Abilitities of leaders
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Leaders need both the right character and the requisite capabilities to be considered as leaders. Their position is of a lessor importance compared to their abilities. This presentation outlines these salient aspects of leaders.
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Abilitities of leaders
- 1. Leadership Ability A lesson in Leadership through questions & answers By R. Masilamani
- 2. Leadership Question 1 Describe a situation that tested your leadership skills. How did you manage the situation? (Harvard)
- 3. Leadership Question 2 • Discuss two situations in the past four years where you have taken an Active leadership role. • How do these events demonstrate your managerial potential? (Anderson)
- 4. Leadership Quiz - next 2 pages • • • • • 18 Statements to Answer Not at All - A Rarely B Sometimes C Very Often D Write the relevant response in the box Often- See more at: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_50.htm#sthash.3WVrjLEG.dpuf
- 5. How Good Are Your Leadership Skills? Questions 1. When assigning tasks, I consider people’s skills and interests 2. I doubt myself and my ability to succeed. 3. I expect nothing less than top-notch results from people 4. I expect my people to work harder than I do. 5 .When someone is upset, I try to understand how he or she is feeling. 6. When circumstances change, I can struggle to know what to do 7 .I think that personal feelings shouldn't be allowed to get in the way of performance and productivity. 8. I am highly motivated because I know I have what it takes to be successful 9 Time spent worrying about team morale is time that’s wasted. Score
- 6. How Good Are Your Leadership Skills? questions Score 10. I get upset and worried quite often in the workplace. 11. My actions show people what I want from them. 11. My actions show people what I want from them. 12. When working with a team, I encourage everyone to work toward the same overall objectives. 13. I make exceptions to my rules and expectations – it’s easier than being the enforcer all the time! 14. I enjoy planning for the future. 15. I feel threatened when someone criticizes me. 16. I make time to learn what people need from me, so that they can be successful. 17. I’m optimistic about life, and I can see beyond temporary setbacks and problems. 18 .I think that teams perform best when individuals keep doing the same tasks and perfecting them, instead of learning new skills and challenging themselves. 12. When working with a team, I encourage everyone to work toward the same overall objectives. 13. I make exceptions to my rules and expectations – it’s easier than being the enforcer all the time! 14. I enjoy planning for the future. 15. I feel threatened when someone criticizes me. 16. I make time to learn what people need from me, so that they can be successful. 17. I’m optimistic about life, and I can see beyond temporary setbacks and problems 18. I think that teams perform best when individuals keep doing the same tasks and perfecting them, instead of learning new skills and challenging themselves
- 7. Score Interpretation • • • • ScoreComment 18-34You need to work hard on your leadership skills. The good news is that if you use more of these skills at work, at home, and in the community, you'll be a real asset to the people around you. You can do it – and now is a great time to start! (Read below to start.) 35-52You're doing OK as a leader, but you have the potential to do much better. While you've built the foundation of effective leadership, this is your opportunity to improve your skills, and become the best you can be. Examine the areas where you lost points, and determine what you can do to develop skills in these areas. (Read below to start.) 53-90Excellent! You're well on your way to becoming a good leader. However, you can never be too good at leadership or too experienced – so look at the areas where you didn't score maximum points, and figure out what you can do to improve your performance. (Read below to start.) - See more at: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_50.htm#sthash.3WVrjLEG.dpuf
- 8. Leadership Theories: The 8 Major Leadership Theories • • • • • • • • 1. "Great Man" Theories 2. Trait Theories 3. Contingency Theories 4. Situational Theories 5. Behavioral Theories 6. Participative Theories 7. Management Theories 8. Relationship Theories
- 9. Leadership QUIZ • Quiz - What's Your Leadership Style? • According to Lewin, they can be….. • Authoritarian(Autocratic) • Participative(Democratic) • Delegative (Laissez Faire)
- 10. What Is Autocratic Leadership? • Little or no input from group members • Leaders make the decisions • Group leaders dictate all the work methods and processes • Group members are rarely trusted with decisions or important tasks
- 11. What Is Democratic Leadership? • Group members are encouraged to share ideas and opinions, even though the leader retains the final say over decisions. • Members of the group feel more engaged in the process. • Creativity is encouraged and rewarded.
- 12. What Is Laissez-Faire Leadership? • Very little guidance from leaders • Complete freedom for followers to make decisions • Leaders provide the tools and resources needed • Group members are expected to solve problems on their own
- 13. What Is Transformational Leadership? • MacGregor Burns said, transformational leadership is. • Intellectual Stimulation • Individualized Consideration • Inspirational Motivation • Idealized Influence
- 14. What is Emotional Intelligence • Self Management • Self Awareness • Self Regulation • Self Motivation • Empathy
- 15. SAMPLE ESSAY Read the example of text below It’s about the ‘WELLWORK Action Team’ Improve and expedite our production operations Look for the leadership abilities applied Look for results that occurred Asses the impact of leadership ability on the results Compare with the independent comments
- 16. The Top 10 Leadership Qualities • Vision • Integrity • Dedication • Magnanimity • Humility • Openness • Creativity • Fairness • Assertiveness • Sense of humour
- 17. 10 Ways to Become a Better Leader • • • • • • • • • • 1. Learn More About Your Leadership Style 2. Encourage Creativity 3. Serve As a Role Model 4. Be Passionate 5. Listen and Communicate Effectively 6. Have a Positive Attitude 7. Encourage People to Make Contributions 8. Motivate Your Followers 9. Offer Rewards and Recognition 10. Keep Trying New Things
- 18. Top 10 Qualities That Make A Great Leader • • • • • Honesty Ability to Delegate Communication Sense of Humor Confidence • • • • • Commitment Positive Attitude Creativity Intuition Ability to Inspire
- 19. Communication • The Essence of Leadership • Leaders Need Communication skills • Communication Essentials should prevail to, – Send a message in a clear and straightforward manner. – Let the other person accept the message. – Be sure that the person has received and understood the message. • It’s Leadership Through Shared Vision & Mission
- 20. The Nature of Good Communication • Leaders convey plans and directions. • Team members tell leaders what they require to do their jobs so the leaders can provide it. • All team members directly coordinate their activities with each other. • Leaders monitor progress toward goals by talking to team members and listening to what they have to say.
