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Strengths of trait theory of leadership
Strengths of trait theory of leadership
Strengths of trait theory of leadership
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Leadership Theory
Leadership is one of the few factors that can single-handedly predict organizational success or failure, which is why the topic continues to attract much theory and research. The paper discusses leadership theory by reviewing the main leadership approaches developed in the past six decades including the trait approach, behavioral theory, situational leadership, transactional, and transformational approaches. The analysis highlights the tenets of each leadership approach as well as its strengths and weakness. The paper contributes towards the current understanding of the leadership process and provides leaders with the foundational knowledge they need to evaluate and improve their own leadership approaches.
The Trait Approach
Proponents of the trait approach
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Transformational leaders are exceptional in that they see the potential in their followers, empower followers through training and empathy, and inspire them to explore new ways of solving problems (Odumeru & Ifeanyi, 2013, p.356). This kind of leadership produces a powerful drive in followers that excites them to go an extra mile in pursuing organizational goals. Transformational leaders exert influence by demonstrating idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individual attention (Giltinane, 2013, p. 37). Idealized influence is the extent to which the leader demonstrates commitment to admirable values, convictions, and character. Inspiration motivation is the ability of the leader to articulate vision and capture the aspirations of followers while intellectual stimulation is the extent to which the leader stimulates followers to tackle problems effectively by utilizing innovative and creative methods. Finally, individual attention refers to the leader’s ability to meet the needs of individual followers through coaching, mentorship and
The concept of transformational leadership relies on appropriate leadership approaches for mission success. AFDD 1-1 describes three leadership competencies: person, people/team, organization Effective leaders (tactical level) need to build face-to-face and interpersonal relationships that directly influence behavior and values. Effective leaders (operational level) need to build team dynamics for small groups and squadrons. Effective leaders (strategic level) need to build strategy and provide direction in a broad spectrum.
Transformational leadership describes a leader moving followers beyond immediate self-interests through idealized influence (charisma), inspiration motivation, intellectual stimulation, or individualized consideration. Transformational leaders are change agents. They influence the mission and objectives to make way for a brighter future for the organization. Followers are motivated to do more than is originally expected because of their feelings of trust and respect for the leader.
Leadership is a communication process of a leader and individuals in which the leaders behavior or attitude directs individuals towards any goal effectively. It is widely believed that leadership creates the vital link between organizational effectiveness and people’s performance at an organizational level (Avolio, 1999; McGrath and MacMillan, 2000). The effectiveness of an organization depends upon the leader having an effective leadership style in order to effectively reach the goal of the organization; with it being one of the key driving forces for improving a firm’s performance. Scholars suggest that effective leadership behaviors can facilitate the improvement of performance when organizations face problems (McGrath and MacMillan, 2000). To effectively achieve leadership of individuals and organizational outcomes, four theories can be used; Fiedler’s Contingency Model, Hersey and Blanchard’s Situational Leadership Model, Vroom & Yetton Participative Leadership Model, and House & Dessler Path-Goal Theory.
Yi- Feng Yang (2016) and Ganos and Galla (2013) state that to lead others you should know yourself very well and what leadership skill you attain. Change of leadership helps to bring up leadership trust and change commitment. Leadership models and styles are defined as trust, admiration, loyalty, respect and integrity. Originality and value in a leader show different opportunities of styles such as engaging, goal-oriented and involvement. To be precise, these leadership styles demonstrate good characteristics of a leader displaying good leadership skills. Yi- Feng Yang (2016) state that these skills are very important in the workplace environment. Leadership trusts are viewed as a social bond to the employees to have faith
Transformational leadership consists of few components which are idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, management by exception and contingent rewards (Ahmad et al.,
There are many leadership theories that play an important role in the every day workforce. Some of the theories are successful in producing a strong and productive leader, while others lack the qualities required for the job. Out of the multitude of available theories out there, I feel that the Transformational Leadership Theory is the one that stands out as being the most successful. This theory is far from coercive and instead focuses on making a satisfied team that collaborates to form a productive work environment. An environment like this, ran by a top-notch leader, is needed for success.
