What You Need to Know about Leadership
Most probably you have heard of the expression he or she is a natural leader, but are leaders born or made? Is it possible to use management leadership training to make someone who is not a leader material become one? And most importantly how is it done? Even if you don't see yourself as a leader, other areas of your life may reflect leadership and people may look up to you as a leader. Below are some essential leadership qualities you need in whatever leadership arena you are in.
Leadership styles, Leadership styles are numerous and so are leaders. Business people have come up with simple yet useful ways to define the styles of leadership; these forms can help the aspiring leaders to choose the right style that will suit them. Understanding these styles can help you develop your distinct leadership style. There exist certain frameworks that have shaped our understanding of leadership. Over the years, researchers have come up with several leadership theories, the theories can be categorized into four, trait theories, behavioral theories, contingency theories lastly power and influence theories.
Trait theories have it that leaders share a common personality traits and characteristics. Earlier, the trait theory argued that leadership is an inborn trait; you are either born with it or not born with it. This theory is important since it helps us identify the quality needed to lead others. Behavioral theories focus more on the behaviors of leaders. There are three types of leaders, Democratic leaders, autocratic and Laissez-faire leaders. Contingency theories attempt to predict the best leadership style in a given circumstance. Power and influence, on the other hand, takes a different approach; they are based on the different ways by which different leaders use power and influence to get things moving. Read more people management skills from our main site.
The most popular leadership styles are autocratic leadership; leaders possess an absolute power over their subjects. The staff has little or no room to make suggestions; autocratic leadership mostly leads to absenteeism since most people do not like to be treated in this manner. This type of leadership is effective for routine and unskilled jobs. Bureaucratic leadership, these leaders strictly follow rules and also ensure that the staff works as per the regulations. This type of leadership is effective for jobs that involve serious safety risks like working with toxic substances and where large sums of money are involved.
Charismatic and transformational leadership, they seem similar, these leaders are energetic in pushing their teams forward, they drive a lot of enthusiasm in their various teams. The difference between the two is the fact that a charismatic leader tends to believe more in themselves than the team; however, transformational leaders need the support of the team to succeed. Other styles of leadership are Laissez-faire leadership, democratic leadership, servant leadership and transactional leadership. To choose an effective style of leadership, consider the experience and skill levels of your team, work involved, the organizational environment and your personal style of leadership. Check this managerial skills list.