- 21. PEOPLE SKILLS FOR EXCELLENT LEADERSHIP • • • • • • Insights into people skills Skills in applying principles of motivating people Better leadership skills to manage employees Competencies in leading employees Skills for resolving conflicts Abilities to help employees achieve excellent performance • Interpersonal skills • Persuasive skills to negotiate with others • Abilities to help individuals to release their creativity
- 22. Leadership Characteristics • • • • • • • • Proactive vs reactive Flexible/adaptable A good communicator Respectful Quiet confidence Enthusiastic Open minded Resourceful • • • • • • • • • Rewarding Well educated Open to change Interested in feedback Evaluative Organised Consistent Delegati Instinctiveve
Hinweis der Redaktion
- How Good Are Your Leadership Skills?What's your key area for improvement?© iStockphoto/hidesyWho do you consider to be a good leader? Maybe it's a politician, a famous businessperson, or a religious figure. Or maybe it's someone you know personally – like your boss, a teacher, or a friend.You can find people in leadership roles almost everywhere you look. However, simply having the responsibilities of a leader doesn't necessarily make a person an effective leader. This is a shame because, with a little study, humility and hard work, all of us can learn to lead effectively.So, how can you do this?You can start by analyzing your performance in specific areas of leadership. Complete the quiz below to identify where you already lead effectively, and to explore where your skills need further development. In the analysis sections underneath, we'll direct you to the resources you need to be an exceptional leader.How Good Are Your Leadership Skills?Instructions:For each statement, click the button in the column that best describes you. Please answer questions as you actually are (rather than how you think you should be), and don't worry if some questions seem to score 'in the wrong direction'. When you are finished, please click the 'Calculate My Total' button at the bottom of the test. 18 Statements to AnswerNotat AllRarelySometimesOftenVeryOften1When assigning tasks, I consider people’s skills and interests.2I doubt myself and my ability to succeed.3I expect nothing less than top-notch results from people.4I expect my people to work harder than I do.5When someone is upset, I try to understand how he or she is feeling.6When circumstances change, I can struggle to know what to do.7I think that personal feelings shouldn't be allowed to get in the way of performance and productivity.8I am highly motivated because I know I have what it takes to be successful.9Time spent worrying about team morale is time that’s wasted.10I get upset and worried quite often in the workplace.11My actions show people what I want from them.12When working with a team, I encourage everyone to work toward the same overall objectives.13I make exceptions to my rules and expectations – it’s easier than being the enforcer all the time!14I enjoy planning for the future.15I feel threatened when someone criticizes me.16I make time to learn what people need from me, so that they can be successful.17I’m optimistic about life, and I can see beyond temporary setbacks and problems.18I think that teams perform best when individuals keep doing the same tasks and perfecting them, instead of learning new skills and challenging themselves.- See more at: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_50.htm#sthash.3WVrjLEG.dpuf
- There are many leadership skills and competencies that, when combined and applied, go toward making you an effective leader. You have the ability to develop each of these skills within yourself. Read on for specific ideas on how you can improve your leadership skills!Personal CharacteristicsSuccessful leaders tend to have certain traits. Two keys areas of personal growth and development are fundamental to leadership success: self-confidence, and a positive attitude.Self-confident people are usually inspiring, and people like to be around individuals who believe in themselves and in what they're doing. Likewise, if you're a positive and optimistic person who tries to make the best of any situation, you'll find it much easier to motivate people to do their best.Self-Confidence(Questions 2, 8)Self-confidence is built by mastering significant skills and situations, and by knowing that you can add real value by the work you do. One of the best ways to improve your confidence is to become aware of all of the things you've already achieved.Our article on Building Self-Confidence explains what you can do to understand yourself better and build your self-confidence. From there, you'll begin to make the most of your strengths and improve your weaknesses. Explore this further with our Bite-Sized Training session on Personal SWOT Analysis.Positive Attitude and Outlook (Questions 10, 17)A positive mindset is also associated with strong leadership. However, being positive is much more than presenting a happy face to the world: you need to develop a strong sense of balance, and recognize that setbacks and problems happen – it's how you deal with those problems that makes the difference. Positive people approach situations realistically, prepared to make the changes necessary to overcome a problem. Negative people, on the other hand, often give in to the stress and pressure of the situation. This can lead to fear, worry, distress, anger and failure.Stress management techniques , including getting enough Rest, Relaxation and Sleep as well as physical exercise, are great ways of getting rid of negative thoughts and feelings. Understanding your thinking patterns, and learning to identify and eliminate negative thinking are key. You can learn how to do this in our article on Thought Awareness, Rational Thinking and Positive Thinking , and you can find out how to become more optimistic in our Book Insight on Learned Optimism.Emotional Intelligence(Questions 5, 15)The concept of emotional intelligence used to be referred to as "soft skills," "character", or even "communication skills". The more recent idea of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) offers a more precise understanding of a specific kind of human talent. EQ is the ability to recognize feelings – your own and those of others – and manage those emotions to create strong relationships. Learning to develop Empathy is essential for emotional intelligence, as is communicating effectively, and practicing Empathic Listening . These all help you really understand the other person's perspective.The Leadership menu has a section on emotional intelligence in leadership.Transformational LeadershipTransformational leadership is a leadership style where leaders create an inspiring vision of the future, motivate their followers to achieve it, manage implementation successfully, and develop the members of their teams to be even more effective in the future. We explore these dimensions below.Providing a Compelling Vision of the Future (Questions 6, 14)This is your ability to create a robust and compelling vision of the future, and to present this vision in a way that inspires the people you lead.The first part of being able to do this is to have a thorough knowledge of the area you're operating in. See our Bite-Sized Training session on Building Expert Power to find out how to develop this.From there, good use of strategic analysis techniques can help you gain the key insights you need into the environment you're operating in, and into the needs of your clients. See our Strategy Menu for more than 50 powerful techniques that give you these insights.With these tools, you can explore the challenges you face and identify the options available to you. You can identify the best of these with good use of prioritization skills and appropriate decision-making techniques.Finally, to sell your vision, you need to be able to craft a compelling and interesting story. Our article, "Powers of Persuasion," can help you open closed minds, so that people consider your ideas fairly. Another great way of inspiring people is to use vivid stories to explain your vision: find out more about this in our Expert Interview with Annette Simmons, titled Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins.Motivating People to Deliver the Vision (Questions 9, 12) This is closely related to creating and selling a vision. You must be able to convince others to accept the objectives you've set. Emphasize teamwork, and recognize that when people work together, they can achieve great things. To provide effective leadership by linking performance and team goals, use Management by Objectives (MBO) and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).Ultimately, you need to motivate people to deliver your vision. To better understand your ability to motivate, complete our quiz How Good Are Your Motivation Skills?, and explore our articles on Herzberg's Motivators and Hygiene Factors and Sirota's Three Factor Theory. Being a Good Role Model (Questions 4, 11) Good leaders lead by example . They do what they say, and say what they do. These types of leaders are trustworthy, and show integrity. They get involved in daily work where needed, and they stay in touch with what's happening throughout the organization. Great leaders don't just sit in their offices and give orders; they demonstrate the actions and values that they expect from the team.As with building vision, above, a key part of being a good role model is leading from the front by developing expert power . A leader can't rely on position alone: by keeping current, and staying relevant within the organization, you'll inspire people because you're worthy of your power and authority, not just because you're the boss. Managing Performance Effectively (Questions 3, 13)Effective leaders manage performance by setting their expectations clearly and concisely. When everyone knows what's expected, it's much easier to get high performance. There's little uncertainty, therefore you can deal with performance issues quickly. And if things have already started to slide, our article on Re-Engaging Team Members offers some excellent tips for turning a negative situation back to a positive one.As you create rules, help the team understand why the rules are there . Involve them in the rule-making process, and make sure that your expectations align with the resources and support available. Apply rules fairly and consistently.Providing Support and Stimulation (Questions 1, 7, 16, 18) To be highly motivated at work, people need more than a list of tasks to be completed each day. They need challenges and interesting work. They need to develop their skills, and to feel supported in their efforts to do a good job.Think about your approach to Task Allocation, and look for opportunities to match people with jobs and responsibilities that will help them grow and develop. Use Heron's Six Categories of Intervention to decide when and how to help team members to shine. Perform Training Needs Assessments on a regular basis to determine what your team needs to be successful.Remember that emotional support is also important. The Blake-Mouton Managerial Grid is a great tool for thinking about the right balance between concern for people, and productivity.Key PointsTo be successful in your career, regardless of your title or position, focus on developing your leadership skills.Effective leaders can add value simply by being present on teams. They are inspirational and motivating. They know the right things to say to people to help them understand what's needed, and they can convince people to support a cause.When you have talented and effective leaders in your organization, you're well on your way to success. Develop these leadership skills in yourself and in your team members – and you'll see the performance and productivity of your entire team improve.This site teaches you the skills you need for a happy and successful career; and this is just one of many tools and resources that you'll find here at Mind Tools. Click here for more, subscribe to our free newsletter, or become a member for just $1.Join the Mind Tools ClubThe Mind Tools Club gives you more help, ideas and training, including these 4 free workbooks.And if you join before midnight on September 26, you also get our From Expert to Manager workbook.- See more at: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_50.htm#sthash.3WVrjLEG.dpuf
