What Makes a Good Leader (Organisational Behaviour) - Essay Example

? Organisational Behaviour What makes a good leader? Table of Contents Introduction 3 Methods 3 Findings 3 Discussion 6 Conclusion 8 References Appendices Word Count: 1500 words (Excluding references and appendices) Introduction: Leadership has been defined by many people in different ways and from different perspectives. In reality, leadership is not a phenomenon or a concept that can be precisely defined or theorized because, not only leadership has been explained and defined in different ways, the way leaders have been emerging in different situations has also been changing continuously with time. In contemporary times, we tend to understand and relate to ‘leadership’ in relation to management of people for attaining specific goals. A comprehensive concept of leadership can be obtained by learning about Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States. This report evaluates Lincoln’s leadership qualities, as explained in literature on politics, history and management, in comparison with conventional and contemporary leadership theories. Methods: Numerous concepts and theories of leadership exist in the management literature. Northouse (2009) has clubbed various leadership theories into understandable concepts, which include the trait, management, skills, style, situation, transformational, authentic leadership, psychodynamic theory etc. In this report, Lincoln’s leadership based on these theories and perspectives is evaluated in a concise manner. Results: From skills perspective, Tarbell (2008) points out that Lincoln’s efforts in speech making started during his childhood and used to attend court sessions to learn law. He had the ability to attract crowds by initiating story telling acts, which were highly appreciated by the crowds. Lincoln was greatly drawn towards gaining knowledge and understanding of politics, history, as well as great leadership of people such as Washington (Charnwood, 2008). According to Curtis (1902), ‘Abraham Lincoln's originality, fearlessness, and self- confidence, his unerring perceptions of right and wrong, made him a leader and gave him an influence which other men did not have” (p.371). Northouse (2009) highlights five types of power that leaders exercise namely, referent, expert, legitimate, reward and coercive power, all of which were exercised by Lincoln. From leadership traits theory perspective, Lincoln’s leadership can be compared with Stodgill’s postulation of leadership traits (see appendix 1). In fact, Northouse (2009) explains that trait theories of leadership are based on the innate qualities and characteristics possessed by great leaders of the past, of which Lincoln is also one. The skills perspective emphasizes three main competencies, problem-solving skills, social judgment skills and knowledge. Abraham Lincoln’s skills of communicating, inspiring, immense knowledge and the way he handled the civil war are exemplary of his unmatchable leadership skills. His strategic way of handling the civil war after he was elected as the President paved successful ending of the war (Wilson, 2008), especially when he did not have any experience of handling war. Moreover, his knowledge, people connect, and ability to influence and inspire helped in this situation. Lincoln’s leadership style is believed to be flexible and also firm, and it depended upon the situation. Phillips (2007) explains that Lincoln was remarkably consistent during his Presidency, which was replicated to his cabinet members’ actions and decisions. Here, he was also directive and encouraging. He encouraged involvement from others in critical decision making processes, especially those related to the civil war. Phillips (2007) explains, ‘Lincoln was a leader who would not and did not limit himself” (p.78); this indicates his flexibility and commitment towards his responsibilities and ambition. These two skills are considered as essential skills for leaders. On the leadership grid, proposed by Blake and Mouton, Lincoln can be placed in Team management grid because of his ability to attract and take people along; his ability to create shared vision and accomplish his goals by winning hearts of millions of people; and the immense respect and trust he earned during his lifetime (see appendix 2). Most importantly, Lincoln’s contribution towards abolition of slavery in America changed the way slavery was viewed in entire world. Phillips highlights that Lincoln worked to motivate and mobilize followers by persuading them to take ownership of their roles in a grand mission (cited in Moisan, 2007; p.64). The London Daily News neatly explained about Lincoln in this manner: ‘Rising from among the poorest of the people, winning his slow way upward by sheer hard work, preserving in every successive stage a character unspotted and a name untainted, securing a wider respect as he became better knowing, never pretending to more than he was, nor being less than he professed himself, he was at length, for very singleness of heart and uprightness of conduct, because all felt that they could trust him utterly, and would desire to be guided by his firmness, courage, and sense, placed in the chair of President at the turning point of his nation’s history’ (Shea, 1865; p.252). Discussion: Abraham Lincoln possessed natural leadership qualities, which further enhanced other qualities that lead him to the position that world sees today. His natural qualities include honesty, integrity, empathy, and devotion to individual rights (Phillips, 2007). His dedication, affiliation and interest in political affairs, and his hard work towards education helped him acquire immense knowledge, courage, and skills to become a good leader. Abraham Lincoln’s leadership is an emergent leadership, which is characterized by his ability to attract huge numbers of people through his speech; his interest in gaining