Creating a Successful Leadership Style - Research Paper Example

Leadership PART 1: WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP MEAN TO YOU NOW AT THE END OF THE TERM? HOW HAVE YOUR IDEAS ABOUT LEADERSHIP CHANGED? Though there are numerous definitions of the term ‘leadership’ that are available in the wide array of literature, one of the definitions that i can term as best and the most inclusive of various aspects of leadership is that of Rost who said that “leadership is an influence relationship among leaders and followers who intend real changes that reflect their mutual purposes” (Iqbal 18). To me, a leader is someone who able to demonstrate extraordinary dedication to his or her team and is always willing to do whatever it takes to better the team as a whole. In this term, i have learnt that a good leader must infuse a sense of positivity and direct others to reach a specified goal that is attained by mutual cooperation and cohesive behavior. PART II: THE MOST COMFORTABLE LEADERSHIP STYLE FOR ME According to my strengths as leader that I outlined in the previous assignment, I believe that a combination of participative and free-rein leadership would be my best leadership style. Participative leadership, also known as democratic leadership has been proven to be the most effective leadership style because democratic leaders are deemed to offer guidance to group members and allow input from other group members on top of being active group participants The main shortcomings of this type of leadership is the fact that decision making process maybe time consuming and at time productivity might be lower compared to that of authoritarian group though the quality of the end product might is usually better in democratic leadership (Iqbal 63). In Laissez-Faire Style, also known as free-rein leadership, leaders are hands-off and they allow group members to make decisions though they are in charge of setting objectives. Subordinates are mandated to accomplish the set goals using strategies of their choices as long as the final product is meeting the expected standards. Under this type of leadership, leader need to possesses special traits like warmth, friendliness, and understanding which I owe on top of possessing other qualities like being good in organizing, disciplined, empathetic as well as being cohesive. If this style is not properly applied, production can be lower compared to the other types of leaderships. Free-rein is often the most successful style concerning organization is which managers supervise doctors, engineers, professors and other professionals (Shriberg 56). Authoritative leadership would never be my first choice whenever it comes to leadership though this type of leadership provides clear expectations for what needs to be done, when it should be done, and how it should be done. Under this style, there is always a clear division between the leader and the followers an aspect that I am always against (Covey 36). Authoritative leadership hinders creativity during the process of decision-making (Steinberg 87). There exists a misconception that authoritative leadership involves yelling, using demeaning language, and leading by threats and abusing power though this is not the case, such leadership can only be termed as being abusive, unprofessional and being “bossing people around” type and it has no place in a leader's repertoire (Steinberg 87). On top of applying a combination of democratic and free-rein types of leadership, I it is crucial that I supplement my techniques by applying the most suitable leadership models such as competency-based model that involves rewarding and promoting employees (followers) on basis of their contribution and competence. Another essential model of leadership that I must combine with my leadership styles is the Three Levels of Leadership which is currently termed as the best leadership model to apply in any type of leadership because it is a practical tool for developing a person’s leadership presence, knowhow and skill, it aims to summarize what leaders have to do, not only to bring leadership to their group or organization, but also to develop themselves technically and psychologically as leaders (Kano 45; Bonnici 125). PART III: CONNECT THE DOTS FROM MY TEAM PRESENTATION TOPIC TO OTHER LEADERSHIP TOPICS WE DISCUSSED/ STUDIED THIS TERM (25 Pts.) For the term project we were given the ‘Monday Morning Leadership’ by David Cottrell whereby the main ideas included the elaboration of the 8 points of leadership according to Cottrell. They include responsibility, the ‘main thing’, getting in touch, action plan, the right people, controlling time, filling the bucket and thinking, setting as well as writing down goals. Cottrell suggests that a good leader is the person who spends his or her time fixing the problem rather than looking for somebody to blame (Cottrell 63). Moreover, he encourages leaders to leave management land and join their team in implementing the project at hand (Cottrell 45). A clear analysis of what makes a good leader and the ‘dos’ as well as ‘don’ts’ of a competent leader according to Cottrell, it emerged clear that Cottrell was advocating for a servant leadership model and a democratic type of leadership. Urging leaders to leave their comfort zones and get on the ground with other team members automatically