Theories of Effective Leadership
Leadership is a vast area under management defined by various theories. An effective leader depicts characteristics of the majority if not all of the theories of an effective leader. It is essential for those in leadership positions to acquaint themselves with such characteristics to manage their responsibilities effectively. One theory that defines effective leadership assumes that the capacity of leadership is inherent and that arrant leaders are born and not made. There are certain traits inherited that make a person an effective leader and identified through the personality and behavioral traits in the person (Yukl, 2004, p. 136). That extinguishes the essence behind the trait and great man theory. An effective leader displays participative theory skills in the sense that an ideal leader takes into consideration inputs and contributions from others. By encouraging participation of the organizational members, it makes them feel part of the organization and that the leader is not authoritative in leading the organization. Leaders must possess managerial theory skills of supervising, organizing and encouraging group performances and bases leadership as a system of rewards and punishments.
Power and influence
The concept of power and influence evokes mixed reactions most of which are detrimental. Most people take power as a form of domination, coercion and manipulation, but the idea of power and influence is a necessary skill leaders must possess. The capacity to monitor or exercise leadership responsibilities in the organization is an example of how power is effective in managing the organization. The prerogative to invoke authoritative over leadership skills depicts the influence of power, which is not negative in any way. In fact, the exercise of those responsibilities shows how power is a positive tool in managing the organization. Influence, on the other hand, is how the leadership skills affect the organization. The power to influence other people’s behaviors or action is an indispensable tool and should be used wisely in changing those around them. Leader’s actions and behaviors tend to influence other peoples actions as they learn by examples from them (Yukl, 2004, p. 159).
References
Bischoff, A.L. (2010). Leadership Theories: The Application of Leadership Skills in Organizations on a Great Leader of Our Time According to Gary A. Yukl. Muchen, Germany: GRIN Verlag
Yukl, G. A. (2004). Leadership in organizations. New Jersey, NJ: Prentice Hall
