be attained to exercise the leadership of vision. The visionary leader has to appear black, rather than gray, in the midst of white crowds; and only when he is able to communicate articulately, convey his vision fluently and enthusiastically, he would appear as an effective leader. This skill is essential to gain support in the organization as well as among the peers and, also to have an influence on others. All the same, in visionary leadership, the leader has to appear as more friendly leader rather than bossy, classic leader.
Favorable Working Environment
Visionary leaders have to frame the working aura in such a way that subordinates feel like doing creative and rewarding work. It can be done so by keeping them involved in the work and by allowing them to come up with creative ideas and productive decisions. They dedication of the subordinates should be appreciated so that they can believe on their superb potential. Encourage them to share their problems and what improvements they want in work. When such shared leadership would be practiced, the subordinates would be able to understand the vision and his expectations, enabling them to mould their efforts in such a way to attain breakthroughs in the work environment.
Such a clear vision, mutual understanding and strong relationship is the essence of all the organizations and only visionary leadership could pave the way to success of such organizations.
Path-Goal Theory of Leadership
The research has clarified the fact that any of the leadership style can not be effective solely if the situation is not kept in view before the particular style is decided and implemented.
New findings and theories have began to unveil a whole new leadership theory, came to be popularly known as “path-goal” theory. This leadership theory is explained on the basis of situation and other related factors.
The path-goal theory suggests that the leaders can only have a successful leadership if they support the subordinates towards a specific goal by assigning them a clear, creative path. They can do so by explaining them clearly and articulately about their vision, making them aware of the upcoming obstacles and at the same time, revealing them the way of how to stand up amidst of curbing crisis. A series of rewards, explanation of mistakes and encouragement will make the leadership effective-the ultimate purpose of this theory.
This theory explains the effectiveness of leadership in terms of impact of leader on subordinates. Robert House, the American psychologist, who suggested this theory, says that leaders are successful as long as they have immense leadership influence on the subordinates, who acts as a source of motivation to their followers. In other words, the true leader inspires the goals and dreams and allow them turn their idealism in to realism by showing them the required path.
This theory highlights the amalgamated version of all the leadership styles. The theory demands the leader to have a right balance between his authority and his friendliness with the subordinates. He neither have to be too authoritative that the subordinates hesitate in expressing their creative ideas and critical thoughts nor have to be too friendly that the divider between the leader and subordinates reduce to transparency, and subordinates start exercising their freedom in the negative way.
This modern theory of leadership permits a wide space for participative leadership as the subordinates are totally involve in decision-making process and their suggestions are sought and given their due credit. In the path-goal theory of leadership, the challenging goals are set for subordinates and, the leaders show them the way to attain it.Additionally, they are given free hand to implement their creative ideas for the best accomplishment of goals. Leaders show their confidence by entrusting them with the complete authority on the allocated task.
Since, the theory is totally situation oriented; the leader has to be extra careful in the analysis of the task and other factors before defining the path to the subordinates. For example, at the time when the task is not clear to the subordinates or the path appears as vague or distorted to them, guidance and suggestions by the leader would be willingly welcomed by the subordinates. However, when the things are well-defined and outlined to the subordinates and the followers are quite confident of their efforts, the redundant regulations would be taken by them as over controlling their skills and potential.
This variance in approach is dependent on the clarity of the situation, abilities of the subordinates and their motivation and, on the depth of task. The more complicated the task is and the less comprehensible the paths are, the increase supportive suggestions by the leader would be genuinely entertained.
This theory demands the leader to maintain a firm checks on his behavior and the body language as the actions speak louder than the words. He as to appear as a source of motivation, inspiration, trust and confidence. The actions should speak the depth of his commitment and the passion for the task and the affection for followers. The behavior should infuse the feeling of satisfaction in the working aura.
The key to have effective leader, based on the path-goal leadership theory, is to mark the paths to the goals. This can be well done by identifying the key tasks to the subordinates, explaining the nature of complicated hurdles and, describing the way to smooth away the obstacles in to terrific success.
The path-goal theory can promise the successful leadership as long as the situation, motivation and the inclination of the followers towards the task is kept in view. The more the related factors are considered and the appropriate the decisions are made, along with the full-fledged implementation of the opted strategy, the more the effective leadership would be and, the chances of the success would become certain.