knowledge and information; involving others in discussions and decision making; and his firmness and confidence. During his entire life, Lincoln earned and exercised referent power, which he gained through his contribution towards love for humanity and abolition of slavery. He also earned expert power through his sheer knowledge and cognition about political affairs and legislation. He enjoyed legitimate power by virtue of his position as senator, legislator and the respect he earned. His efforts towards abolition of slavery and ending the civil war earned him the reward power. He also exercised coercive power during the civil war. According to Northouse (2009), major leadership traits include intelligence, self-confidence, integrity, sociability, and determination (p.19). These traits are evident from Lincoln’s successes and determination, as well as his way of dealing with challenges. Phillips (2007) explains that Lincoln always did the right thing, which exemplifies his integrity. Lincoln has failed many attempts in his political career and also in personal life. Though he experienced utmost depression, he fought back and rose every time much stronger, which exemplifies his determination and focus. His affiliation towards continuous learning and knowledge-seeking habits made him a wise man, which helped in shaping his values and ideals as well as behaviour and judgments (Howard, 2005). Lincoln was visionary about future of America and he worked towards his vision with utmost faith. Despite many failures, his faith and hope made him rise and fight harder to achieve his vision. In the process, he was able to persuade millions of Americans and provided them the direction towards better life. Lincoln had utmost faith in himself and his people. He always encouraged his allies towards innovative thinking and commitment (White & Prywes, 2007). Lincoln is the epitome of honesty and integrity, and he strongly supported truth. Lincoln was an excellent communicator, a good listener, and maintained strong interpersonal relationships with others (Wood, 2008). Moreover, Lincoln encouraged criticism and feedback from others, which he capitalized for his own improvement. His simple and clear communication was understood by all, which made him more approachable, understanding and simple. His affection for his people, especially the poor and uneducated, drew him closer to them. His deliberate efforts to move closer to his people helped in understanding their issues and suffering. Howard (2005) explains that Lincoln’s efforts in understanding his people’s concerns and sufferings helped in establishing connection with them mentally, emotionally and psychologically. Lincoln was a transformational leader as he was able to transform people’s awareness, motives, values and behaviours in a manner that resulted in extraordinary outcomes. Northouse (2009) explains that transformational leaders produce an impact on the emotions, values, ethics, standards, and long-term goals through their interpersonal dealings, which Lincoln was successful. Most important aspect of Lincoln’s leadership is the way he treated his people; he regarded is people with highest respect and emotions. His self confidence and calm, self awareness, curiosity to learn and improve made him a better person. Four factors that make transformational leaders are idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individual consideration; all these factors were demonstrated by Lincoln, which helped him achieve his vision. Conclusion: In conclusion, Abraham Lincoln exemplifies an ideal leader of the past as well as the present, and can be for the future also. His qualities like honesty, integrity, humility, confidence, and strength of character makes him an ideal individual. His passion towards learning and knowledge, his clear focus and vision, and his mental stability form ideal qualities of a leader. Lincoln was a transformational leader that was able to engage with his people and create connection based on what the people wanted as well as motivated them to achieve it. A good leader imbibes qualities such as self confidence, honesty, integrity, good interpersonal relationships, and effective communication; is compassionate and trusting; has the ability to motivate others; has a vision and is focused; is risk-taking, creative, and assess the future before making decisions. References Charnwood, L. 2008. Abraham Lincoln: A complete biography. New Delhi: General Press. Curtis, W.E. 1905. The true Abraham Lincoln. Original from the University of Virginia. Philadelphia: Lippincott. Howard, D.E. 2005. The role of reading in nine famous lives. North Carolina: McFarland. Moisan, L.J. 2007. Leadership is a covenant: Leading people and living life more effectively. Bloomington: AuthorHouse. Northouse, P.G. 2009. Leadership: Theory and Practice. 5th ed. California: SAGE Publications Inc. Phillips, D.T. 2007. Lincoln on Leadership: Executive Strategies for Tough Times. Illinois: Companion Books. Tarbell, I M. 2008. The Life of Abraham Lincoln: Drawn from Original Sources and Containing Many Speeches, Letters and Telegrams. New York: Cosimo, Inc. Shea, J G. (Ed). 1865. The Lincoln memorial: a record of the life, assassination, and obsequies of the martyred President. New York: Bunce and Huntington. White, J and Prywes, Y. 2007. The nature of leadership: reptiles, mammals, and the challenge of becoming a great leader. USA: AMACOM Div American Mgmt Assn. Wilson, D L. 2008. Groundwork for Greatness: Abraham Lincoln to 1854. Abraham Lincoln: A Legacy of Freedom. U.S. Department of State. Available from, http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov/bbf/le/lincoln.pdf (Accessed 7 August 2011) Wood, J.T. 2008. Communication in our lives. 5th ed. Massachusetts, USA: Cengage Learning. Appendices Appendix 1 Source: Northouse, 2009; p.19. Appendix 2. The Leadership Grid. Source: Northouse, 2009; p.74. Read More