- Leadership Theories: The 8 Major Leadership TheoriesBy Kendra Cherry, About.com GuideAds: Leadership Skills List Definition Leadership Leadership Management Leadership Quality Leadership TraitsLeadership theories tackle the question of what makes certain people become great leaders.Image: Marja Flick-BuijsAdsWe Want Malaysian Authorswww.TraffordPublishing.com.sg/MYStart Publishing Your Book. Get A Free Book Publishing Guide Now!Emotional IntelligenceCorporateTrainingMaterials.com1 day course material to teach Emotional Intelligence skills.EQ Certification Trainingwww.6seconds.org/certification/Over 2500 trained, 75 countries Life-changing toolsSee More Aboutleadershiptrait theoriesAdsExpand Your Mindwww.QuantumJumping.comThe Key to Change Your Life is to "Jump" Into Your Subconscious...iTalent HR Outsourcingwww.italent.myProfessional Total HR Outsourcing Services in Malaysia.What exactly makes a great leader? Do certain personality traits make people better-suited to leadership roles, or do characteristics of the situation make it more likely that certain people will take charge? When we look at the leaders around us – be it our employer or the President – we might find ourselves wondering exactly why these individuals excel in such positions.People have long been interested in leadership throughout human history, but it has only been relatively recently that a number of formal leadership theories have emerged. Interest in leadership increased during the early part of the twentieth century. Early leadership theories focused on what qualities distinguished between leaders and followers, while subsequent theories looked at other variables such as situational factors and skill levels.While many different leadership theories have emerged, most can be classified as one of eight major types:1. "Great Man" Theories:Have you ever heard someone described as "born to lead?" According to this point of view, great leaders are simply born with the necessary internal characteristics such as charisma, confidence, intelligence, and social skills that make them natural-born leaders.Great man theories assume that the capacity for leadership is inherent – that great leaders are born, not made. These theories often portray great leaders as heroic, mythic and destined to rise to leadership when needed. The term "Great Man" was used because, at the time, leadership was thought of primarily as a male quality, especially in terms of military leadership.2. Trait Theories:Similar in some ways to Great Man theories, trait theories assume that people inherit certain qualities and traits that make them better suited to leadership. Trait theories often identify particular personality or behavioral characteristics shared by leaders. For example, traits like extraversion, self-confidence, and courage are all traits that could potentially be linked to great leaders.If particular traits are key features of leadership, then how do we explain people who possess those qualities but are not leaders? This question is one of the difficulties in using trait theories to explain leadership. There are plenty of people who possess the personality traits associated with leadership, yet many of these people never seek out positions of leadership.3. Contingency Theories:Contingency theories of leadership focus on particular variables related to the environment that might determine which particular style of leadership is best suited for the situation. According to this theory, no leadership style is best in all situations. Success depends upon a number of variables, including the leadership style, qualities of the followers and aspects of the situation.4. Situational Theories:Situational theories propose that leaders choose the best course of action based upon situational variables. Different styles of leadership may be more appropriate for certain types of decision-making. For example, in a situation where the leader is the most knowledgeable and experienced member of a group, an authoritarian style might be most appropriate. In other instances where group members are skilled experts, a democratic style would be more effective.5. Behavioral Theories:Behavioral theories of leadership are based upon the belief that great leaders are made, not born. Consider it the flip-side of the Great Man theories. Rooted in behaviorism, this leadership theory focuses on the actions of leaders not on mental qualities or internal states. According to this theory, people can learn to become leaders through teaching and observation.6. Participative Theories:Participative leadership theories suggest that the ideal leadership style is one that takes the input of others into account. These leaders encourage participation and contributions from group members and help group members feel more relevant and committed to the decision-making process. In participative theories, however, the leader retains the right to allow the input of others.7. Management Theories:Management theories, also known as transactional theories, focus on the role of supervision, organization and group performance. These theories base leadership on a system of rewards and punishments. Managerial theories are often used in business; when employees are successful, they are rewarded; when they fail, they are reprimanded or punished. Learn more about theories of transactional leadership.8. Relationship Theories:Relationship theories, also known as transformational theories, focus upon the connections formed between leaders and followers. Transformational leaders motivate and inspire people by helping group members see the importance and higher good of the task. These leaders are focused on the performance of group members, but also want each person to fulfill his or her potential. Leaders with this style often have high ethical and moral standards.Did You Know?By visiting the rest of the Psychology site you can find a wealth of free psychology articles and resources, which include:Blog and Weekly Feature StoriesFree Psychology Newsletter and E-CoursesDiscussion BoardsPsychology Tests and QuizzesLeadershipLewin's Leadership StylesQuiz - What's Your Leadership Style?What Is Transformational Leadership?Leadership StylesWhat Is Laissez-Faire Leadership?What Is Democratic Leadership?What Is Autocratic Leadership?Psychology TheoriesTheories of DevelopmentKey Theories in PsychologyThe Purpose of Psychology TheoriesRelated ArticlesSecrets of Leadership SuccessGreat Man Theories - Great Man Theories of LeadershipPopular Leadership Models - LeadershipWhat Is the "Great Man" Leadership Theory? VideoThe Leadership Trait Trail - Leadership
- Discuss two situations in the past four years where you have taken an Active leadership role. How do these events demonstrate your managerial potential? (Anderson)Lewin's Leadership StylesThree Major Styles of LeadershipBy Kendra Cherry, About.com GuideAds: Leadership Skills List Leadership Management Leadership Quality Leadership Style About LeadershipOne classic study identified three main types of leadership: authoritarian, participative, and delegative.Image: SanjaGjeneroAdsEmotional IntelligenceCorporateTrainingMaterials.com1 day course material to teach Emotional Intelligence skills.Team Building Specialistswww.eqtd.comCustomised Training Programmes Malaysia's Premier ConsultantsTeam Building Adventurewww.malaysia-adventuretours.com/Adventure and Corporate Team Building Events MalaysiaSee More Aboutleadership styleskurtlewinauthoritative leadershipdelagative leadershipdemocratic leadershipAdsPrimavera P6 Trainingwww.ipecsystems.com.mySoftware,Training,Services Primavera Partner MalaysiaEQ Test Certificationwww.6Seconds.org/certificationIn-depth, valid, solid tools Flexible 1:1 distance learningIn 1939, a group of researchers led by psychologist Kurt Lewin set out to identify different styles of leadership. While further research has identified more specific types of leadership, this early study was very influential and established three major leadership styles. In the study, schoolchildren were assigned to one of three groups with an authoritarian, democratic or laissez-fair leader. The children were then led in an arts and crafts project while researchers observed the behavior of children in response to the different styles of leadership.Authoritarian Leadership (Autocratic)Authoritarian leaders, also known as autocratic leaders, provide clear expectations for what needs to be done, when it should be done, and how it should be done. There is also a clear division between the leader and the followers. Authoritarian leaders make decisions independently with little or no input from the rest of the group.Researchers found that decision-making was less creative under authoritarian leadership. Lewin also found that it is more difficult to move from an authoritarian style to a democratic style than vice versa. Abuse of this style is usually viewed as controlling, bossy, and dictatorial.Authoritarian leadership is best applied to situations where there is little time for group decision-making or where the leader is the most knowledgeable member of the group.Participative Leadership (Democratic)Lewin’s study found that participative leadership, also known as democratic leadership, is generally the most effective leadership style. Democratic leaders offer guidance to group members, but they also participate in the group and allow input from other group members. In Lewin’s study, children in this group were less productive than the members of the authoritarian group, but their contributions were of a much higher quality.Participative leaders encourage group members to participate, but retain the final say over the decision-making process. Group members feel engaged in the process and are more motivated and creative.Delegative (Laissez-Faire) LeadershipResearchers found that children under delegative leadership, also known as laissez-fair leadership, were the least productive of all three groups. The children in this group also made more demands on the leader, showed little cooperation and were unable to work independently.Delegative leaders offer little or no guidance to group members and leave decision-making up to group members. While this style can be effective in situations where group members are highly qualified in an area of expertise, it often leads to poorly defined roles and a lack of motivation.Observations"The autocratic-authoritarian cluster encompasses being arbitrary, controlling, power-oriented, coercive, punitive, and close-minded. The cluster has often been described in pejorative terms. Stripped of negatives (emphasized by so many social scientists), it means taking full and sole responsibility for decision and control of followers' performance. Autocrats stress obedience, loyalty, strict adherence to roles. They make and enforce the rules. They see that decision are carried out. Powerful autocratic leaders throughout history have often been praised for their ability to develop reliable and devoted followers and to act as the principal authority figures in establishing and maintaining order."