StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

How Leadership Theories Offer Practical Advice on How to Be an Effective Leader - Coursework Example

Cite this document
Summary
The paper "How Leadership Theories Offer Practical Advice on How to Be an Effective Leader" is an outstanding example of management coursework. All organizations operating in the modern-day business world require leadership. Apposite and dependable leadership seem to be crucial to the success of almost all organizations…
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER92.2% of users find it useful

Extract of sample "How Leadership Theories Offer Practical Advice on How to Be an Effective Leader"

Running Head: Effective Leadership Effective Leadership Customer’s name: Institution: Customer’s Course Tutor’s Name 12th September, 2014 Introduction All organizations operating in the modern day business world require leadership. Apposite and dependable leadership seem to be crucial to the success of almost all organizations. Leadership is an aspect that influences both the employees and their leaders in accomplishing the mission and goals of an organization. For one to be an effective leader, one needs to be a good employee. A great number of scholars define leadership as a person who plans, guides or directs people towards the achievement of a mutual goal. Leadership has two parts that is the personal one and the organizational one. At times, success calls for the commitment to and knowledge of both of them. Effective leaders are those leaders who are interested in others and at the same time are able to out the best in others. The major purpose of this essay is to discuss how leadership theories offer practical advice on how to be an effective leader. This is done with reference to two theories or models of leadership that is the trait theory and behavioral theory. Discussion Leadership has taken up different major roles in the existence of humanity. From the small tribes whose main activities were hunting to the rulers in the era of great civilization, the common theme has always revolved around leadership. Based on the diverse nature of leadership, a number of leadership theories have emerged with time. Though the theories are theoretical, they tend to offer important clues and practical advice on how people can become effective leaders and what it takes for them to be effective leaders (Chan & Chan, 2005). For a number of decades, leadership theories has been a major topic in discussion in reality and also in practice. A great number of people have been trying to define what makes authentic leaders stand out in the mass. Hence, there exist a great number of leadership theories as they are researchers, professors and philosophers who have studied and published articles on leadership theories. The leadership theories are mainly categorized by the aspects that are believed to define a leader most. The most common leadership theories are: trait theory, great man theory, contingency theory, transformational theories and transactional theory (Lussier & Achua, 2004). Leadership is a quality that some people possess naturally. Natural leaders can make good use of this ability that they possess by learning but the different leadership theories that are present and how they can apply them in different and diverse circumstances (Yukl, 2003). Yet those who do not have this quality naturally can become effective leaders through training. Based on the trait theory, there exist a number of characteristics that effective leaders need to have. Trait theory endeavors to identify as well as define these characteristics. Leadership characteristics are core behaviors and values which are easily observable by other individuals. Despite this, there is exists no comprehensive list of leadership characteristics. These traits include decisiveness, drive, creative problem solving as well as self control. Trait theory has played a major role in helping people to identify the traits as well as the qualities that are helpful when it comes to leading others (Webb, 2007). In relation to this theory, a leader needs to have a drive which is termed as the desire to complete a task and success in a mission. Leaders who possess this trait are always moving forward and they are likely to face every challenge they may face with optimism. They also tend to have a mysterious ability when it comes to motivating the employees. The other major trait that has been outlined by trait theory is decisiveness and it entails the ability to tackle tough decisions with lots of confidence. These kinds of leaders are usually able to direct their employees and teams in difficult circumstance without second guessing (Van Eeden, Cilliers & Van Deventer, 2008). Additionally, the theory calls for leaders to be creative when it comes to problem solving. Leaders need to have the ability to think outside the box. This is closely related to the fact that, most problems that they are likely to encounter when leading people have no answers which can be found in written texts. Thus, effective leaders need to understand all the elements of problems solving and make good of them, to come up with a solution without relying so much on the conventional wisdom (Thyer, 2003). The trait theory also calls for leaders to have self control. Leaders need to possess the ability to control their own behavior in different situations. Leaders who are controllers are usually not quick to anger. They are likely to stop and think about a problem rather than rushing into it. Additionally, they typically think prior to talking and are never harsh to their employees. By doing so, the employee’s regularly feel valued and thus works towards the achievement of the business goals. Another trait is being open-minded. This is a trait that is useful when dealing with employees (Ruggieri, 2009). For one to be an effective leader, one need to possess this trait and at the same time, be able to accept feedback and respond based on the situation. Thus the trait theory of leadership offers ample and practical advice on how leaders can become effective leaders. Common day leaders need to learn and put into practice the traits that