The Classical Theory Of Leadership

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.).

An authoritative leader addresses the end but generally gives workers freedom to innovate, experiment and take risks. The authoritative style works best for organizations that are off track, it helps in creating a new course and fresh long-term vision. The affiliative style strives to keep employees happy to create harmony among. The style has a positive effect on communication. People who like one another a lot talk lot. They share ideas, inspirations leading to flexibility, innovation and risk taking. This style should only be employed when trying to build team harmony. The democratic style allows leaders to build consensus through participation. By spending time getting people’s ideas, a leader is able to build trust, respect and commitment. This style works best when a leader is uncertain about best direction however, it does not make sense if employees are not competent. Pacesetting is a leadership style that expects excellence and self-direction. The leader is obsessive about doing things better and faster, and expects the same of everyone around

In the world, different people have different approaches to leadership. For ample, according to Leebol man (n.d), there are four types of leadership: “leaders who emphasize rationality, analysis, logic, facts and data” “leaders who emphasize the importance of people” “leaders who believe that managers and leaders live in a world of conflict and scarce resources” and “leaders who believe that the essential task of management is to provide vision and Inspiration.”

Leadership can be defined as the process of identifying a goal, motivating others, and make them to achieve the mutually goals (Giltinane, 2013). According to Humphreys (2002), successful leaders do this by applying their leadership knowledge and skills. A good leadership is not only good at management, but also use different leadership styles in different situations. A successful corporation must has a good leader who have the flexible ability which can provide a suitable leadership to make the company successful. Furthermore, there have no perfect leadership styles in the world. Different leader have different leadership styles which also have the different strengths and weaknesses (Ali & Waqar, 2013). Leaders need to consider

The leadership models/theories that will be demonstrated are skills-based leadership, situational leadership, and leader-member exchange theory.

Since the beginning of recorded history, leadership has been one of, if not the most important elements in the success or failure of an endeavor. This is whether it involved a prehistoric hunting party or ruling the Roman Empire. Today, leadership is recognized as a vital factor in an organization’s quest to be productive and profitable. For an organization to be competitive and achieve optimum success in the 21st century, it is vital that they employ effective leaders that will be able to communicate their vision and goals, motivate their employees and develop trusting and loyal relationships with its stakeholders. There is no one or best way to accomplish this mission. There have been numerous leadership theories and styles which have been developed over time which can enable leaders to choose which method would be most effective for them in establishing collaborative working relationships and a respectful team environment in a group setting (Landis, Eric A; Hill, Deborah; Harvey, Maurice R, 2014).

Leadership comes in different forms and in different aspects of life from private business to government entities (Wren, 1995, p. 5). The models of leadership used are dependent upon the individual attributes of the leaders, for example traits, values, self-identity, skills, and competencies (Yukl, 2013, p. 136). A close look at select leadership models and how they compare and contrast with each other provides insight into the types of leadership that might be employed within organizations as they face various leadership issues and challenges.

Leadership is the art of influencing people to get the necessary support and cooperation in a community or organizational affairs to maintain solidarity among people. It is the ability to influence others towards desired goals. More so, leadership may imply “doing the right thing”.

Leadership is a powerful word. It can represent the good or bad in a person. When I think of leadership, I think of the people in my life who have accomplished a great deal to help others. I noticed that all of them have their own values and ways of accomplishing greatness in their life. I believe that in order for me to be successful as a leader, it is essential that you understand my own personal beliefs and values.

At the present time, leadership, especially effective leadership plays an increasingly significant role in the organization, which can be regarded as the process of affecting activities of an organized group in its efforts forward target setting and target achievement (Daft, 2011). From this perspective, organizations in every walk of life are in pursuit of effective leadership in order to ensure the competitive advantage (Schriesheim et al., 1999). Although there is no unique definition about effective leadership, precisely, in light of Lussier & Achua (2007), there are two basic requirement on effective leadership: for one thing, effective leadership will ensure that reach the target of the group can be reached effectively; for another, leadership can impose positive influence on the group members, and motivate them to Maximum their potentials.

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.

My leadership philosophy is all about people, to elaborate on this principle I believe that Soldiers are the Army’s most precious assets as a fighting force. I believe that leadership is treating Soldiers with respect to influence them in order to achieve their full potential and strive to provide them with mentoring along the way.

I found it scary to think and yet very true when Gandolfi and Stone (2016) discussed in a rather recent article that leadership is so crucial that not only can organization or communities suffer from poor leadership but also even our society as a whole can experience a huge negative impact. The importance of leadership in an organizational setting is to motivate individuals to complete a common goal. There are several leadership styles and it is a good idea that we view various models in order for leaders to get a better understanding how to involve those working alongside other colleagues thus allowing everyone to move forward together and accomplish set goals for an institution (Volckmann, 2012). A few examples include, Behavioral Approach, Path-Goal, and, Situational and thinking

Enthusiasm, connections and a goal for positive change; these are the three most crucial ingredients in the making of a good, successful leader that makes people happy. Positive change is key since it is the end goal, but first must come enthusiasm. Commitment and dedication for change in the world steam from enthusiasm and create an open atmosphere where effective communication can take place. Connections are the building blocks of leadership and fuel to continue. They are the support, the network and the backbone behind successful leaders. Finally, Leadership is the ability a person has to create change and effectively move a group forward though either intellectual, social or physical change.

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.