Leadership

Leadership is a process of unifying a group of individuals to willingly achieve a common goal. "Leadership is communicating people's worth and potential so clearly that they are inspired to see it in themselves."- Stephen R. Covey.

       There are different types of leaders like political leaders and business leaders, who follow different types of leadership styles. But mainly there are 3 types of leadership styles

 1.      Autocratic leadership

 2.      Democratic leadership and

 3.      Laissez leadership styles.

1 Autocratic leadership style:

Autocratic leaders are those who want their work done on time with very strict rules and regulations to be followed by the followers. In this type of leadership style the subordinates or followers have no freedom to make decision and doesn't involve in any creative activity. All the decisions and actions are taken by the leader himself.

Autocratic leaders make quick decisions without consulting anyone, which may help to get the job done quickly. Whereas some people might dislike those types of characteristics as those decisions result in lack of creativity.

2. Democratic leadership style:                           

Democratic leaders are those leaders who give complete freedom to their subordinates to accomplish the
 work. They let their subordinates choose their own type of work. In this style of leadership group members take more part in decision making process where the final decision is made by the leader.

Researchers have found that this type of freedom to subordinates leads to higher creativity and productivity in an organization. Though it may be most effective style of leadership quick decisions are hard to make in this type which directly affects the project to cross the deadline.

3 Laissez faire leadership style:       

This type of leadership includes both characteristics of autocratic and democratic style of leadership. It is also known as delegate style of leadership. Leaders following this type of leadership style delegates their power to the group members to make decisions. This type of leadership style actually leads to the lowest productivity among the group members. The leader expects the group members to solve the problems on their own, which may lead to project failure.

 Leadership in ME

I don't have any specific leadership style. Depending on a situation I solve the problem. Sometimes my decisions may be fully autocratic and sometimes it may be democratic. Well I remain a bit confused on what leadership style I'm following. But a small activity in our class solved my confusion. Recently Mr. Yuvraj sir gave us a task to solve several questionnaires regarding leadership styles. Well the ultimate goal of that activity was to find the leadership styles in ourselves. In one of the leadership based questionnaire I attempted 19 leadership based questions which resulted pretty well. The most scoring that I got was from 9-12 which is regarded as high marks. There were four sections based on leadership, and my score were as follows:

1. Idealized influence                                  12

2. Inspirational motivation                           9

3. Intellectual stimulation                             9

4. Individualized consideration                   9

5. Contingent reward                                   7

5 Laissez faire leadership                          9 

The activity showed that I was more focused towards idealized influence. Which means I was trusted by my subordinates, maintain their faith and respect, show dedication to them, appeal to their hopes and dreams, and act as their role model. It also showed that I wasn't good enough to handling contingent rewards, which means I'm not very good at telling others what to do in order to be rewarded. Overall the results show that I'm a good leader.

References :

Lewin, K., Liippit, R. and White, R.K. (1939). Patterns of aggressive behavior in experimentally created social climates. Journal of Social Psychology, 10, 271-301.

Leadership Theories

There are different types of leadership but the following are the eight major leadership styles:

1. Great Man Theory:

This theory accepts that the limit for initiative is intrinsic – that incredible pioneers are conceived, not made. These speculations regularly depict extraordinary pioneers as chivalrous, mythic and bound to ascent to initiative when required. The expression "Incredible Man" was utilized in light of the fact that, at the time, initiative was considered basically a male quality, particularly as far as military leadership.

2. Trait Theory:

This theory is similar in a few approaches to Great Man theory, attribute hypotheses expect that individuals inherit certain qualities and characteristics that greatly improve the situation suited to administration. Characteristic hypotheses frequently recognize specific psyche or behavioral aspects imparted by pioneers. For instance, qualities like self-assurance and bravery are all characteristics that could possibly be joined to incredible pioneers

3. Contingency Theory:

 Contingency theory of initiative concentrate on specific variables identified with the environment that may figure out which specific style of authority is best suited for the circumstances. Consistent with this hypothesis, no administration style is best in all circumstances. Triumph relies on various variables, including the administration style, characteristics of the devotees and parts of the circumstances.

4. Situational Theory:

This theory recommends that pioneers pick the best strategy based upon situational variables. Distinctive styles of initiative may be more proper for specific sorts of choice making. Case in point, in a circumstance where the pioneer is the most educated and encountered part of an aggregation, a tyrant style could be generally suitable. In different occurrences where bunch parts are talented specialists, a law based style might be more viable.

5. Behavioral Theory:

Behavioral theory of initiative is based upon the conviction that extraordinary pioneers are made, not conceived. Think as of it the other side of the Great Man theory. Established in behaviorism, this leadership theory keeps tabs on the movements of pioneers not on mental qualities or interior states. Consistent with this hypothesis, individuals can figure out how to end up pioneers through showing and perception.

6. Participative theory:

Participative leadership theory infers that the perfect authority style is one that considers the data of others. These pioneers empower support and commitments from gathering parts and help bunch parts feel more pertinent and focused on the choice making methodology. In participative theory, nonetheless, the pioneer holds the right to permit the info of others.

7. Management Theories:

Management theory, otherwise called transactional theory, keep tabs on the part of supervision, association and gathering execution. These theories build authority in light of an arrangement of prizes and disciplines. Managerial theories are regularly utilized within business; when representatives are great, they are remunerated; when they fizzle, they are reproved or rebuffed. 

8. Relationship Theory:

Relationship theories, otherwise called transformational theories, center upon the associations structured between pioneers and adherents. Transformational leaders rouse and motivate individuals by helping aggregation parts see the importance and higher great of the assignment. These leaders are kept tabs on the execution of aggregation parts; additionally need every individual to satisfy his or her potential. Leaders with this style regularly have high moral and ethical measures.

References:

Leadership Theories. 2014. Leadership Theories. [ONLINE] Available at: http://psychology.about.com/od/leadership/p/leadtheories.htm. [Accessed 05 March 2014].