(Bass & Bass, 2008)"The democratic or egalitarian leadership cluster reflects concern about the followers in many different ways. Leadership is considerate, democratic, consultative and participative, employee-centered, concerned with people, concerned with maintenance of good working relations, supportive and oriented toward facilitating interaction, relationship oriented, and oriented toward group decision making."(Bass & Bass, 2008)Did You Know?By visiting the rest of the Psychology site you can find a wealth of free psychology articles and resources, which include:Blog and Weekly Feature StoriesFree Psychology Newsletter and E-CoursesDiscussion BoardsPsychology Tests and QuizzesReferences:Bass, B. M., & Bass, R. (2008). The Bass Handbook of Leadership: Theory, Research, and Managerial Applications. New York: Free Press.Lewin, K., Lippit, R. and White, R.K. (1939). Patterns of aggressive behavior in experimentally created social climates. Journal of Social Psychology, 10, 271-301Learn More About LeadershipLeadership TheoriesQuiz - What's Your Leadership Style?What Is Transformational Leadership?More Leadership StylesAutocratic LeadershipDemocratic LeadershipWhat Is Transactional Leadership?Kurt LewinKurt Lewin BiographyKurt Lewin QuotesRelated ArticlesOverview of Lewin's Leadership Styles VideoQuiz - What's Your Leadership Style? [About Psychology]Laissez-Faire Leadership - What Is Laissez-Faire Leadership10 Ways to Become a Better LeaderWhat Are the Participative Leadership Theories? Video
- By Kendra Cherry, About.com GuideAds: Positive Leadership Leadership Management Leadership Style About Leadership Leadership Skills ListAutocratic leadership involves having total control over a group.Image courtesy SanjaGjeneroAdsCute Girls Across RussiaRussiaGirlsDating.comOpen the Way to Russia Girls. Blonds, Brunettes & Acres of Fun!How To Publish A Book?www.traffordpublishing.com.sg/MalaysiaDon't Know How To Publish A Book? Let Us Help You! Sign Up Now.Training MaterialsCorporateTrainingMaterials.comCustomizable training materials to teach soft skills workshops.AdsSubconscious Mind Tips7steps2success.netProgram your subconscious mind to Create What You Want Free E-CourseEQ Test Certificationwww.6Seconds.org/certificationIn-depth, valid, solid tools Flexible 1:1 distance learningQuestion: What Is Autocratic Leadership?Answer:Autocratic leadership, also known as authoritarian leadership, is aleadership style characterized by individual control over all decisions and little input from group members. Autocratic leaders typically make choices based on their own ideas and judgments and rarely accept advice from followers. Autocratic leadership involves absolute, authoritarian control over a group.Characteristics of Autocratic LeadershipSome of the primary characteristics of autocratic leadership include:Little or no input from group membersLeaders make the decisionsGroup leaders dictate all the work methods and processesGroup members are rarely trusted with decisions or important tasksBenefits of Autocratic LeadershipAutocratic leadership can be beneficial in some instances, such as when decisions need to be made quickly without consulting with a large group of people. Some projects require strong leadership in order to get things accomplished quickly and efficiently.Have you ever worked with a group of students or co-workers on a project that got derailed by poor organization, a lack of leadership, and an inability to set deadlines? If so, chances are that your grade or job performance suffered as a result. In such situations, a strong leader who utilizes an autocratic style can take charge of the group, assign tasks to different members, and establish solid deadlines for projects to be finished.In situations that are particularly stressful, such as during military conflicts, group members may actually prefer an autocratic style. It allows members of the group to focus on performing specific tasks without worrying about making complex decisions. This also allows group members to become highly skilled at performing certain duties, which can be beneficial to the group.Downsides of Autocratic LeadershipWhile autocratic leadership can be beneficial at times, there are also many instances where this leadership style can be problematic. People who abuse an autocratic leadership style are often viewed as bossy, controlling, and dictatorial, which can lead to resentment among group members.Because autocratic leaders make decisions without consulting the group, people in the group may dislike that they are unable to contribute ideas. Researchers have also found that autocratic leadership often results in a lack of creative solutions to problems, which can ultimately hurt the performance of the group.While autocratic leadership does have some potential pitfalls, leaders can learn to use elements of this style wisely. For example, an autocratic style can be used effectively in situations where the leader is the most knowledgeable member of the group or has access to information that other members of the group do not.
- What Is Democratic Leadership?By Kendra Cherry, About.com GuideAds: Leadership Skills List Leadership Management Leadership Quality Leadership Style Definition LeadershipDemocratic leadership involves allowing members of the group to share and contribute ideas.Photo by Aldomurillo / iStockPhotoAdsWe Want Malaysian Authorswww.TraffordPublishing.com.sg/MYStart Publishing Your Book. Get A Free Book Publishing Guide Now!EQ Certification Trainingwww.6seconds.org/certification/Over 2500 trained, 75 countries Life-changing toolsReferred Academic Journalwww.iiste.orgFast Review, Publishing & Printing International Journal(US Published)AdsEducational Leadershipwww.celasia.orgCenter for Educational Leadership Outstanding PD in AsiaExpand Your Mindwww.QuantumJumping.comThe Key to Change Your Life is to "Jump" Into Your Subconscious...Question: What Is Democratic Leadership?Answer:Democratic leadership, also known as participative leadership, is a type of leadership style in which members of the group take a more participative role in the decision-making process. Researchers have found that this learning style is usually one of the most effective and lead to higher productivity, better contributions from group members, and increased group morale.Characteristics of Democratic LeadershipSome of the primary characteristics of democratic leadership include:Group members are encouraged to share ideas and opinions, even though the leader retains the final say over decisions.Members of the group feel more engaged in the process.Creativity is encouraged and rewarded.Benefits of Democratic LeadershipBecause group members are encouraged to share their thoughts, democratic leadership can leader to better ideas and more creative solutions to problems. Group members also feel more involved and committed to projects, making them more likely to care about the end results. Research on leadership styles has also shown that democratic leadership leads to higher productivity among group members.Downsides of Democratic LeadershipWhile democratic leadership has been described as the most effective leadership style, it does have some potential downsides. In situations where roles are unclear or time is of the essence, democratic leadership can lead to communication failures and uncompleted projects. In some cases, group members may not have the necessary knowledge or expertise to make quality contributions to the decision-making process.Democratic leadership works best in situations where group members are skilled and eager to share their knowledge. It is also important to have plenty of time to allow people to contribute, develop a plan and then vote on the best course of action.
- By Kendra Cherry, About.com GuideAds: Leadership Skills List Leadership Management Leadership Style Definition Leadership Leadership TraitsLaissez-faire leadership involves giving group members the freedom to make their own decisions.Tom Nulens / iStockPhotoAdsEQ Test Certificationwww.6Seconds.org/certificationIn-depth, valid, solid tools Flexible 1:1 distance learningReferred Academic Journalwww.iiste.orgFast Review, Publishing & Printing International Journal(US Published)Bright PancarSdnBhdwww.brightpancar.com.myManufacturer,importer,wholesale & retail on great range rubbish binQuestion: What Is Laissez-Faire Leadership?Answer:Laissez-faire leadership, also known as delegative leadership, is a type of leadership style in which leaders are hands-off and allow group members to make the decisions. Researchers have found that this is generally the leadership style that leads to the lowest productivity among group members.Characteristics of Laissez-Faire LeadershipLaissez-faire leadership is characterized by:Very little guidance from leadersComplete freedom for followers to make decisionsLeaders provide the tools and resources neededGroup members are expected to solve problems on their ownBenefits of Laissez-Faire LeadershipLaissez-faire leadership can be effective in situations where group members are highly skilled, motivated and capable of working on their own. While the conventional term for this style is 'laissez-faire' and implies a completely hands-off approach, many leaders still remain open and available to group members for consultation and feedback.Downsides of Laissez-Faire LeadershipLaissez-faire leadership is not ideal in situations where group members lack the knowledge or experience they need to complete tasks and make decisions. Some people are not good at setting their own deadlines, managing their own projects and solving problems on their own. In such situations, projects can go off-track and deadlines can be missed when team members do not get enough guidance or feedback from leaders.
