Assignment 1 – Introduction to Leadership, Leading a Team Effectively and Motivating to Perform in the Workplace
Assignment 1 – Introduction to leadership, leading a team effectively and motivating to perform in the workplace
Introduction to Leadership
There are differences and similarities between management and leadership and there is a need for each of them. A manager can be seen as more of a ‘teller’, someone who will instruct a team what to do, react to change, plan and coordinate. Leaders can be seen as ‘persuaders’, someone who will take responsibility, encourage discussion and input, inspire and motivate the team, encourage staff to create change. Different factors will contribute to the need for all of these styles to be used. If a quick decision is needed then perhaps an instruction will be necessary which will be the style of a manager, if new ideas are needed then collaboration between the whole group would be encouraged which would be the style of a leader. If a leader can be skilled in selecting the appropriate style then this will have a positive effect on individuals and group as the individuals and group will trust and respect the leader to make the best decisions and develop them.
There are many theories on leadership styles; the Trait theory is one that successful leaders will display certain traits. A core set of traits has been identified, and people who possess these traits have the potential to be a leader. The traits are: achievement drive, leadership motivation, honesty and integrity, self-confidence, cognitive ability, knowledge of business, emotional maturity, charisma, creativity and flexibility. Another theory is the Democratic theory that all decisions should be discussed amongst the team and the leader has the final decision; this can work well in a team environment but can hinder quick decisions as agreement should be reached. Another theory is The Great Man theory which looks at the fact great leaders are born. This theory states that these leaders such as Caesar, Elizabeth I and Lincoln possess abilities different to other humans.
Introduction to Leadership
There are differences and similarities between management and leadership and there is a need for each of them. A manager can be seen as more of a ‘teller’, someone who will instruct a team what to do, react to change, plan and coordinate. Leaders can be seen as ‘persuaders’, someone who will take responsibility, encourage discussion and input, inspire and motivate the team, encourage staff to create change. Different factors will contribute to the need for all of these styles to be used. If a quick decision is needed then perhaps an instruction will be necessary which will be the style of a manager, if new ideas are needed then collaboration between the whole group would be encouraged which would be the style of a leader. If a leader can be skilled in selecting the appropriate style then this will have a positive effect on individuals and group as the individuals and group will trust and respect the leader to make the best decisions and develop them.
There are many theories on leadership styles; the Trait theory is one that successful leaders will display certain traits. A core set of traits has been identified, and people who possess these traits have the potential to be a leader. The traits are: achievement drive, leadership motivation, honesty and integrity, self-confidence, cognitive ability, knowledge of business, emotional maturity, charisma, creativity and flexibility. Another theory is the Democratic theory that all decisions should be discussed amongst the team and the leader has the final decision; this can work well in a team environment but can hinder quick decisions as agreement should be reached. Another theory is The Great Man theory which looks at the fact great leaders are born. This theory states that these leaders such as Caesar, Elizabeth I and Lincoln possess abilities different to other humans.