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Leadership

Using theoretical concepts from the module and practical examples, describe the main characteristic/attributes of leaders and how they might differ in style.

Introduction

In this assignment, I am going to look at the characteristics of leaders. What qualities they all share, their personal attributes and the different styles they adopt. Looking at theories from, Tannenbaum & Schmidt, Douglas McGregor & Kerr & Schriesheim. Also what challenges they may face and looking at focusing your leadership.

Characteristics/attributes:

Ability to make decisions Willingness to lead

Integrity Enthusiasm

Imagination Willingness to work hard

Ability to analyse people, Ability to understand people
data & situations

Be able to deal with difficult Ability to spot opportunities situations

On top of the above, all leaders should be able to plan, initiate, control, support, inform and evaluate within they working lives.

Leadership styles:

Leadership styles cannot be fully explained by behavioural models. The situation in which the group is operating also determines the style of the leadership, which is adopted. Several models exists which attempt to understand the relationship between style & situation, four from the module are described here.

Tannenbaum & Schmidt (1958) who believe in the Autocratic and Democratic model where leaders are somewhere in between using their authority to get the job done or to allow freedom within the team.

Douglas McGregor (1960) who believes in the theory of X & Y.
His model is based on the belief that workers are generally lazy and without a push to achieve they will become disinterested

Theory Y on the other hand believes that workers are keen to do well so are interested in what they do.

Kerr & Schriesheim (1974) The Ohio State...