LDR/531
May 18, 2013
Determining Your Perfect Position Paper
By understanding leadership styles will help develop a person into being an effective leader. We will describe the author’s leadership style model and also look into the strengths and weaknesses of that model. Then compare and contrast leadership theories applicable to the author’s leadership approach. Leadership has different characteristics and behaviors then management
Leadership Style Model The leadership style that best fits the author is transformational leadership. This style increases motivation, morale, and performance of the group through an assortment of tools. By knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the group …show more content…
the leader can keep the group interested by challenging them in order to take ownership for their work. Then the leader can assign duties to improve their performance. The transforming style creates important change in the life of individuals and the organization. Leaders need to be attentive to the group needs and concerns by acting as a mentor or coach. Transformational Leadership asks for the group ideas and taking risks will inspire creativity and empower independent thinking within the group. The leader needs to provide purpose and meaning that pushes the group to success. Communication skills are important for a transformational leader, this skill help present the vision or mission to the group. Leaders gain respect and trust from group by being a role model.
Strengths
Transformational leadership effectively influences groups of all levels and focuses on the groups’ needs and values (Northouse, 2001). This leadership style promotes creative thinking and develops group into independence. Empowers group to think what is best for the organization rather than what is best for me. Promotes strong communication skills by creating vision for the group and helps the organization by helping others give back to the organization.
Weaknesses Transformational leadership treats leadership as a personality trail than a learned behavior. Also leaders using transformational leaders are likely for abusing power (Northouse, 2001). Becoming an effective transformational leader is a process and has no exact steps for a manager to follow due to the wide range of aspects. Compare and Contrast Leadership Theories
The great man theory says that leaders are born not made. This theory refers to leadership as an inherent trait and leaders are meant to rise to leadership when needed. The term man was used because leadership was thought of a male trait at the time (Yuki, 2010).
The trait theory identifies particular personality or behavior characteristics common among leaders that are said to be inherited abilities.
This theory is very similar to the great man theory. Like great man theory, the trait theory is difficult to prove or test (Yuki, 2010).
Both contingency and situational theories are based on situational variables determine the leadership styles. Both say that no specific leadership style is best for all environments or certain decision making types. The success of the organization depends on the leadership style that fit the situation and abilities and traits of the group in the situation (Yuki, 2010).
Behavior theory is based on the actions of leaders instead of the internal qualities and mental state. This theory is opposite to the great man and trait theories. The behavior theory says that leaders are made not born. In this theory individuals can learn to be a leader through training and observation (Yuki, 2010).
Participative theory says the ideal leadership style takes the input of others into account. This theory suggests that leaders encourage group member to participate and contribute in decision making for the organization. This makes member feel important and devoted to the task but the leader holds the right to allow the feedback of others (Yuki,
2010).
Management theory is based on rewards and punishment. Management theory says the leader should reward success and reprimand failure. This theory may also be known as transactional theory which emphases on management, organization and group performance (Yuki, 2010).
Conclusion
In conclusion by understanding the leadership styles will help develops a person into being an effective leader. We have described the author’s leadership style model and also look into the strengths and weaknesses of that model. Then compare and contrast leadership theories applicable to the author’s leadership approach. Organizations that take the time to demonstrate leadership are ahead of the competition (Hessebein & Cohen, 1999).
References
Hessebein, F., & Cohen, P. M. (1999). Leader to Leader. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
Northouse, P. G. (2001). Leadership Theory and Practice (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Yuki, G. (2010). Leadership in Organization (7th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.