Define leadership / Discuss its various styles / Explain the characteristics of a good leader
Meaning and Definitions of Leadership
Leadership may be defined as the process of influencing the behaviour and performance of others in group towards the achievement of specific goals in a given situation. A leader is an individual who influences and guides the efforts of a group of persons who are known as followers. The leader influences the followers in such a way that they willingly strive towards the accomplishment of common objectives. Leadership is the process of securing willing and enthusiastic co-operation of others. Leadership is a process of interaction between the leader and his followers. The leader interacts with his group for the pursuit of common objectives. The interaction between the leader and his followers is based on inter-personal relations. During such interactions, the leader provides guidance and support to the followers in accomplishing both individual and group goals. Some popular definitions of leadership are given below:
1. Koontz and O’Donnell Leadership is the ability of a manager to induce subordinates to work with confidence and zeal.
2. Louis A. Allen a leader is one who guides and directs other people and gives their efforts, direction and purpose.
3. George R. Terry Leadership is the activity of influencing people (o strive willingly for mutual objectives.
Leadership Styles
There are three important leadership styles which are based on use of authority. These are: 1. Autocratic leadership; 2. Participative leadership; and 3. Free rein leadership.
1. Autocratic Leader: It is also known as authoritarian or directive style leadership. The autocratic leader gives orders which must be obeyed by the subordinates. He centralises decision-making power in himself. He takes decisions in the group members and simply tells the group what the members have to do. The autocratic leader gives personal praise in criticism to each member on his own initiative and remains aloof from the group for most of the time. There are three categories of autocratic leaders which are as follows:
Leader
(a) Autocratic Leader
(i) Strict autocrat: He relies on negative influences and gives orders which the subordinates must accept. He follows negative motivational style to get the work done. Negative motivation includes imposing penalty, criticising subordinates, and so on.
(ii) Benevolent autocrat: An autocratic leader may also follow positive style of using his power to disburse rewards to the subordinates. A benevolent autocrat is effective in getting higher productivity in many situations and developing effective human relationships.
(iii) Manipulative autocrat: Such a leader makes the subordinates feel that they are participating in decision making, but he takes all the decisions himself.
2. Participative or Democratic Leader : A democratic leader is one who gives order after consulting the group. He sees to it that policies are worked out in group discussions and with the acceptance of the group. He never asks people to do things without sketching out the long-term plans on which they are working and makes it clear that praise or blame will be shared by all the group members. His decisions are not unilateral because they arise from consultation with followers and participation by them. Unlike an autocratic manager who controls through the official authority, a participative manager exercises control mostly by using forces within the group.
3. Laissez faire or Free Rein Leader: A free rein leader does not lead, but leaves the group entirely to itself. He is represented by the chairman of the board who leaves all responsibility for most of the work to his subordinates. The free rein manager avoids using power. He depends largely upon the group to establish its own goals and work out its own problems. Group members work themselves and provide their own motivation. The manager serves as a contact man with the outsiders to bring for his group the information and resources it needs to accomplish its goals.
Leader
(c) Free Rein Leader
This type of leadership is evident in research laboratories where the scientists are fairly free to conduct their research and make their decisions. Similarly, in a college, the Principal does not interfere in the faculty teaching methods, but only assigns the courses to be taught. From then onwards, the faculty members are free to decide about the method of teaching, books to be recommended and various teaching aids to be used.
Free rein style appears to be more suitable when the subordinates are well qualified and trained, self-motivated and also prepared to assume responsibility.
Qualities of a Good Leader
In order to be effective in securing the willing co-operation of the followers, a leader must possess several qualities. These qualities are described below:
1. Sound Physique : A good leader must have good health and physical fitness. He requires tremendous stamina and vigour for hard work. He should have a good physical personality.
2. Intelligence: A leader should be intelligent enough to examine problems in the right perspective. He should have the ability to assess the pros and cons of his actions in a particular situation. He requires a logical bent of mind and a mature outlook. Only a knowledgeable and competent person can instruct subordinates correctly.
3. Initiative: A leader should have initiative and courage. He should not wait for opportunities to come his way. Rather, he should grab the opportunity and use it for the benefit of the organisation.
4. Integrity: A leader should be honest and sincere. He should be a role model to others in terms of ethics and values.
5. Decisiveness: The leader should be decisive and firm in his opinion. He should have an objective outlook, free from bias and prejudice. He should form his opinion and judgement on the basis of facts alone. He needs an open mind, willingness to listen to others and adopt new ideas.
6. Emotional Stability: The leader should have a cool temperament and emotional balance. He should not be unduly moved by emotions and sentiments. He should not lose temper or show indecisiveness even in the face of heavy odds.
7. Self-Confidence and Will Power: A good leader should have confidence in his own ability to lead others. He also requires the will power to meet the needs of every situation. He can inspire others and win their trust only when he has full confidence is himself and a strong will to win.
8. Communication Skills: A good leader should be able to communicate clearly and precisely the goals and procedures to be followed. This is necessary for persuading and convincing people. The skill to listen patiently and with empathy is also necessary. Communication skills enable the leader to understand the followers. and motivate them.
9. Vision and Foresight: A leader should be able to anticipate or visualise the future course of events. He needs a sound judgement and the ability to take right decisions at the right time.
10. Sense of Responsibility: A leader should be trustworthy so that subordinates can depend on him. He should be willing to assume responsibility for results. He needs a strong urge to accomplish the goals. Only a responsible leader can command respect of his followers.
11. Social Skills: A good leader must be able to win the confidence and loyalty of people. He should have the capacity to create team spirit among his followers. He should understand and respect the feelings and aspirations of his subordinates. A leader can develop friendly relations with his people only when he has social skills.
