Principles and Practices of Effective Leadership - Essay Example

Principles and Practices of Effective Leadership - Mod 2 Summary article Developing the Global Leader Julia Hanna explores the skills that are needed by contemporary executives to become effective global leaders in the future. Furthermore, she equally delves into how such skills are taught to leaders by their own corporations (Hanna, 2012). The need for global leadership is drawn from the rapidly advances in globalization which emphasizes a shift from country centered corporation to a globally inclined corporation. Consequently, it is projected that leadership will be drastically impacted. The author further asserts that it is the responsibility of companies to impart skills that will result to global cadre leaders who can work comfortably any place in the world. To this end, the article recognizes the central role that will be played by emotional and cultural intelligence in developing such leaders (Hanna, 2012). There are also additional characteristics that are required for developing successful global leaders. To this end, intellectual understanding that is reflective of the global business context is one key characteristic. It refers to the ability to understand the complexities involved while conducting business globally (Hanna, 2012). The skill to overcome dominant thinking entails the capacity to appreciate the intercultural empathy and have a desire to learn about other cultures. A global leader should also have the desire for cross border partnering with teams in other countries. This skill demonstrates executive maturity in appreciating the value from other foreign and like minded corporations (Hanna, 2012). The author also states that the ability to develop and nurture local and global perspectives is a pertinent skill acquired through living and experiencing different parts of the world. The global leader also needs to have a sense of self assurance and self awareness in relation to their sense of purpose and values. Finally, the author asserts the important skill of developing internal and external networks. This aids in shifting management from a vertical perspective to horizontal collaboration. The article proposes that the global leadership qualities are developed through living in a culturally and linguistically different country. Summary Article 2: What Makes a Good Leader The article by Myron Curry delves into the factors that make a good leader and how an individual can develop into a good leader. To this end, the author states communication as one of the factors that establish a good leadership. The art of effective communication enables a leader to accurately articulate thoughts and ideas to employees (Curry). Evidently, the success of the organization depends on the ability of the leader to articulate his or her thoughts to the employees. Motivation entails another key factor in good leadership. Motivation is deemed as important since without it, the employees tend to stagnate. To this end, the author recommends measures such as introducing new challenges to employees in order to spur motivation. Fresh challenges are believed to increase excitement and spur creativity among employees (Curry). Teamwork is also another vital factor in becoming a good leader (Curry). To this end, it entails going beyond just promoting teamwork among the employees but also joining the employees in teamwork. Moreover, teamwork enables a good leader to recognize the potential in other employees. It also entails trusting the employees with more responsibility in order to spur productivity. The author equally asserts the importance of education as an important component in good leadership. However, increasing one’s education does not only entail getting more degrees. However, it entails developing professional skills through taking advantage of leadership materials. This includes activities such as attending workshops, seminars, webinars, personal reading in nearby bookstores as well as taking part in other professional events. Furthermore, the process of education also involves viewing videos online that are conducted by top leadership experts. In addition, the author encourages the leaders to exchange ideas by talking to other leaders and gaining their perceptions on other things. Important of Leadership Traits The key to a successful leader is developing and nurturing important traits. To this end, one key leadership trait mentioned in the first article involves emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence consists of five core traits or skills which enable a good leader to maximize his or her individual performance and followers (Harvard Business Review, 2011). This core skill involves social skills which are essentially for building rapport and directing them towards desired directions. Emotional intelligence also involves having empathy or the understanding of the emotional makeup of other people. The hallmark of empathy entails a leader’s ability to develop others, exhibit sensitivity in cross cultural differences as well as showing ability in attracting and maintaining talent. Leaders that exhibit empathy have inspired my personal life through appreciation of other diverse cultures. In relation to professional development it has generated a heightened sense of cross cultural sensitivity and appreciation of other person’s talents. Self regulation as a trait in a good leader involves the redirecting or controlling of impulses and emotions that are disruptive (Harvard Business Review, 2011). Consequently leaders that exhibit self-regulation have inspired both my personal and professional development through cultivating integrity, trustworthiness as well as appreciation of change and ambiguity. Another component of emotional intelligence is self awareness which entails that the leader knows and understands his or her strengths, values, weaknesses as well impact on others (Mintzberg, 1998). The hallmark of which entails exhibiting realistic self assessment, self confidence as well as exuding a desire for constructive criticism. Leaders exuding self awareness have inspired my personal understanding of strengths and improving on weaknesses such as early time management and performing duties in coherently, planned manner. Motivation as a key skill in emotional intelligence refers to having the desire and commitment to pursue achievements (Bass, B & Bass, R. 2008). To this end, its hallmark entails passion and zeal for work by the leader as well as embracing new challenges. It equally involves exuding optimism even in the event of failure. To this end, leaders exuding motivation have enabled me to embrace new challenges and stimulated creativity in tackling them. Furthermore, it has enabled me to have optimism out of every difficult challenge. A final component of emotional intelligence as trait in involves social skill (Harvard Business Review 2001). This refers to the ability by managers to manage relationships and steer people towards desired directions. To this end, it is evident through extensive networking, exhibiting effectiveness in directing change as well as expertise in creating and leading followers.In conclusion, all the key traits that make up emotional intelligence are not only key in establishing good leadership but also fundamental in inspiring good followers or employees. References Bass, B. M., & Bass, R. (2008). The Bass handbook of leadership: theory, research, and managerial applications(4th ed., Free Press hardcover ed.). New York: Free Press. Curry, M. (n.d.). Article - Leadership: What Makes a Good Leader. Business Training & HR Videos | Business Training Media. Retrieved April 9, 2013, from http://www.business-marketing.com/article-leaders.php HBRs 10 must reads on managing people. (2011). Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business Review Press. Hanna, J. (2012, October 25). Developing the Global Leader — HBS Working Knowledge. HBS Working Knowledge - Faculty Research at Harvard Business School. Retrieved April 9, 2013, from http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/6967.html Harvard business review on what makes a leader. (2001). Boston, MA: Harvard Business School Press. Mintzberg, H. (1998). Harvard business review on leadership. Boston, Mass.: Harvard Business School Press. Read More