means that participative type of leadership was his best option. However, when it comes to hiring employees, he advocates for seriousness so as to ensure that one is having the right employees. The eight points discussed by Cottrell can be termed as a summary of what defines a good leader as we covered in this term. PART IV: WHO EMBODIES LEADERSHIP TO ME, NOW? In my first paper, I said that Nelson Mandela is the person who embodies leadership for me and I he still remains to be my role model and a hero when it comes to leadership. After going through the various leadership styles and models, I have realized that Mandela is one of the most outstanding leaders in the history and whose leadership techniques will be emulated by many. As a good leader, Mandela possessed various leadership qualities like commitment, inspiration as well as having a vision of transformation. As a president, Mandela focused on uniting Africa and he could make sure that every person evidently knew and understood his objective of equality, as well as took all the phases possible in directive to reach that objective. He heartened the actions of others, as well as motivated others in the direction of acceptance of individuals that are diverse. From assimilating his own staff, to the craving for the respite of Africa to also get lengthways with individuals of a different rivalry, Nelson Mandela made certain he accomplished his objective as much as probable. So essentially he demonstrated the way, enthuse a shared vision, permitted others to act, challenged the process, and encouraged the heart, which are all 5 parts of leadership. All these qualities and leadership strategies Mandela used are clear definitions of leadership and that is why he remains and will remain to be a legend and an icon to be emulated by many when it comes to leadership. SECTION V: HOW I PLAN TO INCORPORATE WHAT I HAVE LEARNED THIS TERM AND START PRACTICING LEADERSHIP IN MY LIFE The lessons that I have learnt about leadership in this term have made me acquire a completely new and different perception towards good leadership and I am more than willing to apply lessons learnt now and in the future. As a student, I am going to practice leadership by participating in various student organizations and in functions so as to sharpen my skills and gain experience. I would also take part in other initiatives sponsored by youth awareness groups, in various youth forums among other initiatives that maybe happening in my locality organized by NGOs, local community and churches just to mention a few. I initially used to ignore such initiatives or else I would participate as a follower (passive member), but with the incredible knowledge I have gained about leadership, I cannot wait to be an active leader in those initiatives. Active participation will equip me with the fundamental leadership skills that I will apply later in my career. In brief, the lessons I have learnt about leadership this term have and will continue to play crucial roles in my personal and professional development now and in the future. CONCLUSION In conclusion, my favorite definition for leadership is that “leadership is an influence relationship among leaders and followers who intend real changes that reflect their mutual purposes” or it is the ‘process in which individuals influence an organized group (followers) to attain a common goal’. The various styles of leadership include authoritative leadership, participative/democratic and free-rein leadership and all of them are effective depending on the area of application. Democratic leadership allows group members to participate while free-rein leadership involves giving the followers/subordinates freedom to use their tactics as long as they achieve the set objectives. Nonetheless, my favorite leadership style is a combination of participative and free-rein leadership with my favorite leadership quote being “Individuals play the game, but teams beat the odds.” These are the key lessons I have learnt this term and I am quite sure that they will help me become the leader I have always dreamt of. Works Cited Bonnici, Charles A. “Creating a Successful Leadership Style: Principles of Personal Strategic Planning.” Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Education, 2011. Print. Cottrell, David, Tony Jeary, and George Lowe. “Monday Morning Communications: Eight Lessons...great Results.” Dallas, TX: Walk the Talk Co., CornerStone Leadership Institute, 2005. Print. Cottrell, David. “Monday Morning Leadership: 8 Mentoring Sessions You Can't Afford to Miss.” Dallas, Tex: CornerStone Leadership Institute, 2002. Print. Covey, Stephen. “The Speed of Trust: The One Thing That Changes Everything.” New York: Simon & Schuster. 2006. Print. Iqbal, Talha. “The Impact of Leadership Styles on Organizational Effectiveness: Analytical Study of Selected Organizations in It Sector in Karachi.” Munich: Grin Verlag, 2011. Print. Kano, Erasto. “Leadership Styles and School Performance.” S.l.: Grin Verlag, 2013. Print. Shriberg, Arthur, et.al. “Practicing Leadership: Principles & Applications.” New Jersey. John Wiley & Sons. 2005. Print. Steinberg, Blema S. “Women in Power: The Personalities and Leadership Styles of Indira Gandhi, Golda Meir, and Margaret Thatcher.” Montreal: McGill-Queen's University Press, 2008. Internet resource. Read More