have been outlined by trait theory and by doing so they will be able to become effective leaders and thus achieving success in their organizations (Taylor, 2009). In relation to behavioral leadership theory, effective leaders ought to be able to change their outward behavior based on the situation (McNichol, 2007). Understanding a particular situation is crucial in coming up with solutions as well as dealing with employees. Whereas this leadership theory does not focus on the leadership traits, it makes use of certain traits so as to apply necessary changes to behavior. The behavioral theories are mainly classified into four major categories that are; task oriented, people oriented, directive approach as well as participative approach. The task oriented approach plays a role in offering advice and making effective leaders in that, through its knowledge, leaders are able to organize their teams in the achievement of organizational goals and maximum productivity (Kouzes & Posner, 2007). This is commonly seen as the most basic behavioral category that all effective leaders or aspiring leaders should have and apply. This is solely based on the fact that, failure to meet organizational goals and low levels of productivity are not tolerated for a long period in organizations. The people oriented approach also play a role in offering advice on effective leadership in that it stipulates that, leaders need to recognize that employees are real people who are likely to experience real problems as well (Jogulu & Wood, 2007). The understanding of the human nature and the development of empathy for people seems to be a key issue in this behavioral category. For one to be an effective leader they need to apply what have been stipulated in their theory. Thus, leaders also need to empathize and understand the human nature and this will make them more effective leaders. The other category in this type of leadership theory is participative approach. This approach argues in favor of a decentralized decision making process where employees are given the chance to air out their opinions prior to making critical decisions (Daft, 2005). Thus, managers need to be aware of the fact that employees also have unique experiences that can be useful and helpful. Conclusion Based on the above discussion, it is clearly evident that leadership theories offer an ample amount of practical advice on how one can become an effective. Accountable and effective leadership is crucial to the success of any kind of organization. Thus a leader needs to be grounded in the achievement of the organization’s mission, ethics and emotionally engaged with the employees. Effective leadership seems to be a commodity that is in short supply in the common day workplaces. Leaders need to train themselves to become more effective and by doing so, they will be opening up to a great number of career opportunities. Effective leadership tends to shape the performance of the employee towards the achievement of the mission. Thus, for one to be an effective leader one needs to apply aspects that have been outlined in the traits leadership theory and also in behavioral leadership theory. Leaders who seem to be failing need to take lesson and read widely on leadership theories. The texts will offer them with advice on how to go about in becoming effective leaders. Ineffective leaders will make all the necessary adjustments in areas they may be failing for instance they will at times ask employees to offer opinions and this will make the employee feel respected and valued. By having the knowledge of the leadership theories, an effective leader will know which theory to apply based on different circumstances for the benefit of the employees and the whole organization. References Chan, A., & Chan, E. (2005). Impact of Perceived Leadership Styles on Work Outcomes: Case of Building Professionals. Journal of Construction Engineering & Management, 131(4), 413-422 Daft, R. (2005). The Leadership Experience. Toronto: Southwestern Jogulu, U., & Wood, G. (2007). Power struggle [staff empowerment]. Engineering Management, 17(3), 36-37. Kouzes, J. & Posner, B. (2007). The leadership challenges (4th Ed.). California: Jossey-Bass. Lussier, R., & Achua, C. (2004). Leadership Theory, Application, Skill Development. Minnesota: Southwestern McNichol, E. (2007). Understanding yourself as a leader in: McNichol E, Hamer, S. (Eds), Leadership and Management: A 3-Dimensional Approach. Cheltenbam: Nelson Thornes. Ruggieri, S. (2009). Leadership in Virtual Teams: A Comparison of Transformational and Transactional Leaders. Social Behavior & Personality: An International Journal, 37(8), 1017-1021. Taylor, R. (2009). Leadership theories and the development of nurses in primary health care. Primary Health Care, 19(9), 40-46. Thyer, G. (2003). Dare to be different: transformational leadership may hold the key to reducing the nursing shortage. Journal of Nursing Management, 11(2), 73-79. Van Eeden, R., Cilliers, F., & van Deventer, V. (2008). Leadership styles and associated personality traits: Support for the conceptualization of transactional and transformational leadership. South African Journal of Psychology, 38(2), 253-267. Webb, K. (2007). Motivating Peak Performance: Leadership Behaviors That Stimulate Employee Motivation and Performance. Christian Higher Education, 6(1), 53-71. Yukl, G. (2003). Leadership in organizations (4th Ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(How Leadership Theories Offer Practical Advice on How to Be an Coursework, n.d.)
How Leadership Theories Offer Practical Advice on How to Be an Coursework. https://studentshare.org/management/2082815-how-to-be-an-effective-leader
(How Leadership Theories Offer Practical Advice on How to Be an Coursework)
How Leadership Theories Offer Practical Advice on How to Be an Coursework. https://studentshare.org/management/2082815-how-to-be-an-effective-leader.
“How Leadership Theories Offer Practical Advice on How to Be an Coursework”. https://studentshare.org/management/2082815-how-to-be-an-effective-leader.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF How Leadership Theories Offer Practical Advice on How to Be an Effective Leader