- What Is Transformational Leadership?How Transformational Leadership InspireBy Kendra Cherry, About.com GuideAds: Positive Leadership Leadership Traits Leadership Management Definition Leadership Leadership Skills ListTransformational leaders inspire greater performance in group members.Image: aldomurillo / iStockPhotoAdsNext in EQ Developmentwww.6seconds.org/eventsReady to advance your EQ expertise? Come back, see latest WOW events!We Want Malaysian Authorswww.TraffordPublishing.com.sg/MYStart Publishing Your Book. Get A Free Book Publishing Guide Now!Training MaterialsCorporateTrainingMaterials.comInstructor led course material for training and development workshops.See More Aboutleadershipleadership stylesAdsSubconscious Mind Tips7steps2success.netProgram your subconscious mind to Create What You Want Free E-CourseTeam Building Malaysiawww.eqtd.comMAKING TEAMS WORK Team Development. Request a free proposal today!Have you ever been in a group where someone took control of the situation by conveying a clear vision of the group's goals, a marked passion for the work and an ability to make the rest of the group feel recharged and energized? This person just might be what is called a transformational leader.Transformational leadership is a type of leadership style that leads to positive changes in those who follow. Transformational leaders are generally energetic, enthusiastic and passionate. Not only are these leaders concerned and involved in the process; they are also focused on helping every member of the group succeed as well.The History of Transformational LeadershipThe concept of transformational leadership was initially introduced by leadership expert and presidential biographer James MacGregor Burns. According to Burns, transformational leadership can be seen when "leaders and followers make each other to advance to a higher level of moral and motivation." Through the strength of their vision and personality, transformational leaders are able to inspire followers to change expectations, perceptions and motivations to work towards common goals.Later, researcher Bernard M. Bass expanded upon Burns original ideas to develop what is today referred to as Bass’ Transformational Leadership Theory. According to Bass, transformational leadership can be defined based on the impact that it has on followers. Transformational leaders, Bass suggested, garner trust, respect and admiration from their followers.The Components of Transformational LeadershipBass also suggested that there were four different components of transformational leadership.Intellectual Stimulation – Transformational leaders not only challenge the status quo; they also encourage creativity among followers. The leader encourages followers to explore new ways of doing things and new opportunities to learn.Individualized Consideration – Transformational leadership also involves offering support and encouragement to individual followers. In order to foster supportive relationships, transformational leaders keep lines of communication open so that followers feel free to share ideas and so that leaders can offer direct recognition of each followers unique contributions.Inspirational Motivation – Transformational leaders have a clear vision that they are able to articulate to followers. These leaders are also able to help followers experience the same passion and motivation to fulfill these goals.Idealized Influence – The transformational leader serves as a role model for followers. Because followers trust and respect the leader, they emulate this individual and internalize his or her ideals.ObservationsIn their classic text, Transformational Leadership, authors Bass and Riggio explained:"Transformational leaders...are those who stimulate and inspire followers to both achieve extraordinary outcomes and, in the process, develop their own leadership capacity. Transformational leaders, on the other hand, are those who stimulate and inspire followers to both achieve extraordinary outcomes and, in the process, develop their own leadership capacity. Transformational leaders help followers grow and develop into leaders by responding to individual followers' needs by empowering them and by aligning the objectives and goals of the individual followers, the leader, the group, and the larger organization.""Research evidence clearly shows that groups led by transformational leaders have higher levels of performance and satisfaction than groups led by other types of leaders," explained psychologist and leadership expert Ronald E. Riggio in an article appearing on the Psychology Today website. The reason, he suggests, is that transformational leaders believe that their followers can do their best, leading members of the group to feel inspired and empowered.ReferencesBass,B. M. (1985). Leadership and Performance. N. Y,: Free Press.Bass, B. M. & Riggio, R. E. (2008). Transformational Leadership. Mahwah, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc.Burns, J. M. (1978). Leadership. N.Y: Harper and Raw.Riggio, R.E. (2009, March 24). Are you a transformational leader. Psychology Today. Found online at http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/200903/are-you-transformational-leaderMore About Leadership StylesEight Major Leadership TheoriesLewin's Leadership StylesQuiz - What's Your Leadership Style?Learn More About Leadership10 Ways to Become a Better LeaderWhat Is Transactional Leadership?What Is Autocratic Leadership?Related ArticlesWhy Should Anyone Work For You?Lead the Team: How to be the Person Others Follow: Leadership Success Secre...Quotes: PowerGroup Interview - Get a JobArmy Commissioned Officer Career Information - Pillars of leader developmen...
- SAMPLE ESSAY: Discuss two situations in the past four years where you have taken an Active laedership role. How do these events demonstrate your managerial potential? (Anderson) Wellwork Action Team After working nearly a year as a production engineer, one morning I experienced a kind of epiphany. I realized that our profit center had effectively gained manpower and resources in the form of increased attention From vendors with whom we had recently formed strategic alliances. By improving communication between these vendors as well as between our profit center and these companies, I envisioned a unified approach that could improve and expedite our production operations. With the encouragement of the operations superintendent, I arranged a brainstorming session for supervisory level Personnel from our operations staff and our new alliance partner’s companies. From that session, a Wellwork Action Team”was created with the specific purpose of improving and streamlining our operations procedures in order to reduce the cost of increase the quality of our projects in the field. After being chosen facilitator for our Wellwork Action Team, I set for myself two personal goals: first, to maintain Enthusiasm among team members and second, to implement the ideas and concepts brought forth by our team into Our everyday procedures. To ensure continued involvement, I first convinced myself that the potential benefits that might be gained from having this team merited the time and energy of its participants. Next, I personally committed myself to the project and firmly discussed my commitment with each of team members. Third, I led the team in drafting a mission statement and clearly defining our goals. We identified measurements by which we could evaluate our progress. Finally, I promised the team members that we would keep meetings to a minimum and re-evaluate the usefulness of our team in eight weeks. From June 1995 to the present, our Wellwork Action Team has successfully increased efficiency in our oil pumps, Reduced electrical costs by 6 percent, and nearly doubled the production of three oil wells. As our team continues to evolve, we envision reducing our wellwork budget from $5.0 million/year in 1995 to $4.6 million/year in 1996 while maintaining oil production and reducing operating expenses. Our current challenges include overcoming conflicts in the schedules of our team members and providing for long-term oil recovery as well as short-term cost reduction. Applying New Technologies When most people envision an oil well, they picture ten-foot-gh rod pumping units, the kind common to Los Angeles And West Texas because of their durability, availability, and efficiency. With 300 wells on a mere 10 acre island, however, these units are impractical for our use; a less efficient, higher cost and lower-profile type of centrifugal pump is Employed by our company. Recently, a small L.A. firm invented a new method of using common rod-type pumps Without the bulky surface equipment. This marriage of new technology with old rod-style pumping appeared to have significant potential for reducing costs on our island. Although I do not normally design our pumping equipment, I assumed active project leadership when deciding to install the first unit and apply the new technology. Because our operations personnel and vendor partners were unaccustomed to handling hundreds of 30-foot long Rods and putting them into use, I met with the inventor of the new subsurface equipmentand two related vendors who would supply the rods. Rather than provide Specifications to each vendor for a bid as is customary, I chose one vendor from the onset and entrusted him with the project. I assigned him To work with the inventor of the new equipment and asked them to together devise a low cost, high quality engineering design for us. In doing so, the possibility existed for them to overdesign and overprice the equipment, reducing efficiency and thus defeating our purpose. Nevertheless, a tremendous upside potential Existed in allowing the vendors to harmonize their efforts and experience. I hoped to receive a superior product born from the sweat equity of their two companies. My strategy was tested in November 1994 when two units were installed. They have operated without failure since installation and have reduced operating costs by 38 percent on those wells. In this instance, My management challenge was to delegate non-traditional responsibilities to our vendors. I feel that this experience has improved our business process and taken us further down the path towards mutually beneficial Business relationships with our vendors. Will continue to work in this manner, keeping a careful eye out for the abuse potential created when allowing a vendor to design and price their Own equipment for our applications. COMMENTS: These two examples have Several positive qualities. First, they are concise and well structured. Second, although both situations come from the professional sphere, they balance well with each other. One focuses more on office policy and stresses the applicant’s ability to see the big picture in management. The other deals with an in-the-field hands-on engineering solution and stresses his inventiveness, attention to detail, and technological skills. Third, These examples stress unique background-not many business school applicants would understand how to design oil-pumping equipment. They show that he is not afraid to get his hands dirty. Finally, the Essayist gives very detailed proof of tangible results.
