Critical Evaluation Of Two Theories Of Leadership

Leadership in an organization often plays a critical role, and is frequently, though not always, one of the major drivers of the success or failure of a company. (Bass, 1990) Effective leadership helps a company through times of peril and brings a future of brightness. It makes a corporation successful. However, what is leadership? According to Kouzes and Posner, it is the art of mobilizing others to want to struggle for shared aspirations. (1995, p.30) Leaders set a clear direction for us; they help us realize what is ahead; they support us to achieve and win; they encourage and inspire us when we feel depressed. Without leadership, an organization will degenerate into chaos and unstructured because people view things in different ways.

In recognition on how to be an effective leader, past researches in leadership has discovered that leadership is a critical aspect to an organization and it will continue to evolve, in line with the development of human-to-human relationships (Daft & Pirola-Merlo 2009, p. 4, Rast et al. 2012 p. 646). Yet, to be a leader, there are at least six key factors that must be met by a person, namely: followers, influence, intention, personal responsibility and integrity, shared purpose and change (Daft & Pirola-Merlo 2009, p. 5). However, even if someone has

The book selected for the assignment is, ‘Be a people person: Effective leadership through effective relationships,’ by John C. Maxwell. Mr. Maxwell is an author, speaker, leadership expert who is internationally recognized and a pastor. He wrote books on leadership (The John Maxwell Company, n.d.). He has a doctorate in ministry and started his career as a pastor. After 14 years of preaching the word of God, he devoted himself to speaking and writing. He became a religious leader (Christian Books Previews, n.d.). Maxwell has recognized the role of interpersonal relationships in making and breaking a leader. He has also realized the importance of developing personal skills from the people (Victor Books, 2002). In his book, Maxwell explains how a person who follows can turn to a leader by connecting with people and relating to them from a biblical perspective. The author places 50 percent emphasis on others, 25 percent on self and the remaining 25 percent on God in his approach to the followers (Barnes and Noble, n.d.).

Leadership theories denotes to the technique that a manager accepts in order to implementation authority in the work place and be able to direct workforce towards convention the structural mandate as outlined in their job descriptions. It is the approach that a director recourses in order to discharge all the sum total of accountabilities that involves organization and managing. The theories of leadership might be categorized into, Trait theory, and Behavioral theory and Transactional & Transformational theories and Situational Theory of leadership.

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

Though the theories of leadership glorify factors, such as personal significance, timing, special skills, responsiveness, or power, as the qualities of a leader, I believe that neither of those factors are as essential as being personable. I believe being personable is the greatest determinant since a leadership position requires public speaking, either in the form of one-to-one conversations or to an audience. I believe that a leader should create an impression that will motivate and inspire others. Therefore, they should be able to create an impressive and enduring impression. Leaders should speak to others in a way that is respectful, friendly, and relatable. If they are unable to do so, then no matter how powerful or significant the individual, not a single person will follow, admire, or respect them.

Effective leadership demands that we anticipate all changes whether minor or major and respond to them promptly to allow growth to take place. Leaders have an important role within an organization related to its success and productivity. Effective leadership is motivating others and yourself past complacency and feelings of inadequacy in order to achieve a greater goal. Effective leadership is being intentional and conscious about how you lead – but also the things that you follow. This is true considering that leaders are called to have spirits of integrity – especially by virtue of the idea that everything one does has an impact on others. Finally, effective leadership is marked by a leader’s willingness to accept responsibility and be held accountable for their

These leadership theories are grouped in trait theories, behavioral theories, contingency theories, and power and influence theories. Trait theories focus on the traits and skills that successful leaders must have. Initially, these theories state that these skills are innate, but research shows that individuals can also develop such skills and become leaders. Behavioral theories focus on other issues, like the behavior of leaders within their teams, in relationship with stakeholders, and within society. In accordance with these theories, these are several leadership styles, like autocratic or authoritarian, democratic, participative, laissez faire, and other styles. These theories state that the behavior of leaders significantly influences their and their teams' performance.

