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How would you define leadership?

Abstract

The definition of leadership is subjective and opinion based. A leader can be described as someone with authority, control, management, or supervision that gives an individual or a team specific guidance or direction. Leadership can also take place where there is an emotional connection between individuals or a group. This paper concentrates on a few different types of leadership. The behavioral theory, Charismatic Leadership, and personal leadership play a large role in defining leadership. Leadership is taught in the bible and plays a part in spiritual living. I have improved my success in leadership in my current vocation.

How would you define leadership?

Stogdill (1974), who believed in the Great Man Theory, teaches that Leaders are born with innate abilities. Stogdill says, there are almost as many definitions of leadership as there are people who have attempted to define the concept (Zehndorfer, 2014). A person should study all leadership theories and base their opinion after their research. Fully understanding leadership asks us to view leadership as a separate discipline with its own set of skills, knowledge, and abilities and to accept the core idea that each person’s value set dictates his or her behavior much more powerfully than does externally imposed policy, procedure, or regulation (Fairholm, G. W. 2011). I will explain some of the leadership theories I have studied and explain my view on each. The many ways that leadership is displayed in the bible will be discussed. In conclusion I will explain how I demonstrate leadership in my current vocation.

Behavioral Theory

Behavioral theories encapsulate scientific and motivational approaches to the study of leadership. Both focus on the behavior of workers in order to identify ways in which worker productivity can be enhanced (Zehndorfer, 2014). This leadership study is the belief that behaviors can be enhanced through leadership capabilities. Motivational techniques can be used to improve behavior. A leader must ensure that the expectation is clear in order to receive the expected results. Such a skill is compelling for the leadership scholar, as it has been proven that more motivated employees are more likely to be productive and efficient, less likely to leave the company, and more likely to contribute positively to organizational goals (Zehndorfer, 2014). A leader should be adaptable with the ability to innovate.

Behaviorist Approach

This approach promotes the act of sharing performance with employees to influence behavior. Study shows that by sharing this information it resulted in increased morale and productivity. In the 1960s the study of goals emerged and the thought of studying motivation. I can attest that when employees are in a positive environment where feedback is received it increases the level of productivity and performance. An employee should know if there is opportunity within their work. A leader uses a relationship approach with their subordinates to create a positive work environment. There are many studies on behavior and it should be monitored to ensure that the proper feedback and coaching is given to improve success. Action plans and goals should be given with specific timelines to promote communication and improve productivity. This approach can also be used to lead employees through change or adapting to a specific situation. Romans 12:2, states Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Motivation

We are still masters of our fate. We are still captains of our souls (Winston Churchill). There are many different ways to motivate a group or team of subordinates. Some are motivated by recognition. For example, a form of motivation would be a leader awarding or recognizing a top performance or outstanding job completed. Leaders can use their own personalities to inspire motivation within their team. Jesus also uses bible verses as motivation to inspire his followers. “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” Proverbs 18:10. In this verse Jesus is saying that by believing in him he gives us strength and in which nothing is impossible. As a leader I use the bible as an example to motivate my team. I treat them with respect and ensure that I give them recognition for their great contributions. Behavior can also affect the leader. A leader should represent themselves with dignity and loyalty. I strive to be a role model to my team to give them motivation and behavior to build upon.

Charismatic Leadership

Charismatic Leadership extends the scope of Path Goal Theory by describing that it is not only the goal of the follower that is important. It is also vital that the leader articulates a vision of such strength, with such charisma and passion, that followers are strongly motivated and driven to achieve their goal (Zehndorfer, 2014). This type of leadership is needed in organizations as well as in society today. A sociologist Max Weber conceptualized Charismatic Leadership in 1924. Disillusionment can take place if the emotional bond between the leader and follower is broken. As quoted by Scott (1981, p. 33), charisma constitutes ‘an unusual form of normative social structure that emerges in times of crisis, when people look to charismatic individuals who are “perceived as possessing extraordinary gifts of spirit and mind” to lead them through the crisis with “radical reorganizations”’. This type of leader must demonstrate a strong self-confidence and presence of belief. A leader should promote trust, respect, vision, and push the expectation of high performance generated by subordinates.

Negative Charisma

There can be a negative side to Charismatic Leadership. Where charisma exists, great danger may also accompany it, due to the higher propensity for risk taking, collection of symbols of power and prestige, and exploitation and subjugation of others that is so frequently characteristic of the amoral personalized charismatic leader (Zehndorfer, 2014). If the leader demonstrates a personality trait with the feeling of control or power or can be interpreted with a demonizing effect. If the leader demonizes the enemy for potential threat against society negative leadership will develop. An example of when this happen was the development of The Hitler effect. For example, Hitler’s rise to power as leader of the National Socialist Party (NSP) was strengthened significantly by his delivery of an emotional and charismatic speech broadcast to a German domestic audience on 19 February 1933(Zehndorfer, 2014).

