Challenges and Opportunities Being Faced by Leaders Organizations Boards Communities and Society - Essay Example

Challenges and Opportunities Being Faced By Leaders, Organizations/Boards, Communities and Society A Critique of Contemporary Issues Introduction One of the most exciting and challenging theories encompassing human behavior in organizations is leadership. Leadership is the process of influencing people to work or act towards the attainment of specifically defined goals (Martires & Fule 2000: 569). There have been a significant number of literatures covering the nature, theories and applications of leadership and its effect to job performance and satisfaction. The diverse patterns of behavior and actions that leaders exhibit over a period of time and perceived by followers have been identified as the dominant style of leadership. This style is developed utilizing an interplay of factors which shape leadership development. Leadership seeks to bring people and groups from where they are to where they have not been. It enables people to go beyond the confines of mediocrity and tread into the realm of excellence. In the process, it induces people to define their desires and to pursue them with passion. Ultimately, leadership transforms potential into reality. This essay is written to proffer contemporary issues from two (2) articles on the challenges and opportunities faced by leaders, organizations, and society as a whole. Four to five issues would be identified from the articles and a discussion on how servant leadership can help to realize these opportunities and address the issues. Further, other popular contemporary models of leadership and how they might address the issues presented would likewise be determined. Finally, the values and beliefs that are needed by leaders to realize these opportunities and address these issues would be identified. Contemporary Issues on Challenges and Opportunities An article written by Robert Coffee and Gareth Jones published in the Harvard Business Review, entitled: “Why Should Anyone Be Led by You?” presented three (3) opportunities to wit: (1) inspirational leaders share four (4) unexpected qualities which can be used to further one’s craft in serving others; (2) there are four (4) myths about leadership – the knowledge of which could correct misconceptions and provide a means to hone skills for appropriate application of the required leadership skills; and (3) theories such as the qualities of an inspirational leader cannot be mechanically applied; they must be developed and be used as part of the personality of the leader. The article written by Christine W. Zust entitled, “Baby Boomer Leaders Face Challenges Communicating Across Generations” which appeared in Emerging Leaders. Com exemplified an interesting and timely challenge for leaders – communicating across generations. How Servant Leadership Can Realize the Opportunities and Address the Challenge Servant leadership, the model developed by Robert K. Greenleaf in 1970, promotes that “the servant leader serves the people he/she leads which implies that they are an end in themselves rather than a means to an organizational purpose or bottom line.” (McCrimmon, 2010, 1) Through servant leadership, the qualities of an inspirational leader are manifested: that of showing their weakness, becoming a sensor, practicing through empathy and daring to be different. The four myths (“everyone can be a leader, leader deliver business results, people who get to the top are leaders, and leaders are great coaches”) (Coffee and Jones, 2000, 67) would be debunked as the advocacies of servant leaders are being selfless and serving the employees. (McCrimmon, 2010, 1) Finally, manifesting the qualities of a servant leader could be difficult for most leaders and prove to be a window for development. The challenge of bridging the generation gap through strategic communication is a challenge that can be addressed by servant leadership. When coworkers know that leaders serve their needs through empathy and encouragement, any communication barrier could be eliminated. How Contemporary Models of Leadership Can Address the Issues Apart for servant leadership, the rise in transformational leadership theories emphasize that leaders need essential traits to lead contemporary organizations. According to Philips (2009, 9) “those responsible for leading and managing organizations are now engaging transformational techniques.” In addition, Philips averred that “history has taught us, however, that there is no one best way to ensure effective leadership because every organization is unique, every group of people is different and every manager or leader has the arduous task of determining what style or model of leadership is most effective under the situation. Leadership models and theories will always propel organizations to seek the best course for lasting efficiency.” (2009, 12) Through awareness and understanding that leadership theories through time have given managers the direction and guidance to manage their people and the organization. However, there is no one perfect model or style of leadership. It is an evolving, adapting and adjusting process depending on factors which are unique to every organization. Thus, the opportunities and challenges could be addressed not by one particular leadership model or style, but by a process or method which would cater to the needs of the people being led and to the goals of the organization. Values and Beliefs Needed by Leaders To Realize Opportunities and Address Challenges Human behavioral problems in organization normally occur due to the interplay of diverse characteristics, values and behavior of each and every individual who works in it. The best way to solve problems involving human relationships is through the communication process. An effective leader who understands human behavioral concepts and theories must apply his leadership skills in determining the best way to address any problem that emerges. He should recognize that there in no one solution to any given dilemma. The ways to solve human resources problems and realize opportunities depend on factors that currently influence the workforce. An examination of these factors would assist the leader and decision maker in arriving at the most appropriate solution. Conclusion The effectiveness of leadership skills is a matter of goal accomplishment. The personality of a successful leader encompasses characteristics and traits which surpass a limited domain. The scope of their vision goes beyond dreams and aspirations of ordinary businessmen. Their business acumen is exemplary. Their love for their work is more of a passion, a drive, an upsurge of potential energy. It was revealed through various leadership theories that there are indeed specific traits, characteristics and behavioral patterns which provide the impetus for leaders to excel in their endeavor. But these traits are not assurances for business success. The essential elements all have to be taken into consideration and applied in the proper perspective and context. By initially learning about the attributes that shape the personality of leaders, people who desire to emulate them, may determine the characteristics which serve as models of successful behavior. By being aware that these traits can be utilized in conjunction with other factors, would enable aspiring leaders to hone their skills, to continue learning, to focus and seek for opportunities in the ever changing, competitive environment. References Coffee, R. & Jones, G. (Sept. – Oct. 2000). “Why Should Anyone Be Led by You?” Harvard Business Review. Martires, C.R. & Fule, G.S. (2000). Management of Human Behavior in Organizations. National Bookstore. Philippines. McCrimmon, M. (2010). What is Servant Leadership? Retrieved 09 Jan. 2010. Zust, C.W. (2008). “Baby Boomer Leaders Face Challenges Communicating Across Generations.”Emerging Leaders.Com. Retrieved 09 Jan. 2010. Read More