- The Top 10 Leadership QualitiesUpdated: May 26, 2009IntroductionLeadership can be defined as one's ability to get others to willingly follow. Every organization needs leaders at every level. Leaders can be found and nurtured if you look for the following character traits.A leader with vision has a clear, vivid picture of where to go, as well as a firm grasp on what success looks like and how to achieve it. But it's not enough to have a vision; leaders must also share it and act upon it. Jack Welch, former chairman and CEO of General Electric Co., said, "Good business leaders create a vision, articulate the vision, passionately own the vision and relentlessly drive it to completion."A leader must be able to communicate his or her vision in terms that cause followers to buy into it. He or she must communicate clearly and passionately, as passion is contagious.A good leader must have the discipline to work toward his or her vision single-mindedly, as well as to direct his or her actions and those of the team toward the goal. Action is the mark of a leader. A leader does not suffer "analysis paralysis" but is always doing something in pursuit of the vision, inspiring others to do the same. AnalysisIntegrity is the integration of outward actions and inner values. A person of integrity is the same on the outside and on the inside. Such an individual can be trusted because he or she never veers from inner values, even when it might be expeditious to do so. A leader must have the trust of followers and therefore must display integrity.Honest dealings, predictable reactions, well-controlled emotions, and an absence of tantrums and harsh outbursts are all signs of integrity. A leader who is centered in integrity will be more approachable by followers.Dedication means spending whatever time or energy is necessary to accomplish the task at hand. A leader inspires dedication by example, doing whatever it takes to complete the next step toward the vision. By setting an excellent example, leaders can show followers that there are no nine-to-five jobs on the team, only opportunities to achieve something great.Magnanimity means giving credit where it is due. A magnanimous leader ensures that credit for successes is spread as widely as possible throughout the company. Conversely, a good leader takes personal responsibility for failures. This sort of reverse magnanimity helps other people feel good about themselves and draws the team closer together. To spread the fame and take the blame is a hallmark of effective leadership.Leaders with humility recognize that they are no better or worse than other members of the team. A humble leader is not self-effacing but rather tries to elevate everyone. Leaders with humility also understand that their status does not make them a god. Mahatma Gandhi is a role model for Indian leaders, and he pursued a "follower-centric" leadership role.Openness means being able to listen to new ideas, even if they do not conform to the usual way of thinking. Good leaders are able to suspend judgment while listening to others' ideas, as well as accept new ways of doing things that someone else thought of. Openness builds mutual respect and trust between leaders and followers, and it also keeps the team well supplied with new ideas that can further its vision.Creativity is the ability to think differently, to get outside of the box that constrains solutions. Creativity gives leaders the ability to see things that others have not seen and thus lead followers in new directions. The most important question that a leader can ask is, "What if … ?" Possibly the worst thing a leader can say is, "I know this is a dumb question ... "Fairness ltivate the proper leadership traits. means dealing with others consistently and justly. A leader must check all the facts and hear everyone out before passing judgment. He or she must avoid leaping to conclusions based on incomplete evidence. When people feel they that are being treated fairly, they reward a leader with loyalty and dedication.Assertiveness is not the same as aggressiveness. Rather, it is the ability to clearly state what one expects so that there will be no misunderstandings. A leader must be assertive to get the desired results. Along with assertiveness comes the responsibility to clearly understand what followers expect from their leader.Many leaders have difficulty striking the right amount of assertiveness, according to a study in the February 2007 issue of the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, published by the APA (American Psychological Association). It seems that being underassertive or overassertive may be the most common weakness among aspiring leaders.A sense of humor is vital to relieve tension and boredom, as well as to defuse hostility. Effective leaders know how to use humor to energize followers. Humor is a form of power that provides some control over the work environment. And simply put, humor fosters good camaraderie.Intrinsic traits such as intelligence, good looks, height and so on are not necessary to become a leader. Anyone can cu
- 10 Ways to Become a Better LeaderImprove Your Leadership SkillsBy Kendra Cherry, About.com GuideAds: Positive Leadership Leadership Skills List Leadership Traits Leadership Management Leadership in SchoolsHow would you describe a strong leader? In one leadership study, qualities such as assertiveness, adaptability, intelligence and conscientiousness were cited as the most important. "Research clearly shows that transformational leaders - leaders who are positive, inspiring, and who empower and develop followers - are better leaders," explains psychologist and leadership expert Ronald E. Riggio. "They are more valued by followers and have higher performing teams."So what can you do embrace these characteristics and become a better leader?Transformational leaders are usually described as enthusiastic, passionate, genuine and energetic. These leaders are not just concerned about helping the group achieve its goals; they also care about helping each member of the group reach his or her full potential.Consider some of the following tips for how to become a better leader and think about ways that you can implement these strategies in your daily life.1. Learn More About Your Leadership StyleImage by SanjaGjeneroUnderstanding your current leadership style is essential. What are your strengths? Which areas need some improvement? One way to start assessing your skills is to take this leadership style quiz to get a general idea of how you lead. Once you have completed the quiz, read about the major characteristics of your dominant style. Are these qualities helping or hindering your leadership? Once you've determine which areas need some work, you can begin looking for ways to improve your leadership abilities.AdsWe Want Malaysian Authorswww.TraffordPublishing.com.sg/MYStart Publishing Your Book. Get A Free Book Publishing Guide Now!Teamwork & Team BuildingCorporateTrainingMaterials.comWorkshop materials to teach teamwork & team building skills.EQ Test Certificationwww.6Seconds.org/certificationIn-depth, valid, solid tools Flexible 1:1 distance learning2. Encourage CreativityImage by SvilenMilevIntellectual stimulation is one of the hallmarks of transformational leadership. Followers need to be encouraged to express their creativity. Effective leaders should offer new challenges with ample support to achieve these goals. One way to foster creativity is to offer challenges to group members, making sure that the goals are within the grasp of their abilities. The purpose of this type of exercise is to get people to stretch their limits, but to not become discouraged by barriers to success.3. Serve As a Role ModelImage by Marja Flick-BuijsIdealized influence is another of the four key components of transformational leadership. Transformational leaders exemplify the behaviors and characteristics that they encourage in their followers. They walk the walk and talk the talk. As a result, group members admire these leaders and work to emulate these behaviors. If you want to become a better leader, work on modeling the qualities that you would like to see in your team members.4. Be PassionateImage by David H. LewisWould you look to someone for guidance and leadership if they did not truly care about the goals of the group? Of course not! Great leaders are not just focused on getting group members to finish tasks; they have a genuine passion and enthusiasm for the projects they work on. Start by thinking of different ways that you can express your zeal. Let people know that you care about their progress. When one person shares something with the rest of the group, be sure to tell them how much you appreciate such contributions.5. Listen and Communicate EffectivelyPhoto courtesy nullplus / iStockPhotoAnother important characteristic of transformational leadership involves a focus on providing one-on-one communication with group members. Good leaders should express sincere care and concern for the members of their group both verbally and nonverbally. By keeping the lines of communication open, these leaders can ensure that group members feel able to make contributions and receive recognition for their achievements.6. Have a Positive Attitudeimage by SanjaGjeneroTransformational leaders have an upbeat, optimistic attitude that serves as a source of inspiration for followers. If leaders seem discouraged or apathetic, members of the group are likely to also become uninspired. Even when things look bleak and your followers start to feel disheartened, try to stay positive. This does not mean viewing things through rose-colored glasses. It simply means maintaining a sense of optimism and hope in the face of challenges.7. Encourage People to Make ContributionsImage by Marja Flick-BuijsLet the members of your team know that you welcome their ideas. Leaders who encourage involvement from group members are often referred to as democratic or participative leaders. While they retain the final say over all decisions, they encourage team members to take an active role in coming up with ideas and plans. Research has shown that using a democratic leadership style leads to greater commitment, more creative problem-solving and improved productivity.8. Motivate Your FollowersImage by SanjaGjeneroTransformational leaders also provide inspirational motivation to encourage their followers to get into action. Of course, being inspirational isn't always easy. Fortunately, you don't need motivational speeches to rouse your group members. Some ideas for leadership inspiration include being genuinely passionate about ideas or goals, helping followers feel included in the process and offering recognition, praise and rewards for people's accomplishments.AdsExpand Your Mindwww.QuantumJumping.comThe Key to Change Your Life is to "Jump" Into Your Subconscious...Team Building Adventurewww.malaysia-adventuretours.com/Adventure and Corporate Team Building Events Malaysia9. Offer Rewards and RecognitionImage by SanjaGjeneroA good leader knows that offering effective recognition and rewards is one of the best ways to help followers feel appreciated and happy. It may also come as no surprise that happy people tend to perform better at work. According to researchers Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer, leaders can help group members feel happier by offering help, removing barriers to success and rewarding strong efforts.Susan M. Heathfield, About.com's Guide to Human Resources, offers some great tips on how leaders can express recognition and reward team members. Some of these strategies include listening without distraction, putting your praise in writing and publicly thanking people for their efforts.10. Keep Trying New ThingsImage by Lynne LancasterWho says leadership is a one-way relationship? As you work toward honing your leadership skills, don't forget to look to your followers for feedback an inspiration. Pay attention to the things that have been effective in the past and always be on the lookout for new ways to inspire, motivate and reward group members. ReferencesAmabile, T. & Kramer, S. (2011). Do happier people work harder? The New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/opinion/sunday/do-happier-people-work-harder.htmlRiggio, R.E. (2009, March 24). Are you a transformational leader. Psychology Today. Retrieved from http://blogs.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/200903/are-you-transformational-leaderRiggio, R. E. (2009, Oct. 29). Four things you can do to become a better leader.Psychology Today. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/cutting-edge-leadership/200910/four-things-you-can-do-become-better-leader
