Leadership - Essay

Leadership means the skill and process of leading a group of people towards a specific objective or goal. Over the history of mankind, we have seen several examples of leadership, good and bad. They have changed the course of human history over in various areas of life.

Leadership can also be defined as a person or organization to lead or control their followers. The word ‘Lead’ on its own means to put someone through or to be the first. Therefore Leadership has a great deal it plays in a society and a daring task because the followers always look up to the leader for advice, motivation, solutions, etc.

Leadership requires great skill and knowledge, not just a kid thing. This is because of its importance.

Leadership has been an important element in areas like Industry, Science, Military, Politics, Business, etc. In each area, although the manifestations of leadership differ, the basic characteristics of leadership as a quality remain the same.

Types of Leadership

There are many styles of Leadership, a few of which are as follows:

Authoritarian Leadership

Leadership style in which the leader’s opinion is considered the final word in decision making. The opinions of other team members are either less important or completely neglected. This kind of leadership is valuable in critical situations like war, medical emergencies, etc.

Participative Leadership

Leadership style in which the leader involves all the team members in the decision making process. The leader needs to have a lot of patience and empathy to practice this leadership style. Though ideal, it is sometimes impractical given the time and resource limitations.

Transformational Leadership

It is a leadership style in which the leader transforms the team members to a higher, new level of functioning. This style requires a leader with a unique charisma and talent.

Laissez-faire or free-rein

It is a leadership whereby leaders allow their group members to make decisions. It is also known as delegate leadership. All that the leaders do is to provide the followers with resources as well as tools. Then, people solve their problems. Great examples of such leaders were President Herbert Hoover and Steve Job.

Task-oriented

It is a leadership that clearly gives instructions to be followed by a team in order to achieve a certain goal. Once a structure, plan, and organization are put in place, all that is left for the leader is to monitor the progress.

Relationship-oriented

This is a leadership that focusses on good teamwork as well as collaboration. It encourages great relationships and communication which facilitates excellent working.

Characteristics of Leadership

Leadership emergence is associated with different characteristics like intelligence, strengths, birth, dominance, emotional intelligence, gender, etc. A dullard can never be a leader since he/she can’t make a better decision and choices. An intelligent individual will be the best option. Dominance and strength are all about power, but the intellect of such a leader might be weak.

Niccolò Machiavellis The Prince said that ‘it is better to be feared than loved.’

Conclusion

Leadership is a vital element in all areas of human life. It is a vital aspect of all group decision making processes. It is a daring and important role played by individuals with great skill and intellect.