Definition of Leadership
Leadership has been defined in different ways by different sets of scholars. In very simple terms leadership can be defined as the skill of a person to influence an individual or a group for achievement of a goal in a given situation. One can use different dimensions and perspectives to define leadership. Through the evolution of leadership thought, leadership has been defined in various ways discussed here.
“A leader is one who has followers”; is a too simple a definition and this description does not clearly define what other attributes are associated with leadership. One can use different dimensions and perspectives to define leadership. Through the evolution of leadership thought, leadership has been defined in various ways with following perspectives:
- Group Processes
- Personality Perspective
- Behavioral Traits
- Power Relationships
- Process perspective
- Skills perspective
Definitions of Leadership
According to MacIver and Page Leadership is the capacity to persuade or to direct man that comes from personal qualities apart from office. It indicates the difference between leadership and office. An individual does not become a leader only by occupying an office which carries responsibility. It is a matter of secondary importance that his important office is of assistance to him in his endeavor to become a leader.
According to Philip A. Woods (2005) leadership is not just a set of free-standing actions i.e., it is not a linear process flowing from leader to the follower but it is a collective entity which comprises of the impetus and direction that emerges from the group which is more than the sum of its parts (the individuals) who make up a group or organization. .
Warren Bennis’ definition of leadership is focused much more on the individual capability of the leader. He defined leadership as a function of knowing oneself, having a vision that is well communicated, building trust among colleagues, and taking effective action to realize one’s own leadership potential.
Leadership can also be called the catalyst that transforms potential into reality. The concept of leadership in itself covers all interpersonal relationships that influence the working of' the organization towards achieving its business objectives and growth.
Leadership is the art of influencing others to direct their will, abilities and efforts to the achievement of leader’s goals. In the context of organizations, leadership lies in influencing individual and group effort toward the optimum achievement of organizational objectives.
Keith Davis observes that, “without leadership, an organization is but a muddle of men and machines…Leadership transforms potential into reality. It is the ultimate act which brings to success all the potential that is in an organization and its people”.
Leadership is often defined as the art of influencing others (people) to strive willingly; to do what the leader wants them to do (often to do the mutually compatible objectives) with zeal and confidence.
According to Dayal (1999) leadership is development of people, not the task. A leader creates conditions for the development of individuality and enhancement of inherent capability of individuals.
The leader is the inspiration and director of the action. He is the person in the group that possesses the combination of personality and leadership skills that makes others want to follow his direction.
Leadership focuses on “people” aspect of management and is based on the assumption that organizational effectiveness significantly depends on their motivation, effort and abilities.
According to Pigors, “Leadership is a process of control in which by the assumption of superiority a person or group regulates the activities of others for purposes of his own choosing.”
In 1938, Chester Bernard gave a new definition of leadership and stated that, “leadership is the ability of a superior to influence the behaviour of subordinates and persuade them to follow a particular course of action”.
A recent theorist on leadership, Williams (2005), states that, “leadership is an interactive art in which the leader is dancing with the context, the problem, the faction, and the objective”.
It is encouraging and inspiring individuals and teams to give their best to achieve a desired result.
Leadership is an attribute of the person who is an ideal for the other members of the group.
Leadership is the behavior that affects the behavior of other people, more than their behavior affects that of the leader.
Leaders work with and through people to accomplish goals.
In the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell sums up his definition of leadership as “leadership is influence - nothing more, nothing less.”
Anyone who acts as a model to others is often called a “leader”.
Leader leads, suggests, orders, and also guides. Other people follow him. We can say that leadership and domination are not the same meaning.
Peter Drucker defined a leader as someone who has followers.
What is the best definition of leadership?
It is difficult to qualitatively define leadership. Leadership involves various dimensions and attributes. A simple definition of leadership is that leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal. It is a psychological process of providing guidance for followers. To lead is to guide, conduct, direct, and proceed.
Related Links
You May Also Like
-
Principles of management are fundamental concepts and advisory guidelines for managerial decision making. By using management principles, managers can more easily achieve the objectives and avoid making mistakes in their activities. Management principles can be applied to any kind of organization and to managers at all organizational levels.
-
In today's innovation-driven economy, understanding how to generate great ideas has become an urgent managerial priority. Managers need to encourage and champion ideas and need to help their organizations incorporate diverse perspectives, which spur creative insights and facilitate creative collaboration by harnessing new technologies. Innovation is the embodiment, combination, and/or synthesis of knowledge in original, relevant, valued new products, processes, or services.
-
Many different types of teams have been identified by social scientists. Managers may encounter the diverse types of challenges while managing different kinds of teams. Challenges associated with Cross-Functional Teams might be different from that of a Geographically Dispersed Team or a Virtual Team. This article explores some common categories and subtypes of teams.
-
Investment Theory of Creativity
Sternberg in the year 2006, proposed the investment and confluence theory focused on understanding creativity. According to the investment theory, creativity requires a confluence of six distinct but interrelated resources known as intellectual abilities, knowledge, styles of thinking, personality, motivation, and environment. It emphasizes that creativity is not about one thing, but about a system of things.
-
What are the functions which a leader does to establish as a leader? What are the activities undertaken by them to become great leaders, rather revolutionary leaders? The most important tasks done by a leader in all situations are defining the vision, mission, and goals, leading the team, administrative functions, motivating followers, decision making and conflict resolution, and continuous development.
-
Teams are part of the modern organizational culture. Whether you are a team leader or a team member, having a better understanding of how teams work, and being able to identify where the team is in the process, is a critical part of ensuring the team is ultimately successful. Start with the basics and understand what a team is and what role they play in an organization.
-
Emergent leadership occurs when a group member is not appointed or elected as leader, but rather that person steps up as the leader over time within-group interactions. Have you ever faced challenges in getting accepted into your new role of position as a leader? Groups don't automatically accept a new "boss" as a leader. Emergent leadership is what you must do when taking over a new group. Learn more about emergent leadership.
-
Management theories are the recommended management strategies that enable us to better understand and approach management. Many management frameworks and guidelines were developed during the last four decades.
-
Max Weber gave the theory of Bureaucratic Management in 1915. Bureaucracy is a specific form of organization defined by complexity, division of labor, professional management, and hierarchical management control. Weber's theory has two essential elements - organizational hierarchy and rules-based management. Weber made a distinction between authority and power and advocated that authority must be given to the most competent and qualified people.
-
McClelland's Theory of Needs is a human motivation theory which states that an individual's specific needs are acquired over time through our culture and life experiences. As per the three needs theory, these acquired needs significantly influence the behavior of an individual. The three main driving motivators are the needs for achievement, affiliation, and power.
