Book Summary: The Leadership Challenge

First published in 1987, The Leadership Challenge is a guide for becoming leader. The book received many awards and its above two million copies are internationally sold. The book teaches principles of leadership that apply whether the leader is running a sports team or a fortune 500 organization. The book includes stories and examples of many leaders from micro to macro level (Founders and Authors, 2013). The basic leadership principles can be adopted by anyone to challenge status quo and increase leader productivity multifold. The book tells about the flow and hierarchy of values too (Machedo, 2013). One can use the guide without an instructor to develop leadership traits.

This assignment provides an opportunity for me to analyze relevant leadership concerns for an increasingly global future and commit to an emerging leadership theory that is appropriate to guide enactment of my leadership agenda.

Casse, P. (2014c). The new drivers of leadership. Training Journal, p. 27. Retrieved from academicguides.walden.edu/library

Within this assignment I will describe my understanding of the links between management and leadership, the skills and styles of management and leadership, the application of management and leadership theories in an organisational context and planning for the development of management and leadership skills.

Abstract: There are numerous definitions of leadership, all of which contain elements related to people (the leader and the follower(s)), communicating in person or by the written word, actions (organizing, directing, coaching, and/or motivating), and for a purpose (meeting a goal(s) or accomplishing a task(s)) (ADP 6-22) (Fisher 2015) (Bolden 2013) (Hogan 2005). Additionally, everything done occurs within a given context. Effective leaders are poised, proficient, pertinent, and practical in the application of the art of leadership. This means leaders are ready to engage the group with effective methods and

In the Leadership Challenge, 4th edition, it is Kouzes & Posner (2007) intention to present a road map for individuals to follow on their leadership journey. The authors stress that “leadership is not a gene and it’s not an inheritance.” Leadership they assert is “an identifiable set of skills and abilities that are available to all of us” (p. 23). They make clear that the “great person” theory of leadership is “plain wrong.” Leaders are our everyday heroes who do extraordinary things on a regular basis (p. 23).

Burns wrote the book to address the essence of leadership. His intended audience is the everyday

“Leadership next” is an excellent book which has summarized most of the common challenges that we face in today’s ministry. I enjoy this book very much when I was reading it. Though there are many information and data in the book, yet I can relate very well to most of the issues that he has discussed, and I wish that my church elders and intern have the opportunity to read this book as well. One of the challenges we face in our church is the generation and culture diversity. I find it encouraging as Gibbs also sees that the coexistence of the multiple generations as a blessing not a curse.

Before taking the leadership class I viewed leaders and managers the same and I was thinking that only a few people at the top of an organization can lead. However I was wrong and today I view leadership as the challenge and responsibility of every individual with potential to make a difference. Today, I view leadership as a social influence. It is initiating and guiding and the result is change. Leadership is more art than science and more skill than knowledge (Manning, p.61).

Leadership is; expected, valued, respected and rewarded within this organization. This trait is specially selected for, and then systematically developed and honed at all levels, and at all positions within the organization. The ideal style and application methods of such leadership within this organization has evolved over the years. And, the organization has now placed a high premium on those individuals who can not only lead, but that can then readily follow as the situation dictates, who can compete and then later cooperate, and those who can best transition their applied leadership and management style; to best fit the situation and circumstances at hand, ensuring optimal results while inspiring excellence in performance. Rather than those who, for example, simply default to an autocratic and dictatorial leadership style.

The word ‘leadership’ often times triggers a preconceived image of an ideal leader—typically accompanied by the aura that the effective leader should be at the top of the hierarchy, ready to produce the solutions to complex problems. However, this is not true of leadership, given that effective leadership is not achieved by position but rather through style and situational awareness. Examining leadership requires the consideration of the catalysts for different types of leaders. Popular leader development theories tend to focus on the natural servitude of the leader, his or her capability to manage, and leader behavior.

Leadership studies and practices have expanded to meet the changing demands for organizations. A comprehensive understanding of modern leadership will further the knowledge and use of various leadership tools, abilities, and limitations within these styles. Modern leadership theories are relevant and practical for the requirements placed on today’s leaders.

The act of leadership is as old as humanity itself, yet it has only been throughout the recent few decades that more emphasis has been placed on leadership at a theoretical level. At the practical level, leadership has been exerted from ancient times, from the building of the pyramids, to the organization of Roman markets; it was an act completed by people in key positions and it was based mostly on intuition.

Leadership, according to Bryman (1992), is “purpose-driven action that brings about change or transformation based on values, ideals, vision, symbols, and emotional exchanges”.

This report hopes to answer questions about Leadership and the steps that can be taken to empower individuals as leaders. It contains examples of decisions made in a real organisation, however many of the methods used have not been taught by formal education and you will find that leadership is more of a way of life rather than a simple process.