New findings and theories have began to unveil a whole new leadership theory, came to be popularly known as “path-goal” theory. This leadership theory is explained on the basis of situation and other related factors.
The path-goal theory suggests that the leaders can only have a successful leadership if they support the subordinates towards a specific goal by assigning them a clear, creative path. They can do so by explaining them clearly and articulately about their vision, making them aware of the upcoming obstacles and at the same time, revealing them the way of how to stand up amidst of curbing crisis. A series of rewards, explanation of mistakes and encouragement will make the leadership effective-the ultimate purpose of this theory.
This theory explains the effectiveness of leadership in terms of impact of leader on subordinates. Robert House, the American psychologist, who suggested this theory, says that leaders are successful as long as they have immense leadership influence on the subordinates, who acts as a source of motivation to their followers. In other words, the true leader inspires the goals and dreams and allow them turn their idealism in to realism by showing them the required path.
This theory highlights the amalgamated version of all the leadership styles. The theory demands the leader to have a right balance between his authority and his friendliness with the subordinates. He neither have to be too authoritative that the subordinates hesitate in expressing their creative ideas and critical thoughts nor have to be too friendly that the divider between the leader and subordinates reduce to transparency, and subordinates start exercising their freedom in the negative way.
This modern theory of leadership permits a wide space for participative leadership as the subordinates are totally involve in decision-making process and their suggestions are sought and given their due credit. In the path-goal theory of leadership, the challenging goals are set for subordinates and, the leaders show them the way to attain it.Additionally, they are given free hand to implement their creative ideas for the best accomplishment of goals. Leaders show their confidence by entrusting them with the complete authority on the allocated task.
Since, the theory is totally situation oriented; the leader has to be extra careful in the analysis of the task and other factors before defining the path to the subordinates. For example, at the time when the task is not clear to the subordinates or the path appears as vague or distorted to them, guidance and suggestions by the leader would be willingly welcomed by the subordinates. However, when the things are well-defined and outlined to the subordinates and the followers are quite confident of their efforts, the redundant regulations would be taken by them as over controlling their skills and potential.
This variance in approach is dependent on the clarity of the situation, abilities of the subordinates and their motivation and, on the depth of task. The more complicated the task is and the less comprehensible the paths are, the increase supportive suggestions by the leader would be genuinely entertained.
This theory demands the leader to maintain a firm checks on his behavior and the body language as the actions speak louder than the words. He as to appear as a source of motivation, inspiration, trust and confidence. The actions should speak the depth of his commitment and the passion for the task and the affection for followers. The behavior should infuse the feeling of satisfaction in the working aura.
The key to have effective leader, based on the path-goal leadership theory, is to mark the paths to the goals. This can be well done by identifying the key tasks to the subordinates, explaining the nature of complicated hurdles and, describing the way to smooth away the obstacles in to terrific success.
The path-goal theory can promise the successful leadership as long as the situation, motivation and the inclination of the followers towards the task is kept in view. The more the related factors are considered and the appropriate the decisions are made, along with the full-fledged implementation of the opted strategy, the more the effective leadership would be and, the chances of the success would become certain.
Assessing The Leadership Skills In A Job Applicant
The present world is constantly emerging as more competitive and demanding. In order to cope with up with the fast emerging trends, it has become immensely necessary to have the employees which posses the best leadership skills that are essential for job since, the competent, effective leadership is the necessity at all the levels.
Since creative leadership traits have become an increasing demand of all the organizations, here are some tests that would enable the employer to finely judge the leadership skills in the employee for the best selection.
The Psychological Test
It consists of a series of question and answers that allow perceiving the character and thinking of the employee. It includes a series of some group versus individual tests. It helps the employer to evaluate that how much the employee is inclined to have good communication and understanding between him, his team mates and the subordinates. The proper assessment of one’s character is essential as it gives the idea of how much flexible he is in his approach.
If the job requires the participative or employee-centered style to be implemented, this test is indispensable as it gives the idea of how much he is task oriented and good at human relations, the main prerequisite of the styles.
The Ability Test
This test is not basically the test of any required leadership skill but since the good knowledge of the job ensures the right guidance by the leader, this test is essential. Also, if the employee is the subordinate of any leader, the good knowledge is vital to come up with the challenging, creative ideas in participative leadership.
