Chapter one Introduction to leadership
Leadership definition
v Leadership is the action of exercising influence over others within a group or organization to assist them in attaining their objectives. It encompasses both formal leaders who possess authority based on their job or position, as well as informal leaders who influence others through their special skills or talents.
v The formal definition of leadership involves the process of influencing others to behave in ways that align with the objectives of the organization.
v It goes beyond mere compliance with routine directives and involves the incremental influence one individual exerts over another.
v Leadership is also characterized by an influence
relationship between leaders and followers who work together to bring about
meaningful changes and outcomes that align with their shared purposes.
v What sets leadership apart from other forms of
influence, such as power and authority, is that it occurs when an individual
influences others to take action voluntarily, rather than out of obligation or
fear of consequences.
v Chandan's definition of leadership adds that it is
an art that involves influencing and inspiring subordinates willingly,
competently, and enthusiastically to perform their duties in order to achieve
group objectives.
Leadership involves
influence and occurs among people who intentionally desire significant changes
reflecting shared purposes.
v Influence implies an active relationship among
people and is non-coercive. Leadership is reciprocal, where superiors influence
subordinates, and subordinates can also influence superiors.
v Leadership is a people-centric
activity distinct from administrative paperwork or
planning activities. Since leadership involves
people, followers are an essential part of the leadership process, and even
leaders themselves are followers at times.
v Good leaders know how to follow and set an example
for others.
The Art and Science of Leadership:
Leadership as an art: It
is an art because many leadership skills and qualities cannot be learned solely
from textbooks. Leadership requires practice, hands-on experience, personal
exploration, and development.
Leadership as a science: is
considered a science as well because there is an expanding body of knowledge
and verifiable facts that describe the leadership process and how to apply
leadership skills to accomplish organizational goals.
Becoming a Leader:
Leaders can be
appointed externally or elected by group members, while some individuals assume
leadership roles through their influence.
A more meaningful
approach to leadership focuses on the distinction between occupying a
leadership position and being effective in that position. Leadership should be
evaluated based on the performance of the group over time. It directly relates
to the ability to build and maintain a high-performing group compared to
competitors.
Leadership
vs. Management
Leadership and
management are often used interchangeably, but there are distinctions between
the two.
v It is possible for managers at all levels of an
organization to also be effective leaders, and most people can develop the
necessary qualities for leadership.
v Both leadership and management are crucial in
organizations and should be effectively integrated to achieve high performance.
v Leadership should not replace management but should
complement it. Leadership is a facet of management, and vice versa.
v A successful manager must possess leadership skills
as one of their many assets.
v Leadership plays a significant role in the directing
function, and a manager must both manage and lead.
The difference
between leadership and management
Leadership: Primarily
focuses on inspiring and influencing people, setting a vision, and guiding
individuals or teams toward a common goal. Leadership is often future-oriented
and is concerned with the "big picture."
Management: Primarily
focuses on planning, organizing, and coordinating resources to achieve specific
objectives. Management is more present and past-oriented, dealing with
day-to-day operations and ensuring efficiency.
Ø Management is about path following, leadership on
the other hand is focused on path finding
Ø Management is about doing things right, while
leadership is about doing the right thing
Ø Management is controlling people and getting them to
do things, while leadership is influencing people to do things willingly
Ø Management involves making detailed steps and
timetable for achieving results, then marshaling resources to make it happen.
Leadership on the other hand emphasized on communicating the vision so that
others understand and agree with it.
Ø Leadership is about coping
with change whereas management is coping with
complexity
Characteristics
and Principles of Effective Leadership
There are seven
principles that, if practiced consistently, contribute to effective leadership:
1.
Know
Your Job: Competence is essential for gaining respect. A
leader must be knowledgeable about their role, stay updated on organizational
regulations and activities, and be able to provide guidance and answers.
2.
Be
Sensitive: Awareness of the environment and sensitivity to
others' feelings are crucial. Detecting subtle changes in individuals, helps
identify problems. Self-awareness is essential as a leader's actions, tone of
voice, and attitudes are observed by the team.
3.
Be
Firm: Stand up for what is right, but not at the expense
of flexibility. A good leader uses available information to make informed
decisions and does not easily yield to personal criticism.
4.
Ability
to Inspire Others: While charisma may be an inborn trait, effective
leaders inspire and motivate their teams. Creating a positive and engaging
atmosphere encourages commitment and enthusiasm.
5.
Problem-Solving
Skills: Leaders must develop patience and the ability to
analyze problems comprehensively. Addressing the root cause, rather than
symptoms, is crucial for effective problem-solving.
6.
Understanding
Human Behavior: Leaders should comprehend the needs, desires, and
behaviors of their subordinates. Emotional support, respect, and acknowledgment
of efforts contribute to a positive team dynamic.
7.
Willingness
to Take Risks: Effective leaders embrace challenges, chart the
unknown, and accept calculated risks. Learning from failures and being willing to
tolerate frustration are vital aspects of leadership.
Importance of
Leadership for Good Governance & Development
Leadership is crucial
for several reasons:
1. Incomplete Organizational Structure: Organizations
are not machines and require ongoing leadership to structure tasks, delegate
work, and help individuals accomplish collective goals.
2. External Change: Leaders
are needed to identify the strategic mission and help organizations adapt to
changes in the external environment.
3. Internal Change: Leadership
is essential to coordinate efforts during periods of growth or decline, solve
internal conflicts, and settle differences of opinion.
4. Motivate and inspire: Effective
leadership provides meaning and purpose, creating a vision that inspires and
motivates individuals to contribute meaningfully to the organization.
Power and influence
Power refers to the ability to control or direct others' behavior, decisions, or actions. It is typically derived from a formal position or authority.
Influence, on
the other hand, refers to the ability to shape or change others' opinions,
beliefs, or actions without relying on formal authority.
Types of power
1.
Personal power refers to the influence and control an individual
has based on their personal qualities, characteristics, or expertise.
a.
Expert Power: This
type of personal power is based on an individual's knowledge, skills, or
expertise in a particular subject area.
b.
Referent Power: is
derived from the admiration, liking, respect, or personal connection others
have with an individual.
2.
Positional Power: Also known as, formal power is derived from an
individual's position or role within a formal organizational or social
structure.
a.
Legitimate Power: derived from the formal authority linked to a
specific role or position.
b.
Reward Power: Reward
power is derived from an individual's ability to provide rewards, incentives,
or benefits to others.
c.
Coercive Power: Derived
from possessing the ability to penalize or impose punishment on others.