LEADERSHIP

The Great Zumbrati Upon completing a highly dangerous tightrope walk over Niagara Falls in appalling wind and rain, 'The Great Zumbrati' was met by an enthusiastic supporter, who urged him to make a return trip, this time pushing a wheelbarrow, which the spectator had thoughtfully brought along. The Great Zumbrati was reluctant, given the terrible conditions, but the supporter pressed him, "You can do it - I know you can," he urged. "You really believe I can do it?" asked Zumbrati. "Yes - definitely - you can do it." the supporter gushed. "Okay," said Zumbrati, "Get in the wheelbarrow..."

What is leadership? The English word "leadership" originates in the ancient root leith, which meant "to go forth and die," as in battle. Leadership is stated as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task.” James MacGregor Burns, observes: "Leadership is one of the most observed and least understood phenomena on earth"

Leaders?

Leaders? Um…No

Definition of Leader Leaders are those who are able to influence others and who possess managerial authority.

Managers versus Leaders are appointed have legitimate power have formal authority Leaders may be appointed or emerge from within a group can influence others to perform beyond that dictated by formal authority

Managers versus Leaders Should all managers be leaders? Should all leaders be managers? Ideally, since leadership ability is not a handicap to a manager Not all leaders have capabilities in other managerial functions (planning, organizing, controlling)

Theories of Leadership There are two different Theories of Leadership that are considered: Trait theories of leadership Behavioural theories of leadership

Theories of Leadership When one tries to describe a leader, many characteristics (traits) can be listed: intelligence, charisma, enthusiasm, strength, bravery, integrity, etc. Definitions of leaders vary, so identifying a set of traits that all leaders would have to possess is not possible. Research has not been able to identify a set of traits that always differentiate leaders from followers and effective leaders from ineffective ones.

Trait Theories of Leadership Attempts to identify traits consistently associated with leadership have been more successful. Trait theories of leadership try to isolate characteristics that differentiate leaders from non-leaders. Six traits where leaders are seen to differ from non-leaders include: drive, desire to lead, honesty and integrity, self-confidence, intelligence, and job-relevant knowledge

Leadership Traits Drive: high effort level, high desire for achievement, ambitious, lots of energy, persistent, show initiative Desire to lead: strong desire to influence and lead others, willingness to take responsibility Honesty and integrity: leaders built trust by being truthful and showing consistency between word and deed. Self-confidence: absence of self-doubt, show self-confidence to convince followers of rightness of goals and decisions.

Leadership Traits Intelligence: intelligent enough to gather and interpret large amounts of information; able to create visions, solve problems, make correct decisions. Job-relevant knowledge: high degree of knowledge about the company, industry, and technical matters to help make well-informed decisions and understand consequences of those decisions.

Six Traits that Differentiate Leaders From Non-Leaders Do I have It? How I can Acquire It? Drive Desire to Lead Honesty and integrity Self-confidence Intelligence Job-relevant knowledge

Behavioural Theories These are theories that isolate behaviours that differentiate effective leaders from ineffective leaders. If behavioural studies are correct, we can train people to be leaders as opposed to selecting people based on traits.

Leadership styles (Kurt Lewin) Kurt Lewin identified three leadership behaviours or styles: autocratic – a leader who tends to centralize authority, dictate work methods, make unilateral (one-way) decisions, and limit employee participation

Leadership styles (Kurt Lewin) democratic – a leader who involves employees in decision making, delegates authority, encourages participation, and used feedback to coach employees a. democratic-consultative – leader seeks input but makes the final decision b. democratic-participative – leader often allows employees to have a “say”

Leadership styles (Kurt Lewin) laissez-faire – a leader who generally gives employees complete freedom to make decisions and complete their work in whatever way they see fit. This leader might simply provide necessary materials and answer questions.

Which leadership style is most effective? Studies concluded that the laissez-faire style was ineffective compared with autocratic and democratic Quantity of work done was equal in groups with democratic and autocratic leaders Work quality and group satisfaction was higher in democratic groups Conclusions suggested that managers should move toward more employee-centred styles to increase employee motivation and morale.

Thoughts?

Leadership??