At some time in life, everyone is asked to be a leader. In every situation there are leadership demands placed on the individual who is the leader.
What is leadership?
Simple, the ability to lead but what is its nature?
A number of concepts are recognized by most people as accurately reflecting what it is to be a leader.
It is thought as a trait
It is conceptualized as an ability.
Conceptualized as a skill.
It is also a behavior.
It is about relationship.
And a final way of thinking about it as an influence process.
Defining leadership as a trait means that each individual brings to the table certain qualities that influence the way he or she leads.
Some leaders are confident, some are decisive and still others are outgoing and sociable.
Saying the leadership is a trait places a great deal of emphasis on the leader and on the leader’s special gift.
Although there are many important leadership traits, what is most important for leaders is having the required traits that a particular situation demands.
Ex. Hospital – calm, insightful and decisive
Classroom – inspiring and creative
Effective leadership results when the leader engages the right traits in the right place at the right time.
What makes people become leaders? Why are some people leaders while others are not?
There are many traits that make a good leader but research summarizes the six key traits to be a successful leader.
Intelligence – includes good language skills, perceptual skills, and reasoning ability. This combination of assets makes people good thinkers, and makes them better leaders. There are certain ways for a person to improve intelligence in general.
Intelligent leaders are well-informed. They are aware of what is going on around them and understand the job that needs to be done. It is important for leaders to obtain information about what their leadership role entails and learn as much as possible about their work environment. This information will help leaders be more knowledgeable and insightful.
Confidence – confident people feel self-assured and believe they can accomplish their goals. They feel a sense of certainty and believe that they are doing the right thing. it is a trait that has to do with feeling positive about oneself and one’s ability to succeed.
So how can you build your own confidence?
Confidence comes from understanding what is required of you. Ex. Driving a car
Awareness and understanding build confidence.
Confidence can also come from having a mentor to show the way and provide positive feedback.
Confidence also comes from practice. Practice is something everyone can do. Ex. An athelete
Practice builds confidence because it provides assurance that an aspiring leader can do what needs to be done.
Charisma – refers to a leader’s special magnetic charm and appeal, and can have a huge effect on the leadership process.
Several behaviors characterize charismatic leadership.
They serve as a strong model for the values that they desire others to adopt.
They show competence in every aspect of leadership, so others trust their decisions.
They articulate clear goals and strong values.
They communicate high expectations for followers and show confidence in their abilities to meet these expectations.
They are an inspiration to others.
Determination – very focused and attentive to tasks. They know where they are going and how they intend to get there. It is the decision to get the job done, it includes characteristics such as initiative, persistence, and drive. People with determination are willing to assert themselves, they are proactive and they have the capacity to persevere in the face of obstacles. Being determined includes showing dominance at times, especially in situations where others need direction.
Sociability – refers to a leader’s capacity to establish pleasant social relationships.
Integrity – characterizes leaders who possesses the qualities of honesty and trustworthiness. It demands being open with others and representing reality as fully and completely as possible. It is at the core of being a leader.
A person who has leadership ability is able to be a leader – that has the capability to lead.
Do you agree that ability can be acquired?
In leadership, some people have the ability to lead, while others develop their leadership abilities through hard work and practice.
Skilled leaders are competent people who know the means and methods for carrying out their responsibilities. They know what they need to do and how to do it. If you are capable of learning from experience, you can acquire leadership.
It is observable.
2 kinds of behavior: 1. task behavior – used by leaders to get the job done.
2.. Process behavior – used by leaders to help people feel comfortable with other group members and at ease in the situations in which they find themselves.
Thought of as a relationship, leadership becomes a process of collaboration that occurs between leaders and followers.
Thinking of leadership as a relationship suggests that leaders must include followers and their interests in the process of leadership.
Influence is central to the process of leadership because leaders affect followers.
Leadership is about seeking constructive change. Management is about establishing an order.
Managers are people who do things right and leaders are people who do the right thing.