Michigan University and Ohio Leadership Model

This led to the two main behavioral studies; the University of Michigan studies and the Ohio behavioral studies, which were meant to bring out a clear view of what makes an effective leader.... Anna Bligh in the cause of her duty portrays leadership qualities; this will be discussed in this evaluation to clearly draw concrete conclusions on how leadership theories relate to theoretical concepts in the study of motivation, communication, attitude, and whether the actions of Anna Bligh had an impact to these three important aspects of leadership....
10 Pages (2500 words) Case Study

Personal Leadership Style

Before writing any further, it is important for me to first answer the question, 'can one learn how to be a transformational leader?... Analysing learning Being identified as a transactional leader has in a way made me realise that I need to develop more leadership competencies (and perhaps adopt a transformational style of leadership) especially if the association between effective leadership and transformational leadership approaches as established in the literature (Avolio & Bass 2004; Rosette & Tost 2010) is anything to go by....
8 Pages (2000 words) Coursework

Effective Leadership

There are many theories and concepts that have been developed to help better understand how leadership plays out in organizations and ways to optimize leadership skills within different organizations (House, 2010).... For this exercise, the leader I worked with was the Group Products Manager in a pharmaceutical company I once worked with before coming to the US where I was working as a Marketing Secretary.... I worked under this leader for over three years learning a lot of things from his leadership style and understanding different attributes of leadership and how they can be influenced by good strategies and proper knowledge....
11 Pages (2750 words) Essay

Contemporary Leadership Challenges

Thirdly, it explores how managers can use leadership theories to enhance their leadership competence in contemporary workplaces.... Finally, the paper concludes by illustrating why leaders need to be aware of contemporary leadership challenges and leadership theories.... Moreover, they must possess the necessary leadership competencies and theories that ensure success in a competitive business environment.... … The paper "Contemporary leadership Challenges" is a great example of a management essay....
9 Pages (2250 words) Essay

How the Theories of Leadership Provide Practical Advice on How to Be an Effective Leader

… The paper 'How the Theories of Leadership Provide practical advice on how to be an effective leader" is a good example of management coursework.... The paper 'How the Theories of Leadership Provide practical advice on how to be an effective leader" is a good example of management coursework.... The theory offers practical advice on how to be an effective leader in the sense that it encourages leaders to involve their followers in decision m-making process, rather than adopting an autocratic way of making decisions (Northouse, 2010)....
5 Pages (1250 words) Coursework

How to Be an Effective Leader

… Generally, the paper "how to be an effective leader" is an outstanding example of management coursework.... Generally, the paper "how to be an effective leader" is an outstanding example of management coursework.... an effective leader holds the ability to influence followers to act accordingly in order to conquer organisational objectives.... Chen, Lin and McDonough (2012:240) affirm that transformational leadership is an effective leadership style in firms that are changing as it facilitates organisational innovation....
6 Pages (1500 words) Coursework

Importance of Goals in Motivation and Leadership

nbsp; In this case, transformational leadership is actually made of more three leadership approaches, and these approaches are pure and no leader is limited to only one approach.... Still, as mentioned by Li and Hung (2009) leaders may as well utilize their authority to serve their self-interest instead of effective leadership.... A number of practical studies have as well examined trust mediating role in the transformational leadership effects on helping behaviour, but these studies utilised trust as a basic construct....
8 Pages (2000 words) Coursework

Leadership Theories and Applicability

However, there are inborn traits that influence behavior and decision making, which make one ideally suited to be an effective leader.... Philosophers have engaged in numerous discussions and written treatises regarding their implementation while researchers have studied it and attempted to target precisely how leadership theories offer guidance to effective leadership.... Philosophers have engaged in numerous discussions and written treatises regarding their implementation while researchers have studied it and attempted to target precisely how leadership theories offer guidance to effective leadership....
7 Pages (1750 words) Essay
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us