Organizational Leadership is at a premium today and there is
a clear recognition of the fact that in most situations the enthusiasm &
motivation aroused in people by powerful & positive leadership is the most
potent strategic weapon that provides sustained competitive advantage.
Today,
management is defined as, "The process of getting things done though others";
whereas leadership is defined as "The process of getting things done willingly through others". The
difference between the two definitions is one word but that word willingness and the degree of
willingness aroused determine the effectiveness of the leader.
Positive and
powerful leader has an extraordinary ability to arouse such degrees of
willingness & motivation in people that the impossible seems to become
possible. The willingness
aroused by a leader in organizational situations translates into achievement
& excellence.
Major ingredients of effective leadership:
1. The ability to develop a climate that is conducive for motivation through personal example.
2. A leader's ability & confidence to inspire.
3. The ability to comprehend human behaviour and apply this
knowledge to people & situation.
The various roles played by Effective Leaders of
today are identified as follows:
1. Envisioner
2. Role Model
3. Motivator
4. Goal Setter
5. Initiator
6. Decision Maker
7. Informer
8. Conflict Resolver
9. Controller
10. Team Builder
11. Spokesman
12. Crises Manager
Major characteristics of
effective leader:
Intellectual
Characteristics:
1. Originality
2. Far-sightedness
3. Receptiveness
4. Decisiveness
5. Sense of Timing
6. Intelligence
Personality Characteristics:
1. Personal Integrity
2. Self-confidence
3. Emotional Balance & Control
4. Adaptability
5. Assertiveness
6. Tough Mindedness
7. Resourcefulness
8. Tolerance of Stress
9. Perceptual Objectivity
10. High Need for Achievement
Task
Related Characteristics:
1. Task Knowledge & Expertise
2. Administrative Ability
3. Responsibility Acceptance
4. Deadline & Schedule Orientation
5. Team Management Ability
6. Proactive Orientation
7. Ability to identify and Focus on Key Issues
8. Decision Making & problem Solving
Socially Related Characteristics:
a. Humanism & Empathy
b. Personal Impact / charm
c. Socio-cultural Sensitivity
d. Interpersonal and Social Networking
e. Social Participation & Friendliness
f. Tact & Diplomacy
Leadership Skills:
A leader must have some basic skills to perform his duties effectively. A list of suggested leadership skills critical to success in the
global economy includes the following:
1. Cultural Flexibility: A leader must show cultural awareness and sensitivity
through recognizing and celebrating the value of diversity in their
organizations.
2. Communication skills: Written, verbal, body language & listening skills.
3. HRD Skills: Development of the human resources through training, career counseling and job
evaluation.
4. Creativity: Problem solving, innovation, setting goals and assisting subordinates to
be creative.
5. Self learning: Learning is a continuous process. A leader must learn new
methods, skills and technology. He must be self-learner.
6. Managing time & stress.
7. Delegating.
8. Motivating & influencing others.
9. Team building.
10. Managing conflicts
Skills &
Abilities for Effective Leadership:
Social Objectivity: Ability to act free of racial, ethnic, gender or other biases.
Inner work Standards: Ability to set & meet highly personal work goals.
Self-Understanding:
Ability to recognize one's strengths & weaknesses.
Introspection:
Ability to learn from experience & self-study.
Vision:
Ability to imagine a different & better situation and ways to achieve it.
Entrepreneurism:
Ability to spot & take advantage of opportunities.
Empowerment:
Ability to share influence & control with others.
Effective leadership traits:
Intelligence & Analytical Ability
Energy & Personal Drive
Self- Confidence
Dominance & Assertiveness
Desire to Lead
Honesty & Integrity
Knowledge & Expertise
Need for Achievement
Creativity & Intuition.
Behavior displayed by effective leaders:
1. Consideration:
It is the extent to which a leader is approachable and shows personal concern
for subordinates.
2. Initiating Structure: The degree to which a leader concentrates on groups' goal
attainment.
3. Reward Behaviour: The extent to which a leader provides his subordinates with
compliments, tangible benefits and desired specific treatment.
4. Punishment Behaviour: The leader's use of reprimands or unfavourable tasks
assignments and active with holding of rewards.
Article Rating (3 stars):
- Article Word Count: 541
- |
- Total Views: 234
- |
- permalink