The Personality Test
This test examines the behavior and actions of the person when subjected to different situations. A leader has to be optimistic and remain cool even in the tense, hot situation. This is essential as it infuses the feeling of confidence and trust among the subordinates, required for the optimum efforts by the subordinates.
The test involves some group activities, with the tough deadlines. The employees are keenly observed through out the task to judge the confidence, sharpness and the decision-making ability of the leader.
Emotional Intelligence Test
This test is aimed at evaluating the ability of an employee to control his feelings and emotions. The leadership styles that demand the good social relations between the subordinates and the leader, the positive emotional intelligence tests are then rightly demanded.
It facilitates the employee to ascertain the social and communication skills of the employee and how much he is aware of the surroundings and could well control his impact on others. This test helps to examine the balanced approach of the employee in getting the assigned work from the subordinates and exercising his leadership authorities on them.
Integrity Test
Integrity is one the exceptionally important leadership trait. Every good leader is found to possess this tremendous skill. This test gives an idea of whether the person will indulge in any unfair means. The honesty, sincerity and commitment of the employee could be well ascertained through this test.
The test includes some activities and leadership questionnaire to assess the sincerity and honesty in his words and actions. If there lies the deep, closer link between what he answered in the questionnaire and what he does in the practical task, the person possess integrity, the most imperative leadership skill.
Interview
The last but not the least is the interview test which allows the leader to figure out the confidence and the communication skills of the employer. If the interview is structure based, with some challenging questions, the employee can well discover the decision-making capability of the individual.
The effective leadership requires the good decision-making ability. Hence; the structured interview will help the employee to ascertain leadership characteristic in the individual. Once all these tests are properly performed, the authentic leadership can be easily figured out among the masses.
Since creative leadership traits have become an increasing demand of all the organizations, here are some tests that would enable the employer to finely judge the leadership skills in the employee for the best selection.
The Psychological Test
It consists of a series of question and answers that allow perceiving the character and thinking of the employee. It includes a series of some group versus individual tests. It helps the employer to evaluate that how much the employee is inclined to have good communication and understanding between him, his team mates and the subordinates. The proper assessment of one’s character is essential as it gives the idea of how much flexible he is in his approach.
If the job requires the participative or employee-centered style to be implemented, this test is indispensable as it gives the idea of how much he is task oriented and good at human relations, the main prerequisite of the styles.
The Ability Test
This test is not basically the test of any required leadership skill but since the good knowledge of the job ensures the right guidance by the leader, this test is essential. Also, if the employee is the subordinate of any leader, the good knowledge is vital to come up with the challenging, creative ideas in participative leadership.
The Personality Test
This test examines the behavior and actions of the person when subjected to different situations. A leader has to be optimistic and remain cool even in the tense, hot situation. This is essential as it infuses the feeling of confidence and trust among the subordinates, required for the optimum efforts by the subordinates.
The test involves some group activities, with the tough deadlines. The employees are keenly observed through out the task to judge the confidence, sharpness and the decision-making ability of the leader.
Emotional Intelligence Test
This test is aimed at evaluating the ability of an employee to control his feelings and emotions. The leadership styles that demand the good social relations between the subordinates and the leader, the positive emotional intelligence tests are then rightly demanded.
It facilitates the employee to ascertain the social and communication skills of the employee and how much he is aware of the surroundings and could well control his impact on others. This test helps to examine the balanced approach of the employee in getting the assigned work from the subordinates and exercising his leadership authorities on them.
Integrity Test
Integrity is one the exceptionally important leadership trait. Every good leader is found to possess this tremendous skill. This test gives an idea of whether the person will indulge in any unfair means. The honesty, sincerity and commitment of the employee could be well ascertained through this test.
The test includes some activities and leadership questionnaire to assess the sincerity and honesty in his words and actions. If there lies the deep, closer link between what he answered in the questionnaire and what he does in the practical task, the person possess integrity, the most imperative leadership skill.
Interview
The last but not the least is the interview test which allows the leader to figure out the confidence and the communication skills of the employer. If the interview is structure based, with some challenging questions, the employee can well discover the decision-making capability of the individual.
The effective leadership requires the good decision-making ability. Hence; the structured interview will help the employee to ascertain leadership characteristic in the individual. Once all these tests are properly performed, the authentic leadership can be easily figured out among the masses.
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