Leadership Styles Jeff Kennedy And Vaughn Waters

Agenda Greetings Ice-Breaker Early Approaches to Leadership Leadership Styles Leadership Activity Questions Wrap-up Evaluation

Ice Breaker

Definition of Leadership The ability to influence a group towards the achievement of goals.

Traditional Approaches to Leadership Trait Position Distributed Function Style

Trait Approach Traits can be described as our general orientation toward people and things. Characteristics of the person, not the situation The ‘Great Man’ theory: Leaders are born, not made

Traits Most Characteristic of Leadership

Position Approach Authority is legitimate power that is vested in a particular position to ensure that persons in lesser positions meet the requirements of their organizational role Leadership within formal roles system

Distributed Function Approach Leadership is specific to particular groups in particular situations Any group member may become a leader by taking actions that serve group functions Leadership functions may be fulfilled by members performing a variety of relevant behaviors

Style Approach Autocratic Democratic Laissez-Fair

Autocratic Leaders Retain as much power and decision making authority as possible Make their own decisions without input from others Supervise group members closely Quick to both praise and punish

Democratic Leaders Keep employees informed about decisions that affect their work Include groups in decision making processes Quick to praise both groups and individuals Encourage factual and objective feedback

Laissez-Faire The manager provides little or no direction Allows for maximum freedom Resources provided but leader gives information only when asked No feedback unless asked

Study Conducted By Lewin, Lippit & White Adults were directed to lead groups of boys’ clubs by exhibiting autocratic, democratic, and laissez-faire styles of leadership at different times

Results of the Study Laissez-faire: Lower productivity, satisfaction, and cohesiveness Autocratic: More submissive to the leaders. Productivity same as democratic, but required leaders’ presence Democratic: Less tension and hostility; more cohesion and cooperation. About as productive as autocratic, but also in leader's absence.

And the Winner Is…… The democratic style of leadership was found to be superior to more autocratic and laissez faire styles. Labeled as the more productive style within corporate settings.

Style Activity

Questions

Evaluation and Wrap-up

Jeff Kennedy and Vaughn Waters Western Maryland College Successful leadership requires positive self-regard fused with optimism about a desired outcome. - Warren Bennis