Leadership Definitions and The Successful Global Leader - Essay Example

DEFINITIONS OF LEADERSHIP One of the most exciting and challenging theories encompassing human behavior in organizations is leadership. Leadership isthe process of influencing people to work or act towards the attainment of specifically defined goals (Martires & Fule 2000: 569). This topic of delving into human behavior in organizations intrigued many scholars that Ken Valenzuela, the Chief Editor for BeALeader.Net collected various definitions of leadership, to wit: “Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal”.

(Northouse, 2004). His own definition is hereby presented as “the ability of developing and communicating a vision to a group of people that will make that vision true” (Kenneth Valenzuela, 2007). Authors Lussier & Achua (2004) define leadership as “the influencing process of leaders and followers to achieve organizational objectives through changes”. (Lussier & Achua, 2004)My own personal definition of leadership is similar to Martires & Fule, Northouse and Lussier & Achua in presenting it as a process.

All authors share the same conviction except Valenzuela who perceived leadership as an ability. Further, all authors conform to the following factors as relevant components of the leadership process: (1) influencing people; (2) towards the achievement of a goal. Valenzuela was just different in the use of words for goals, where he replaced it with ‘vision’. But still, there is the component of influence by exerting the ability to develop and communicate that vision to a group of people who would make that vision come true.

I also believe that leadership entails some talent to convince a group of individuals towards the attainment of a specifically defined objective. It is a process for me because in order to achieve a goal, a series of actions should be undertaken gradually.SUCCESSFUL LEADER OF A GLOBAL ENTERPRISEOne of the most successful and famous entrepreneurs of contemporary times is Bill Gates, owner of Microsoft. Gilgenbach (2006), in his article, “What made Bill Gates so successful and why Microsoft won’t be the same without him”, contended that “if I had to choose one word to describe Bill Gates, it wouldn’t be any of the usual suspects.

It wouldn’t be rich, although he is the wealthiest man in the world. It wouldn’t be powerful, although he has shaped the future of computing. It wouldn’t be nerdy, but some may describe him as such. It definitely wouldn’t be evil, although many people think that is the case, and in my Mac loving days, that thought probably crossed my mind. No, the word that I would use is “passionate”.”The prominent and distinguishing characteristics and traits which identify and set entrepreneurs and leaders apart are their vision, dedication and commitment, and their high drive to achieve.

What was not mentioned here but innate in leadership traits is their willingness to take calculated risks and the desire for innovation and improvement. As previously noted by Sahlman (2007), “entrepreneurship is not about possessing the right psychological traits, but that it is about a way of managing that is focused on opportunity pursuit, future orientation and relentless execution regardless of the resources one actually possesses.” The successful leader, Bill Gates, has passion as one of the characteristic of his leadership style.

This is not explicitly stated in the definition for leadership. However, it is important to note that a leader might possess all the characteristics and traits necessary to succeed. He might have the appropriate motivational factors to drive him to focus on his goals. But if he does not have the determination to “relentlessly execute” ways and means towards the achievement of his objectives, despite any detriments and insufficiencies on resources that he has, and then his leadership vision would lack luster.

I honestly believe that the effectiveness of leadership skills is a matter of goal accomplishment. The personality of a successful leader encompass characteristics and traits which surpass a limited domain. The scope of their vision goes beyond dreams and aspirations of ordinary businessmen. Their business acumen is exemplary. Their love for their work is more of a passion, a drive, an upsurge of potential energy towards the achievement of a specified goal.ReferencesGilgenbach, M. (2006). What made Bill Gates so successful and why Microsoft won’t be the same without him.

June 28, 2006. Viewed on May 8, 2009 from Lussier, R.N.; Achua, C.F. (2004) “Leadership: Theory, Application, Skill Development” (2nd Ed). South-Western.Martires, C.R. & Fule, G.S. (2000). Management of Human Behavior in Organizations. National Bookstore. Philippines.Northouse, P.G. (2004) “Leadership Theory and Practice” (3rd Ed). Sage PublicationsSahlman, W. (2007, May 1). Characteristics of Entrepreneurs. Viewed on April 12, 2009 from