How Leadership Theories Offer Practical Advice on How to Be an Effective Leader - Coursework Example

Running Head: Effective Leadership Effective Leadership Customer’s name: Institution: Customer’s Course Tutor’s Name 12th September, 2014 Introduction All organizations operating in the modern day business world require leadership. Apposite and dependable leadership seem to be crucial to the success of almost all organizations. Leadership is an aspect that influences both the employees and their leaders in accomplishing the mission and goals of an organization. For one to be an effective leader, one needs to be a good employee. A great number of scholars define leadership as a person who plans, guides or directs people towards the achievement of a mutual goal. Leadership has two parts that is the personal one and the organizational one. At times, success calls for the commitment to and knowledge of both of them. Effective leaders are those leaders who are interested in others and at the same time are able to out the best in others. The major purpose of this essay is to discuss how leadership theories offer practical advice on how to be an effective leader. This is done with reference to two theories or models of leadership that is the trait theory and behavioral theory. Discussion Leadership has taken up different major roles in the existence of humanity. From the small tribes whose main activities were hunting to the rulers in the era of great civilization, the common theme has always revolved around leadership. Based on the diverse nature of leadership, a number of leadership theories have emerged with time. Though the theories are theoretical, they tend to offer important clues and practical advice on how people can become effective leaders and what it takes for them to be effective leaders (Chan & Chan, 2005). For a number of decades, leadership theories has been a major topic in discussion in reality and also in practice. A great number of people have been trying to define what makes authentic leaders stand out in the mass. Hence, there exist a great number of leadership theories as they are researchers, professors and philosophers who have studied and published articles on leadership theories. The leadership theories are mainly categorized by the aspects that are believed to define a leader most. The most common leadership theories are: trait theory, great man theory, contingency theory, transformational theories and transactional theory (Lussier & Achua, 2004). Leadership is a quality that some people possess naturally. Natural leaders can make good use of this ability that they possess by learning but the different leadership theories that are present and how they can apply them in different and diverse circumstances (Yukl, 2003). Yet those who do not have this quality naturally can become effective leaders through training. Based on the trait theory, there exist a number of characteristics that effective leaders need to have. Trait theory endeavors to identify as well as define these characteristics. Leadership characteristics are core behaviors and values which are easily observable by other individuals. Despite this, there is exists no comprehensive list of leadership characteristics. These traits include decisiveness, drive, creative problem solving as well as self control. Trait theory has played a major role in helping people to identify the traits as well as the qualities that are helpful when it comes to leading others (Webb, 2007). In relation to this theory, a leader needs to have a drive which is termed as the desire to complete a task and success in a mission. Leaders who possess this trait are always moving forward and they are likely to face every challenge they may face with optimism. They also tend to have a mysterious ability when it comes to motivating the employees. The other major trait that has been outlined by trait theory is decisiveness and it entails the ability to tackle tough decisions with lots of confidence. These kinds of leaders are usually able to direct their employees and teams in difficult circumstance without second guessing (Van Eeden, Cilliers & Van Deventer, 2008). Additionally, the theory calls for leaders to be creative when it comes to problem solving. Leaders need to have the ability to think outside the box. This is closely related to the fact that, most problems that they are likely to encounter when leading people have no answers which can be found in written texts. Thus, effective leaders need to understand all the elements of problems solving and make good of them, to come up with a solution without relying so much on the conventional wisdom (Thyer, 2003). The trait theory also calls for leaders to have self control. Leaders need to possess the ability to control their own behavior in different situations. Leaders who are controllers are usually not quick to anger. They are likely to stop and think about a problem rather than rushing into it. Additionally, they typically think prior to talking and are never harsh to their employees. By doing so, the employee’s regularly feel valued and thus works towards the achievement of the business goals. Another trait is being open-minded. This is a trait that is useful when dealing with employees (Ruggieri, 2009). For one to be an effective leader, one need to possess this trait and at the same time, be able to accept feedback and respond based on the situation. Thus the trait theory of leadership offers ample and practical advice on how leaders can become effective leaders. Common day leaders need to learn and put into practice the traits that have been outlined by trait theory and by doing so they will be able to become effective leaders and thus achieving success in their organizations (Taylor, 2009). In relation to behavioral leadership theory, effective leaders ought to be able to change their outward behavior based on the situation (McNichol, 2007). Understanding a particular situation is crucial in coming up with solutions as well as dealing with employees. Whereas this leadership theory does not focus on the leadership traits, it makes use of certain traits so as to apply necessary changes to behavior. The behavioral theories are mainly classified into four major categories that are; task oriented, people oriented, directive approach as well as participative approach. The task oriented approach plays a role in offering advice and making effective leaders in that, through its knowledge, leaders are able to organize their teams in the achievement of organizational goals and maximum productivity (Kouzes & Posner, 2007). This is commonly seen as the most basic behavioral category that all effective leaders or aspiring leaders should have and apply. This is solely based on the fact that, failure to meet organizational goals and low levels of productivity are not tolerated for a long period in organizations. The people oriented approach also play a role in offering advice on effective leadership in that it stipulates that, leaders need to recognize that employees are real people who are likely to experience real problems as well (Jogulu & Wood, 2007). The understanding of the human nature and the development of empathy for people seems to be a key issue in this behavioral category. For one to be an effective leader they need to apply what have been stipulated in their theory. Thus, leaders also need to empathize and understand the human nature and this will make them more effective leaders. The other category in this type of leadership theory is participative approach. This approach argues in favor of a decentralized decision making process where employees are given the chance to air out their opinions prior to making critical decisions (Daft, 2005). Thus, managers need to be aware of the fact that employees also have unique experiences that can be useful and helpful. Conclusion Based on the above discussion, it is clearly evident that leadership theories offer an ample amount of practical advice on how one can become an effective. Accountable and effective leadership is crucial to the success of any kind of organization. Thus a leader needs to be grounded in the achievement of the organization’s mission, ethics and emotionally engaged with the employees. Effective leadership seems to be a commodity that is in short supply in the common day workplaces. Leaders need to train themselves to become more effective and by doing so, they will be opening up to a great number of career opportunities. Effective leadership tends to shape the performance of the employee towards the achievement of the mission. Thus, for one to be an effective leader one needs to apply aspects that have been outlined in the traits leadership theory and also in behavioral leadership theory. Leaders who seem to be failing need to take lesson and read widely on leadership theories. The texts will offer them with advice on how to go about in becoming effective leaders. Ineffective leaders will make all the necessary adjustments in areas they may be failing for instance they will at times ask employees to offer opinions and this will make the employee feel respected and valued. By having the knowledge of the leadership theories, an effective leader will know which theory to apply based on different circumstances for the benefit of the employees and the whole organization. References Chan, A., & Chan, E. (2005). Impact of Perceived Leadership Styles on Work Outcomes: Case of Building Professionals. 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