Understanding Leadership.pdf

8/24/2024 Understanding Leadership WHAT IS LEADERSHIP? What is Leadership? There are numerous definitions of leadership, “Leadership is…” there are almost as many different definitions of leadership as...

8/24/2024 Understanding Leadership WHAT IS LEADERSHIP? What is Leadership? There are numerous definitions of leadership, “Leadership is…” there are almost as many different definitions of leadership as there are people who have tried to define it. It is not necessary to memorize all the definitions, but it is important to understand that there are many different elements that contribute to being a good leader. Leadership can be defined in various ways, including as the person with the most power in an organization, the one who helps others reach their potential, or the individual who mobilizes a group to create change in their community. 1  8/24/2024 What is Leadership? The definition of leadership has changed over time, moving from a focus on power and control to the traits of a leader and then to relationships and more. "The Evolution of Leadership" provides a detailed history of leadership theories, including emerging approaches like servant leadership. The history of leadership definitions is significant because the language we use shapes our thinking and understanding of the world. Different definitions of leadership lead to different behaviors and perceptions of who can be a leader. What is Leadership? The "Great Man" theory of leadership, popular from the 1900s to the 1940s, suggested that some individuals were born with traits that made them exceptional leaders. Changing the definition of leadership can influence who is considered a leader and how leadership is practiced. t is essential to recognize that words have power and can impact our perception and engagement with leadership. 2 8/24/2024 3 8/24/2024 4 8/24/2024 5 8/24/2024 6  8/24/2024 Leadership is a…. Trait Trait refers to a distinguishing quality of a person. Describing someone as confident or intelligent refers to their traits. Leadership as a trait suggests that some individuals possess inherent characteristics that make them natural leaders. Trait approaches focus on the individual's personal qualities to determine theirleadership potential. Leadership is an…. Ability Ability refers to the quality or state of being able to do something. In the context of leadership, it implies that some individuals have the capability to lead while others do not. Abilities can be natural or developed through practice and experience. John Wooden, a basketball coach, is recognized for his leadership ability and the development of the "Pyramid of Success.“ The ability approach emphasizes assessing an individual's capabilities to determine their suitability for leadership. 7  8/24/2024 Leadership is a…. Skill Viewing leadership as a skill means focusing on the ability to lead well. It differs from viewing leadership as an ability, which suggests the capability to lead. Skills can be developed through teaching, coaching, and experience. Leadership skills can be learned and improved over time. Leadership is not limited to those with inherent abilities but can be cultivated through dedicated learning and practice. Leadership is a…. Behavior Effective leadership involves two key behaviors: task behaviors and relationship behaviors. Task behaviors focus on completing tasks and achieving goals. Relationship behaviors focus on inspiring and motivating others. Striking the right balance between task and relationship behaviors is crucial for effective leadership. Later, I will provide more insights into task and relationship behaviors. 8  8/24/2024 Leadership is a…. Relationship This perspective recognizes that leadership is not solely about the individual leader but involves other people as well. It emphasizes the interaction between leaders and followers. Leadership is not about solely giving instructions but involves working together with others. Building trust and effective communication are essential in leader-follower relationships. Later, we will delve into building high-quality relationships in leadership. Leadership is an…. Influence Process Leadership is an influence process that encompasses different approaches. Leadership is defined as a process where an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal. Two key components of leadership are a common goal and a group of individuals. Leadership is not about the leader but about everyone involved, bringing an ethical component to leadership. The dark side of leadership involves some individuals using their influence for personal gain or destructive goals. The effects of the dark side of leadership on followers will be explored later. Leadership is discussed in relation to a group of individuals, not just one person. 9  8/24/2024 Leadership is an…. Influence Process Different individuals may require different traits, skills, or behaviors from a leader. There is no single "best" style of leadership, as it depends on the individuals and the relationship between them. Situational theories of leadership emphasize the importance of assessing the performance of others and adapting leadership accordingly. The traits, skills, and behaviors discussed in the course may be effective or ineffective depending on the situation. Effective leaders recognize that leadership is an influence process and adapt their approach accordingly. Leadership requires experimenting with different tools, theories, and frameworks and learning from experience. Leadership is an…. Influence Process Universal leadership attributes are traits, skills, and behaviors generally appreciated around the world. It may be challenging for one person to possess all the universal leadership attributes simultaneously. 10  8/24/2024 Leadership is Everyone’s Business Leadership is not… About position or title About organizational power or authority About celebrity or wealth About the family you are born into About being a CEO, president, general, etc. About being a hero Leadership is about relationships, about credibility, and about what you do. Leadership is Everyone’s Business The leaders who have the most influence on people are those who are the closest to them. And because you are the most important leader to those closest to you, the only choice you really have is whether or not to be the best leader you can be. 11  8/24/2024 Leadership is Everyone’s Business Leadership is often seen as a role reserved for those in formal positions of authority, but it's actually a quality that everyone can and should embrace. Here’s why leadership is everybody’s business: 1. Influence and Responsibility Leadership is about influencing others and taking responsibility for outcomes. Everyone has the potential to influence their peers, contribute ideas, and take initiative. By adopting a leadership mindset, individuals can positively impact their teams, projects, and organizations. Leadership is Everyone’s Business 2. Collaboration and Teamwork Effective teamwork relies on collective leadership. When everyone contributes to the direction and success of a project, it fosters a sense of shared ownership and commitment. This collaborative approach often leads to better outcomes and more innovative solutions. 12  8/24/2024 Leadership is Everyone’s Business 3. Personal Growth Taking on leadership roles, even informally, helps individuals develop critical skills such as decision- making, communication, and problem-solving. These skills are valuable in all areas of life, both professional and personal. Leadership is Everyone’s Business 4. Empowerment and Initiative When people see themselves as leaders, they are more likely to take initiative and seek out opportunities for improvement. This proactive attitude can drive personal and organizational growth. 13  8/24/2024 Leadership is Everyone’s Business 5. Resilience and Adaptability Leadership involves navigating challenges and adapting to change. By adopting a leadership mindset, individuals become better equipped to handle uncertainties and setbacks, contributing to a more resilient and agile environment. Leadership is Everyone’s Business 6. Creating a Positive Culture Leadership is key to shaping organizational culture. When everyone contributes to fostering a positive and inclusive environment, it enhances collaboration, motivation, and overall success. 14  8/24/2024 Leadership is Everyone’s Business In essence, leadership is about more than titles or positions; it’s about the way we engage with others and approach our responsibilities. By recognizing that leadership is everyone’s business, we can create more dynamic, innovative, and supportive environments. Leadership for CEGE Students Leadership skills are critical for accomplishing goals as an engineer and innovator. Innovation and development stop at the idea stage if one is not able to convince people to invest time and capital in the effort. Engineers are innovators by training with academic development to be logical problem solvers. As a group, we often fail to understand that decision making is not always, or often, data-driven. Emotions, tolerance for risk, perceptions, and relationships drive human decisions. The failure to understand these elements can lead to premature death of innovative solutions. While leaders may be at least in part born, they are also developed. Leadership should be fostered with the same effort as critical thinking skills. 15