Entrepreneurial Leadership - Assignment Example

? Introduction The ability to create influence in the community is one which is often perceived as belonging to those who rank highly in corporationsand which have the demand to see with vision. However, the concept of leadership and the ability to interact is one which takes place at different levels and can change the outcome of an individual’s life or organization through their own actions. When looking at the concept of entrepreneurial leadership, it can be seen that there are several theories and concepts which work together to show what it means to be an influence on society while having a sense of vision. The role of entrepreneurs and the way in which they influence others then helps to create contributions within society while forming a sense of leadership that ensures personal and community growth. Hybrid Theory of Entrepreneurial Leadership When looking at the various theories of entrepreneurial leadership, it can be seen that there are specific qualities that each leader should have. For an entrepreneurial leader to work effectively there needs to be a sense of vision which is created through a long term approach. Each leader should understand what the vision and mission is within a specific organization and should be able to communicate this to others (Kouzes, 2008). For example, when listening to Steve Case’s interview on entrepreneurs, there is a focus on being forward looking and sharing a vision. This particular concept is one which has to start individually first, then becomes a part of the team. The same concept of leadership is applied with the outlook of Steve Case, specifically with recognizing that an entrepreneur works first by understanding their individual vision and needs. The leadership attributes include perseverance, understanding a vision and continuing to work toward motivating and meeting the goal, specifically which works toward motivating others (Case, 2011). The individual model which is followed by those who are working as entrepreneurial leaders is one which creates a ripple effect. As one understands a vision and works on a daily basis to achieve this with personal leadership, there is the ability to build the same attributes when working with others. The basis of this concept is to have strategies which relate to the vision one is in, specifically by finding the areas where weaknesses are and turning them into strategies. These niches can then help with changing the characteristics of an industry while allowing the entrepreneur to continue to grow within the market (Drucker, 2010). The strategy which is created then begins to motivate and influence others within a given environment, which allows others to become proactive in finding the same types of solutions while creating a sense of value within a given environment. It is the main strategy both for personal growth and in relation to others which then builds opportunities and helps with personal, community and business growth while allowing for the vision and motivation to remain dynamic and to assist with continuous growth in the community (Tarabishy, 2006). The model which is created then relies on both personal and community leadership and development for continuous and dynamic growth within an organization or by an individual. Authentic Leaders and Organizations The organization which would thrive the most with the authentic leader is the small business or individual entrepreneur. The main concept which would help with this type of organization is based on the concept of positive leadership. The vision and mission of a smaller organization can always be led by an individual who is continuously working with the dynamics of uncertainty in this environment. As dynamic changes occur in the market an entrepreneur and small business can easily move with the fluctuations. More important, an authentic leader will always respond to this in a positive manner while finding different alternatives that provide better solutions. More important, these solutions are transparent, as opposed to being based on the organizational understanding of what is needed. For those working in a team or looking at an individual entrepreneur, this adds into a sense of motivation and helps those who are using the business for products or services while understanding what is needed for the dynamic shifts that are occurring. The changes as well as the needs then continue to remain natural with the authentic style and the value which is created from the leader (Avolio, Gardner, 2005). The larger organization would be the least likely to succeed with the authentic leader and would need a transactional or transformational leader. The transactional leader is one which is based on stable conditions and the need to work within specific operations. With small to mid-management there is the need to have this consistency with an individual who understands the transactions that are needed on a daily basis and which could motivate individuals to do so. An authentic leader would be more interested in the dynamics and shifting of the environment. The performance would not be continuous with a larger organization with an authentic leader and would create too many fluctuations. More important, the authentic leader would work with the vision and mission of an organization more than trying to focus on the daily needs and allowing these to move forward, leading to too many alterations in performance and duties within a company (Bass et al, 2003). Best Resource and Tools for Entrepreneurs The best resource and tool which is offered by both SCORE and SBA is the small business assessment that is available online. This can be used both by budding and growing entrepreneurs for a complete understanding of where their business is at. When an entrepreneur looks at this specific self – assessment, there is the ability to understand what needs to be done, how to look at the current state of the business and to re-assess the long term vision and goals. Since entrepreneurs are continuously working in a state of leadership while trying to work with daily maintenance, this specific tool can provide a boost to those who need direction and assistance. More important, the self – assessment works effectively in assisting individuals to create their own refinements and to gather the vision which they have about the business that they are operating with. Because entrepreneurship requires a natural focus on meeting goals and objectives while having a sense of motivation, this tool can work to provide the level of insight needed to continue to motivate and direct an individual (SCORE, 2011, SBA, 2011). Leadership Best Practices The best practices which can be drawn on by leaders are based on developing characteristics first. This is based on understanding the dynamics of the economy and marketplace and adapting to this with vision and the ability to grow with the changes. This is also based on perseverance of the vision while continuing to motivate and grow with the main components. These individual leadership qualities then transfer to leadership practices which are required for teams, which is inclusive of motivation and building an understanding of the changing environment. Whether this is for customers or for other individuals working in the same situation, there is the ability to continue to grow despite the conditions and with the focus on making sure everyone moves in a positive direction with a given company. Conclusion The concept of entrepreneurial leadership is one which is based on different characteristics and actions of an individual. More important than the basic management needs for an organization is the ability for an entrepreneur to understand the vision and mission of an organization and to move forward in the right direction. The concept of leadership is one which then becomes based on individual qualities and characteristics for long term goals which can be achieved, as well as the ability to meet these with motivating others, understanding the vision and shifting positions with the dynamic changes which are continuing to occur. When looking at the several theories which relate to entrepreneurial leadership, it can be seen that there are similar definitions which create an understanding of what it means to be an entrepreneur and a leader in any given environment. References Avolio, Bruce, William Gardner. (2005). “Authentic Leadership Development: Getting to the Root of Positive Forms of Leadership.” The Leadership Quarterly 16 (3). Bass, Bernard, Bruce Avolio, Jung Dong, Yair Berson. (2003). “Predicting Unit Performance by Assessing Transformational and Transactional Leadership.” Journal of Applied Psychology 88 (2). Case, James. (2010). “The Icehouse Entrepreneurship Program.” Entrepreneurship. Retrieved from: http://www.entrepreneurship.org/en/e360TV/The-Icehouse-Entrepreneurship-Program.aspx. Drucker, Peter F., (2010). “Entrepreneurial Strategies.” California Management Review. Winter 85, (27) (2), p 9-25. Kouzes, James. (2008). “James Kouzes on Rising to the Leadership Challenge.” American Management Association SBA. (2011). Business Tools. Retrieved from: www.sba.gov. SCORE. (2011). Business Tools. Retrieved from: http://www.score.org/business_toolbox.html. Tarabishy, Ayman, Lloyd Fernald, George Solomon. (2005). “Understanding Entrepreneurial Leadership in Today’s Dynamic Markets.” George Washington University. Read More