A Good Leader

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A Good Leader

In this essay I will analyse different leadership styles and the

contributory factors of a good leader and how succesful leadership

adapts to different sports using practical examples to supplement my

arguments.

It is appreciated that that the leadership of a group, e.g team

captain, is a crucial element affecting overall group performance.

Thus leadership is seen as any behaviour that moves a group closer to

attaining its goals. (Wesson et al 2000)

Leadership is: 'the behavioural process of influencing individuals and

groups towards set goals'. (J.L. Barrow, 1977)

Most people have similar views on what the characteristics of a good

leader are. A leader is felt to be good at making decisions with high

interpersonal and communication skills. They are confident, show

initiative and must have vision to be able to organise and structure

the situation in order to acheive the groups goals. (Wesson et al

2000) To acheive the targets the leader should be seen as part of the

group with the skills and beliefs of the group but to a greater extent

so as to serve as a model to the group in some way. Leaders in

sporting situations have significant impact on the sports performers

actual performance and their phychological well being. (Martens 1987).

Many theories have emerged realting to the effectiveness of a leader.

The early research was carried out from a trait or behavioural

perspective, attempting to find common characteristics in all leaders

e.g 'Great Man' theory (Carlyle, 1841). However this reasearch proved

to be inconclusive as leaders are not consistently found to be

particular kinds of people who differ in ...

... middle of paper ...

... better in

most favourable and least favourable situations.

Democratic Leaders. This type of leader only makes decisions after

consulting the group. They are usually more informal, relaxed and

active within the group than the autocratic leader. In addition they

shown a keen interest in the various people within the group. They are

prepared to help, explain and give appropriate feedback and

encouragement. (Wesson et al 2000). These types of leader are better

in moderately favourable conditions.

Laissez Faire. This type of leader leaves the group to get on by

themselves and generally plays a passive role. They do not interfere

either by directing or coordinating. Being generally unsure of the

task they tend not to make or give any positive or negative

evaluations. Very little or no work gets done with this style.

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