- Top 10 Qualities That Make A Great LeaderComment Now Follow CommentsHaving a great idea, and assembling a team to bring that concept to life is the first step in creating a successful business venture. While finding a new and unique idea is rare enough; the ability to successfully execute this idea is what separates the dreamers from the entrepreneurs. However you see yourself, whatever your age may be, as soon as you make that exciting first hire, you have taken the first steps in becoming a powerful leader. When money is tight, stress levels are high, and the visions of instant success don’t happen like you thought, it’s easy to let those emotions get to you, and thereby your team. Take a breath, calm yourself down, and remind yourself of the leader you are and would like to become. Here are some key qualities that every good leader should possess, and learn to emphasize.HonestyWhatever ethical plane you hold yourself to, when you are responsible for a team of people, its important to raise the bar even higher. Your business and its employees are a reflection of yourself, and if you make honest and ethical behavior a key value, your team will follow suit.20 Must Have Tools For Small BusinessesTanyaPriveContributorVenture Capitalists Every Startup Should KnowTanyaPriveContributorNavigating The Sea Of Crowdfunding: How To Pick The Right Platform For Your BrandTanyaPriveContributorAs we do at RockThePost, the crowdfunding platform for entrepreneurs and small businesses I co-founded, try to make a list of values and core beliefs that both you and your brand represent, and post this in your office. Promote a healthy interoffice lifestyle, and encourage your team to live up to these standards. By emphasizing these standards, and displaying them yourself, you will hopefully influence the office environment into a friendly and helpful workspace.Ability to DelegateFinessing your brand vision is essential to creating an organized and efficient business, but if you don’t learn to trust your team with that vision, you might never progress to the next stage. Its important to remember that trusting your team with your idea is a sign of strength, not weakness. Delegating tasks to the appropriate departments is one of the most important skills you can develop as your business grows. The emails and tasks will begin to pile up, and the more you stretch yourself thin, the lower the quality of your work will become, and the less you will produce.The key to delegation is identifying the strengths of your team, and capitalizing on them. Find out what each team member enjoys doing most. Chances are if they find that task more enjoyable, they will likely put more thought and effort behind it. This will not only prove to your team that you trust and believe in them, but will also free up your time to focus on the higher level tasks, that should not be delegated. It’s a fine balance, but one that will have a huge impact on the productivity of your business.CommunicationKnowing what you want accomplished may seem clear in your head, but if you try to explain it to someone else and are met with a blank expression, you know there is a problem. If this has been your experience, then you may want to focus on honing your communication skills. Being able to clearly and succinctly describe what you want done is extremely important. If you can’t relate your vision to your team, you won’t all be working towards the same goal.Training new members and creating a productive work environment all depend on healthy lines of communication. Whether that stems from an open door policy to your office, or making it a point to talk to your staff on a daily basis, making yourself available to discuss interoffice issues is vital. Your team will learn to trust and depend on you, and will be less hesitant to work harder.Sense of HumorIf your website crashes, you lose that major client, or your funding dries up, guiding your team through the process without panicking is as challenging as it is important. Morale is linked to productivity, and it’s your job as the team leader to instill a positive energy. That’s where your sense of humor will finally pay off. Encourage your team to laugh at the mistakes instead of crying. If you are constantly learning to find the humor in the struggles, your work environment will become a happy and healthy space, where your employees look forward to working in, rather than dreading it. Make it a point to crack jokes with your team and encourage personal discussions of weekend plans and trips. It’s these short breaks from the task at hand that help keep productivity levels high and morale even higher.At RockThePost, we place a huge emphasis on humor and a light atmosphere. Our office is dog friendly, and we really believe it is the small, light hearted moments in the day that help keep our work creative and fresh. One tradition that we like to do and brings the team closer is we plan a fun prank on all new employees, on their first day. It breaks the ice and immediately creates that sense of familiarity.ConfidenceThere may be days where the future of your brand is worrisome and things aren’t going according to plan. This is true with any business, large or small, and the most important thing is not to panic. Part of your job as a leader is to put out fires and maintain the team morale. Keep up your confidence level, and assure everyone that setbacks are natural and the important thing is to focus on the larger goal. As the leader, by staying calm and confident, you will help keep the team feeling the same. Remember, your team will take cues from you, so if you exude a level of calm damage control, your team will pick up on that feeling. The key objective is to keep everyone working and moving ahead.CommitmentIf you expect your team to work hard and produce quality content, you’re going to need to lead by example. There is no greater motivation than seeing the boss down in the trenches working alongside everyone else, showing that hard work is being done on every level. By proving your commitment to the brand and your role, you will not only earn the respect of your team, but will also instill that same hardworking energy among your staff. It’s important to show your commitment not only to the work at hand, but also to your promises. If you pledged to host a holiday party, or uphold summer Fridays, keep your word. You want to create a reputation for not just working hard, but also be known as a fair leader. Once you have gained the respect of your team, they are more likely to deliver the peak amount of quality work possible.Positive AttitudeYou want to keep your team motivated towards the continued success of the company, and keep the energy levels up. Whether that means providing snacks, coffee, relationship advice, or even just an occasional beer in the office, remember that everyone on your team is a person. Keep the office mood a fine balance between productivity and playfulness.20 Must Have Tools For Small BusinessesTanyaPriveContributorVenture Capitalists Every Startup Should KnowTanyaPriveContributorNavigating The Sea Of Crowdfunding: How To Pick The Right Platform For Your BrandTanyaPriveContributorIf your team is feeling happy and upbeat, chances are they won’t mind staying that extra hour to finish a report, or devoting their best work to the brand.CreativitySome decisions will not always be so clear-cut. You may be forced at times to deviate from your set course and make an on the fly decision. This is where your creativity will prove to be vital. It is during these critical situations that your team will look to you for guidance and you may be forced to make a quick decision. As a leader, its important to learn to think outside the box and to choose which of two bad choices is the best option. Don’t immediately choose the first or easiest possibility; sometimes its best to give these issues some thought, and even turn to your team for guidance. By utilizing all possible options before making a rash decision, you can typically reach the end conclusion you were aiming for.IntuitionWhen leading a team through uncharted waters, there is no roadmap on what to do. Everything is uncertain, and the higher the risk, the higher the pressure. That is where your natural intuition has to kick in. Guiding your team through the process of your day-to-day tasks can be honed down to a science. But when something unexpected occurs, or you are thrown into a new scenario, your team will look to you for guidance. Drawing on past experience is a good reflex, as is reaching out to your mentors for support. Eventually though, the tough decisions will be up to you to decide and you will need to depend on your gut instinct for answers. Learning to trust yourself is as important as your team learning to trust you.Ability to InspireCreating a business often involves a bit of forecasting. Especially in the beginning stages of a startup, inspiring your team to see the vision of the successes to come is vital. Make your team feel invested in the accomplishments of the company. Whether everyone owns a piece of equity, or you operate on a bonus system, generating enthusiasm for the hard work you are all putting in is so important. Being able to inspire your team is great for focusing on the future goals, but it is also important for the current issues. When you are all mired deep in work, morale is low, and energy levels are fading, recognize that everyone needs a break now and then. Acknowledge the work that everyone has dedicated and commend the team on each of their efforts. It is your job to keep spirits up, and that begins with an appreciation for the hard work.
