What is This
Thing Called LEADERSHIP?
by
Dr. Chris Townsend, AprilMay 1998
Leadership is a word that is spinning through today's
conversations. You hear employers requesting that "leadership'' be a part of the perfect applicant's resume.
Members of struggling student organizations call for the
emergence of a "leader." Political candidates reference their
"leadership experience." In light of these broad references, just
what is the definition of a successful leader?
From early Greek times to today, many documents have been
created to describe successful leaders. Scholars have searched for the perfect
combination of traits that are found in successful leaders. Historians have
studied leaders of the past to ascertain what combination of
skills are found in successful leaders. No magic list has been found.
Successful leaders have been both conversation experts and quiet listeners.
They have been male and female; tall and short; directive and laizzez-faire.
Are there, then, any commonalities of
successful leaders? Is there a set of
principles which can guide a person to successful leadership? Probably not. As soon as you read the magic list, you are
apt to meet a leader that "breaks the rules."
Rather than search for the perfect set of leadership
principles, you can learn some skills that enhance your leadership potential,
analyze each leadership situation, then choose your
best leader actions.
Top 10 Leadership Skills to
Learn and Practice
Great leaders can walk in the shoes of their followers. They have made attempts
to understand the position, dilemmas, and issues that affect each of the people
in their group.
9. Allow teams to form, storm, norm and perform
Groups of people are not automatic teams and a good leader's job is to guide a
group of people toward completion of their task. The leader facilitates the
group getting to know each other (form), having discussion of options to
complete a task (storm), and reaching decisions on how to complete the task
(norm).
8. Help individuals match their personal goals with that of
the group
Great leaders recognize the strength of individuals' experiences and knowledge.
So, the leader's task is to help individuals recognize their important function
in the group to reach group goals.
7. Understand the power of power
It is interesting that many leaders misuse and under-use their power. Power is
the 'influence potential' for leaders. Successful leaders distribute their
power of resources, decision making, and control so that the group can complete
a greater set of tasks. The more power a leader is able to share, the more
powerful the leader becomes because of the overall success of the group.
6. Develop your intuition
Intuition is that "gut feeling" from which people make decisions.
Successful leaders have practiced and used their intuition to create great
situations. They develop their intuition by combining their experience,
knowledge, and emotion to make decisions.
5. Take calculated risks
Risk is another oft-used word in conversation. Great leaders do take risks;
risk is a part of a group's actions. Without risk, a group never ventures into
unknown territory and never grows toward the future.
4. Manage your symbols
The symbols of leadership are many. Successful leaders know how to manage their
attire (what is your image?), their style (autocratic or democratic?), and
their presence (is it important that I be seen?). Leaders are role models for
each member of the group and leaders are responsible for setting the tone for
the group.
3. Analyze the situation
Each leadership situation is different. It is important for leaders to think
about the situation and its effect on the group members, the organizational
culture, and other constituents. Is the situation familiar or new? The leader
needs to assess each situation and plan the necessary actions to accomplish
tasks.
2. Understand your followers
The leader is responsible to influence followers to complete some kind of task.
The followers' motives, education, and experiences are all critical factors in
determining how the leader should act. Without understanding of the followers,
a "leader-clash" occurs. When followers clash with their leader, they
will distance themselves from the leader however they can.
1. Communicate, communicate, communicate
The most critical skill a leader can practice is to develop a communication
bridge with others. Successful leaders know what is going on at all levels of
the organization. They "walk around" to see, listen, and create a
dialogue with group members. Successful leaders usually do not lead from behind
a closed door; they lead by working with their group members.
Successful leaders may not be created from a magic
leadership list. However, leadership skills can be learned and the skills can
enhance the actions of the leader. Great leaders learn the skills of a leader...they
practice the skills...they continue learning and practicing....and they develop
a personal leadership style that has their imprint.
Originally published by the Department of
Student Activities,