During this course, the focus has been on leadership and the different theories of leadership. There are either eight to ten leadership theories, depending on the source. Those leadership theories describe different aspects of what it take to be a leader and the skills and traits of people who are considered leaders. There are two different sets of leadership theories. According to Cherry (2012), when it comes to leadership theories, “most can be classified as one of eight major types.” Those eight major types are called the “Great Man” Theories, Trait theories, Contingency Theories, Situational theories, Behavioral theories, Participative theories, Management theories, and Relationship theories. Those eight leadership theories are similar to the ten leadership theories discussed by Zigarelli. According to Zigarelli (2013), There are ten leadership styles that all have useful aspects to them, and the more that a person learns about all ten theories, they better equipped they will be to become a leader. The ten leadership theories are identical in some areas to the eight leadership theories, but there are some differences. The ten leadership theories are the Great Man Theory, The Trait Theory of Leadership, The Skills Theory of Leadership, The Situational Leadership Theory, The Contingency Theory, Transactional Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Leader-Member Exchange Theory, and the Servant Leadership Theory. After

Chapter sixteen discusses various leadership theories which can implemented by leaders to achieve success. The choice of leadership theory differs from leader to leader as they possess different vision and way of managing. A theory isn 't always perfect in itself, it is the endless effort of the leaders which makes the theory a perfect one. Two approaches of leadership that I prefer are Situational Leadership Theory and Servant Leadership Theory. Among many theories I prefer these two because I tend to practice those principles most of the time and I assume these are theories that I truly tend to continue in a long run.

Different theories of leadership classify leadership in different ways. Based on the use of authority, leadership is classified into three types as autocratic, democratic and laissez faire leadership styles (Adeyemi, 2013). Having gone through my free flow journey has helped me explore my entire life as a process of learning and evolution of my own leadership. This mandatory part of my journal has given me the opportunity to reflect on my personal values as they are the primary influencer to my leadership development. Since our behaviours determines our values, this mandatory journaling is a powerful tool to identify which of the four waves of values (1st and 2nd Wave Values, 3rd and 4th Wave Values) influences my leadership practices.

Over the years, a great deal of time, and research has been dedicate to the study of leadership. Even with extensive data on the topic, many still disagree on what leadership really means. Hence, leadership is a word that has many different meanings and different researched theories associated with it. On a basic level, leadership involves having and establishing a clear vision, sharing that vision with followers, respecting followers, and leading an organization with excellence while ensuring that everyone is part of the team. Leadership is also a method by which a leader uses his or her influence towards getting a group of followers to take ownership or buy into a vision.

I have just been appointed to organise a small team in a large corporate organization. As I am new to this role I have been provided with the assistance of a mentor.

Dynamic leadership is one of the prerequisites for the success of any organization. A good leader not only sets an example for others to follow, but also inspires courage and confidence in their minds. Powerful leadership generates trust and respect in the minds of its followers and leads them to fulfill the ultimate objective of any organization. In the context of business organization, the ideals, like leadership, unearth the true potential of a candidate. Leadership does not necessarily come from a higher rank or a superior position; it is inherent to the personality of an individual and flourishes under extreme situations (Tracy, 2014). Also, leadership is the biggest driver of any type of change. Without the guidance of a passionate leadership, it is difficult for an organization to undergo any transformation. Leadership combines the various parts of an organization into one unit and paves the way for success.

Research on management and leadership in organizations over the past century shows there are still no clear definitions or answers about what counts as effective and successful leadership; the field remains varied and argued. Actual studies of leadership began in the early twentieth century. The research and studies on leadership have resulted in defining what characters, traits and attitudes are considered to be significant for leaders to possess. The early studies of leadership theories focused on the person and their behaviors, currently known as leadership trait theories and behavioral theories. It is important for organizational leaders and managers to understand what characteristics, traits and actions of an individual mark a great leader when forming a strong diverse workforce.