NATURE OR CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF LEADERSHIP
1. Leadership implies the existence of followers: We appraise the qualities of leadership by studying his followers. In an organization leaders are also followers, for example, a supervisor works under a branch head. Thus, in a formal organization a leader has to be able to be both a leader and as well as a follower, and be able to relate himself both upward and downward.
2. Leadership involves a community of interest between the leader and his followers: In other words, the objectives of both the leader and his men are one and the same. If the leader strives for one purpose and his team of workers work for some other purpose, it is no leadership.
3. Leadership involves an unequal distribution of authority among leaders and group members: Leaders can direct some activities of group members, i.e., the group members are compelled or are willing to obey most of the leader's directions. The group members cannot similarly direct the leader's activities, though they will obviously affect those activities in a number of ways.
4. Leadership is a process of Influence: Leadership implies that leaders can influence their followers or subordinates, in addition to being able to give their followers or subordinates legitimate directions.
5. Leadership is the function of stimulation: Leadership is the function of motivating people to strive willingly to attain organizational objectives. A successful leader allows his subordinates (followers) to have their individual goals set up by themselves in such a way that they do not conflict with the organizational objectives.
6. A leader must be exemplary. In other words, a leader must set an exemplary standard before his followers.
7. A Leader ensures absolute justice: A leader must be objective and impartial. He should not follow unfair practices like favoritism and nepotism. He must show fair play and absolute justice in all his decisions and actions.
LEADERSHIP STYLES AND PATTERNS
Leadership Styles
1. The Manager makes the decision and announces it: It is an extreme form of autocratic leadership whereby decisions are made by the boss who identifies the problem, considers alternative solutions, selects one of them and then reports his decision to his subordinates for implementation.
2. The Manager sells his decisions: It is a slightly improved form of leadership, wherein the manager takes the additional step of persuading the subordinates to accept his decision.
3. The Manager presents his ideas and invites questions: There is greater involvement of the employees in this pattern. The boss arrives at the decision, but provides a full opportunity to his subordinates to get fuller explanation of his thinking and intentions.
4. The manager presents a tentative decision subject to change: Herein the decision is tentatively taken by the manager, but he is amenable to change and influence from the employees.
5. The manager may present the problem, get the suggestions and then take his own decision: Herein sufficient opportunity is given to the employees to make suggestions that are coolly considered by the Manager.
6. The Manager may define the limits and request the group to make a decision: A manager of this style of management lets the group have the right to make the decision. The subordinates are able to take the decision to the limits defined by the manager.
7. The Manager may permit full involvement of the subordinates in the decision - making process: It is often designated as 'Democratic' leadership.
LEADERSHIP SKILL
The leader is expected to play many roles and therefore, must be qualified to guide others to organizational achievement. Although no set of absolute traits or skills may be identified, the individuals who possess abilities to lead others must have certain attributes to help them in performing their leadership roles. In a broad way, the skills which are necessary for an industrial leader may be summarized under four heads:-
(a) Human skill
(b) Conceptual skill
(c) Technical skill and
(d) Personal skill.
Human Skill
A good leader is considerate towards his followers because his success largely depends on the co-operation of his followers. He approaches various problems in terms of people involved more than in terms of technical aspects involved. A leader should have an understanding of human behavior. He should know people; know their needs, sentiments, emotions, as also their actions and reactions to particular decisions, their motivations etc. Thus, a successful leader possesses the human relations attitude. He always tries to develop social understanding with other people.
Conceptual Skill
In the words of Chester Barnard -"the essential aspect of the executive process is the sensing of the organization as a whole and the total situation relevant to it".
Technical Skill
A leader should have a thorough knowledge of, and competence in, the principles, procedures and operations of a job. Technical skill involves specialized knowledge, analytical skill and a facility in the use of the tools and techniques of a specific discipline. Technical competence is an essential quality of leadership.
Personal Skill
The most important task of the leader is to get the best from others. This is possible only if he possesses certain qualities.
IMPORTANCE OF LEADERSHIP:
The importance of leadership in an organization cannot be denied. People working in an organization need individuals (leaders) who could be instrumental in guiding the efforts of groups of workers to achieve goals and objectives of both the individuals and the organization. The leader guides the action of others in accomplishing these tasks. A good leader motivates his subordinates, creates confidence and increases the morale of the workers. The following points highlight the importance of leadership:-
1. Leadership is the process of influencing the activities of an individual or a group towards the achievement of a goal.
2. An effective leader motivates the subordinates for higher level of performance.
3. Leadership promotes team - spirit and team - work, which is quite essential for the success of any organization.
4. Leadership is an aid to authority. A leadership helps in the effective use of formal authority.
5. Leadership creates confidence in the subordinates by giving them proper guidance and advice.
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