Personal Leadership

According to Gürtler, 2013 one should acknowledge that companies should focus on people rather than processes and strategies, the latter of which can be copied. Therefore, it will become more relevant for leaders to focus on the needs, expectations and aims of individuals. This type of leadership is called personal leadership. As a leader it is important to find what each individual excels in and developing this area. I have been using this tactic in my current position of leadership. It is important to promote the needs of an individual while focusing on the needs of an organization. The drive and commitment can be carried on to personal life. As a leader it is rewarding to have a positive influence in a team members life as they progress and reach their individual goals.

Leadership in the Bible

Proverbs 3:5-10, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make strait your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of your produce. Our purpose in life, as a Westminster Confession says, is to glorify God and enjoy him forever (Merida, 2015). God appoints Kings to lead the people to serve him. There are certain traits and characteristics that should be followed in life on a spiritual level. The Lord teaches followers to spread the word and glory of God. The people celebrate this leadership and fellowship by attending church services.

Defining Leadership

I have used leadership in all aspects of life. Leadership is used in parenting, attending school, and in my current vocation. As a leader my goal is to work with a team to deliver an experiential customer experience. I work with each team member to develop their leadership skills. I do this by improving their communication and accountability. As business owners of their individual retail locations my goal is to show them how to be successful. Some of the challenges are keeping them focused on their controllables as well as hiring the right employees to represent them. Some ways that I develop their skills are using their strengths and pairing them with other team members to work with one another. I focus on building trust and communication by treating them with respect. All of their expectations are not limited to procedures I follow when I visit their locations. Motivation is extremely important to leading a team. I keep my team motivated by implementing fun contests. Throughout the contests I share updates and progression to keep them striving for their goal. I remember small personal details about each manager so that I ensure that we have a personal connection in the workplace. I maintain a healthy balance of personal information that I share with them so that we can relate with one another and build a relationship.

What motivates one leader may not motivate another so I ensure that I understand each personality and what is needed for them to be successful. For example, some team members learn by reading and some learn by physical contact. This is important to ensure that information is retained. Gratification is also important. I congratulate my team often and hold them accountable to their performance. Coaching is essential for growth and movement in a position. There should be a healthy balance between power and guidance. Creating an imagination is important so that there is always a goal to reach towards. If the goal seems too unachievable or unappealing it could affect motivation and effort. As a leader it became important for me to understand delegation and communication that is needed to progress to the next level. Instead of micromanaging the process the tools should be given with best practices and achievement is monitored. This eliminates the sense of control, but it is the key for development.

Leadership Today

A company has a goal and expectation as it is known that employees do not have perfect qualities. Employee values are important to successful leadership. I work to guide each member towards the goal of the company. The growing interest evident in the literature is to identify the unique set of leadership techniques, values, actions, attitudes, and behaviors present in the workplace or any social grouping (Fairholm, G. W., 2011). I grew the most in my leadership once I figured out that leading is about inspiring your team to strive to be successful. There are people that do not have the will to succeed and cannot be coaching to do so. Personality cannot be changed, which is why choosing the right person to lead is important. As a leader you are vulnerable to being judged and overwhelmed. There are many verses in the bible that talk about how God spoke to encourage men and women who chose to step up and be a leader. It takes courage, discipline, and determination to be a leader. Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow belivers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly (James 3:1).

A Leaders Mood

A leader sets the tone for the team or individuals that are being supervised. I strive to make my position appealing to promote challenge and growth within the organization in a positive way. Leadership should not be looked at as a title, but more of an influence and inspiration. While results are important, it is about spreading the passion I have for my team and our customers. Showing up to work at your best with a professional positive attitude shows example and builds respect.

Responsibility

Leadership is about teaching employees the sense of purpose by delegating tasks and working towards objectives. Leaders are always on stage. Even when they are not speaking or when they do not have a microphone. All of your actions are examples of who you are as a leader. This is why it is important to set the example you want from your leaders.

Understanding your role as a leader and the goal is important to success. There are many types of leadership that have been studied. The bible speaks upon leadership and teaches how to spread the word of the Lord by leading his people to follow the way of the bible. I have grown in my leadership position by working with many different team members. I have developed my ability to attract the skills of other leaders. There is no other gratification than assisting in the success of another leader. The future of leadership depends on connecting people in different ways, in order to expand the collective area of thought and action (Daniela Eberhardt).

References

Anderson, T. (1998). Transforming Leadership. New York: Routledge, https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.1201/9780203735237

Cameron, E., & Green, M. (2017). Essential leadership: develop your leadership qualities through theory and practice. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu

Center For Servant Leadership Retrieved from https://www.greenleaf.org/our-journey/

Fairholm, G. W. (2011). Real leadership: how spiritual values give leadership meaning. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu

Humphrey, R. H. (2014; 2013 ;). Effective leadership: Theory, cases, and applications (1st ed.). Los Angeles: SAGE

Merida, T. (2015). Exalting Jesus in 1 and 2 kings. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.liberty.edu

Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and practice (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publishers, Inc.

Zehndorfer, E. (2014). Leadership. London: Routledge, https://doi-org.ezproxy.liberty.edu/10.4324/9781315871448