- Communication: The Essence of Leadership by Eric Yaverbaum and Erik ShermanOne of the great examples of leadership in technology was the NASA moon landing in 1969. Not only did brainy people from many disciplines pull off something astounding, they did so together. Untold thousands of systems had to work together. Efforts to monitor the progress of the flight involved facilities literally around the globe. While the astronauts were the popular heroes, the mission was only possible because people communicated.The public nature of everything that NASA did at that time underscored both the quality of the agency's communications and the nerve to stay focused even in extreme circumstances. It teaches a lesson: In the most challenging situations, focusing on the basics of communication can be an anchor to your goal.Leadership and communication in the space race shone especially bright during the Apollo 13 mission. A malfunction put the three astronauts on the flight into jeopardy. Only through the cooperation of everyone in space and on the ground was the trio able to return home safely. Communication is the lifeblood of leadership. A leader who wants a group to achieve a goal will have to communicate.Leaders Need CommunicationLeadership doesn't exist without relationships, and communication is key to any interaction. When you truly communicate, you create dialogue and reach shared meaning. Without that shared meaning, people literally go off in their own directions and you're lucky if you accomplish anything. Miss the communication, and you have the organizational equivalent of that old movie gag where two people are unknowingly pulling on the same object, only in opposite directions. Each fights the progress the other makes, and both go nowhere fast.Many organizations have failed from a lack of communication. That might mean a lack of clear direction, missed coordination across levels, mixed signals, or poor dialogue with partners or stakeholders. Improving communication creates better performance, which in turn further boosts communication. The two people look back and see each other, at which point they can decide on a common direction and both pull that way.The Nature of Good CommunicationGood communication is focused and bidirectional. Those who just talk and don't listen aren't communicating; they're dictating. If you want to be an effective leader, you must nurture and encourage various types of communications:Leaders convey plans and directions.Team members tell leaders what they require to do their jobs so the leaders can provide it.All team members directly coordinate their activities with each other.Leaders monitor progress toward goals by talking to team members and listening to what they have to say.The better you can communicate with others, and the more you can get everyone else to talk, the better a leader you can be. Luckily, proper communication doesn't require advanced oratory skills or long training in writing.Communication EssentialsYou communicate effectively when you and the other person have both absorbed and understood what has been said. That is a three-stage process:Send a message in a clear and straightforward manner.Let the other person accept the message.Be sure that the person has received and understood the message.You can learn to use your communication skills to cultivate relationships throughout your organization. If you communicate your desire to lead or to try new things, leadership opportunities will present themselves over and over again — and you'll be able to succeed in them.Abraham Lincoln, one of the greatest leaders in American history, was tall, gangly, and had a high-pitched voice. Although he might not have met many people's ideal of an attractive man, his ability to communicate through humor helped establish his career.Only three rules — that seems simple enough, and it is. As always, though, the devil is in the details, and those devilish particulars lie in the foundation of communicating.CommunicationSay It with MeaningRelated ArticlesCommunication: The Essence of Leadership - LeadershipLeadership Through Shared Mission and Vision - Lead From Mission and V...Lead the Team: How to be the Person Others Follow: Leadership Success ...Space Shuttle Images - STS-093Donald K. Slayton Biography - Original Mercury 7 AstronautRead More CommunicationCommunication: The Essence of LeadershipSay It with MeaningReach Your AudienceTalk to YourselfTypes of CommunicationPromoting Good CommunicationCreating a Communication StrategyCommunicating Across Levels
- PEOPLE SKILLS FOR EXCELLENT LEADERSHIP IntroductionManagers and leaders need excellent people skills so that they can be good leaders. A good understanding of people skills would enable leaders to provide the necessary leadership to enable their teams to perform well. Participants will develop the ability to effectively apply people skills such as empathy, self-regulation and building bonds to achieve excellence in the workplace. Participants will gain insights into why and how individuals get into conflicts and what can be done to prevent and resolve conflicts effectively. The seminar will enable participants to gain skills and knowledge to apply people skills in the workplace to enhance performance in their work as a leader. Objectives Participants will learn to develop:Insights into people skillsSkills in applying principles of motivating peopleBetter leadership skills to manage employeesCompetencies in leading employeesSkills for resolving conflictsAbilities to help employees achieve excellent performanceInterpersonal skillsPersuasive skills to negotiate with othersAbilities to help individuals to release their creativity 1. People Skills for Enhancing LeadershipImportance of people skillsExploring your people skillsPeople skills in the workplaceMaximizing our people skills abilitiesRole of people skills in minimizing workplace conflictsManaging diverse people behaviors in the workplaceEnhancing people skills for better workplace performanceUnderstanding individual differences2. Communication Skills for Managing PeoplePeople skills and human personalityUnderstanding different personality stylesGaining insights into the emotional needs of individualsMaximizing our personality strengthsOvercoming our personal weaknessesApplying people skills for effective communication in the workplaceTransforming blocks in communicationUnderstanding personality disorders in problematic people3. Releasing Endorphins for Motivating PeopleUnderstanding the relationship between feelings and motivationMotivating others through people skillsMotivated employeesUnderstanding the importance of endorphinsRemoving blocks to motivation through endorphins releaseLeading employees for excellent performanceMotivating a high performance team through people skills4. People Skills to Release Employee CreativityUnderstanding creativity in the workplacePeople skills to encourage creative abilitiesLeadership skills in managing creative individualsCreative leadership skillsRemoving blocks to creativityOvercoming individualistic tendencies in creative individualsPeople skills to harness team creativity5. Leadership Skills in Managing PeoplePeople skills for excellent leadershipTransformational leadershipAccountable leadership for managing performanceInnovative leadershipValue-based leadership to manage peopleRemoving blindspots in our leadershipImparting people skils in employeesPeople skills in influencing and leading others
- Leadership CharacteristicsBack to Leadership SkillsEnergizersFundraising, Budgets, and FinancesGet InvolvedIce BreakersLeadership ReflectionsLeadership SkillsActive ListeningDelegating ResponsibilityEmpowermentEthical LeadershipFacilitationFollowershipGetting Started as an OfficerGiving Effective FeedbackLeadership CharacteristicsLeading a Group DebriefLeading Effective DiscussionsManaging ConflictMotivating Your MembersPublic SpeakingRunning Effective MeetingsTime ManagementTime Management TipsUnderstanding Group ProcessMarket Your EventOrganizational DevelopmentPlan an Event, Conference, or RetreatTeam BuildersInternships & OpeningsPeer Leadership ConsultantVISTA Sustainability CoordinatorOur PartnersFile AttachmentsLeadership CharacteristicsProactive vs. ReactiveThe exceptional leader is always thinking three steps ahead. Working to master his/her own environment with the goal of avoiding problems before they arise.Flexible/AdaptableHow do you handle yourself in unexpected or uncomfortable situations? An effective leader will adapt to new surroundings and situations, doing his/her best to adjust. A Good CommunicatorAs a leader, one must listen...a lot! You must be willing to work to understand the needs and desires of others. A good leader asks many questions, considers all options, and leads in the right direction.RespectfulTreating others with respect will ultimately earn respect.Quiet ConfidenceBe sure of yourself with humble intentions. EnthusiasticExcitement is contagious. When a leader is motivated and excited about the cause people will be more inclined to follow.Open-MindedWork to consider all options when making decisions. A strong leader will evaluate the input from all interested parties and work for the betterment of the whole.ResourcefulUtilize the resources available to you. If you don't know the answer to something find out by asking questions. A leader must create access to information.RewardingAn exceptional leader will recognize the efforts of others and reinforce those actions. We all enjoy being recognized for our actions!Well EducatedKnowledge is power. Work to be well educated on community policies, procedures, organizational norms, etc. Further, your knowledge of issues and information will only increase your success in leading others.Open to ChangeA leader will take into account all points of view and will be willing to change a policy, program, cultural tradition that is out-dated, or no longer beneficial to the group as a whole.Interested in FeedbackHow do people feel about your leadership skill set? How can you improve? These are important questions that a leader needs to constantly ask the chapter. View feedback as a gift to improve.EvaluativeEvaluation of events and programs is essential for an organization/group to improve and progress. An exceptional leader will constantly evaluate and change programs and policies that are not working.OrganizedAre you prepared for meetings, presentations, events and confident that people around you are prepared and organized as well? ConsistentConfidence and respect cannot be attained without your leadership being consistent. People must have confidence that their opinions and thoughts will be heard and taken into consideration.DelegatorAn exceptional leader realizes that he/she cannot accomplish everything on his own. A leader will know the talents and interests of people around him/her, thus delegating tasks accordingly.InitiativeA leader should work to be the motivator, an initiator. He/she must be a key element in the planning and implementing of new ideas, programs, policies, events, etc.