Transformational leadership, as detailed in Course 15, is a concept centered molding Airman around you, from subordinates, to peers and benefiting all of those in the chain of command even those above you. One specific tenet of Transformational leadership that I find inspiring and critically important to a developing leader is Inspirational Motivation, or Charming.
The Oxford dictionary defines an organization as a “…body of people with a particular purpose, especially a business, society, association, etc.” Therefore, when a body of people is connected by a specific purpose or association, the presence of leadership, good or bad, is inevitable to find. However, depending on the context of the leadership, the climate of positivity or negativity involved in the leadership, that is what will determine the distance that the organization is able to propel forward.
According to Yoder-Wise (2015), a leader can be defined as, “an individual who works with others to develop a clear vision of the preferred future and to make that vision happen” (p 35). As employees, we often have our own ideal of a good leader, which may be influenced by experiences and perception of workplace norms. While one’s opinion of an effective leader may vary, there are several recognized leadership theories. The following will focus on the transformational leadership approach.
His or her actions can inspire others. The second component is Inspiration and Vision; this element assists the leader to look into the future. They work hard to ensure goals and dreams become a reality. Transformational leaders stay committed to the vision/goal in stressful times. “They set standards and instill others with optimism, a sense of meaning, and commitment to a dream, goal, or cause.” (Marshall & Broome, 2017). The third component is Intellectual stimulation. A leader with Intellectual Stimulation keeps probing and challenges the existing knowledge or ways various task is carried out. They challenge the status quo to make room for new and creative ideas to be innovative. The final component is Individual Consideration, which is an essential element for a transformational leader and a successful leader as a whole. They are servants who serve with humility, and according to Marshall & Broome (2017), they look beyond their self or personal goals. They are more invested in the organizational goals and
Transformational leaders want individuals to make a positive change in their lives and try to help people apply a positive change on a daily basis. The leaders do this by implementing individual considerations which, according to Kendrick (2011), “treats each follower as a unique contributor and provides coaching, mentoring, feedback and growth opportunities.” This makes such an impact on people because each individual is getting different mentoring, feedback, and growth opportunities due to their unique personality. It is very important for each person to have this because everyone has a different learning ability and motivation. This helps each individual with their own distinctive endeavor.
In this time of transition and uncertainty, research suggests that transformational leadership is highly effective (Straight, 2006). Leadership research has drifted from emphasis on the competence of leaders to “manage change” to the ability to “transform” organizations. Transformational leaders have attributes and behaviors needed to successfully motivate and empower employees. According to Bernard Bass (1990), transformational leadership occurs when a leader transforms, or changes, his or her followers in three important ways that together result in followers trusting the leader, performing behaviors that contribute to the achievement of organizational goals, and being motivated to perform at a high level. Transformational leaders can achieve greater performance by stimulating innovative ways of thinking and transforming follower’s beliefs and aspirations. Maxwell (Maxwell, 2007) articulates that most of the time, influence is more important than formal power or authority. I agree with him. Influence is very important in organizational and co...
Leadership Theories and Studies. (2009). In Encyclopedia of Management. Retrieved July 20, 2011 from http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G2-3273100155.html
Transformational leadership is the process by which a leader engages with others and creates a connection that raises the level of motivation and morality in both the leader and the follower towards the greater good (Northouse, 2010, p. 172). Transformational leaders are different than managers, which as Burns claims are the differences are in characteristics and behaviors. Burns also established two concepts transforming leadership and transactional leadership. The transformational leader elevates followers to make the whole work environment more successful and have everyone be successful, while transactional leaders are focused only on the accomplishments of tasks. Transformational leadership is a way of life, and there is
Transformational leaders are needed to transform low performing organizations to acceptable to high performance. At other times, the leader is expected to move an organization from a crisis. In order to accomplish these tasks, the leader must overhaul the organization culture or subculture. This task is accomplished by nine ways of transforming others: 1. Raise others awareness. The leader makes others aware of the rewards and how to achieve them, i.e. pride in the job or financial incentives. 2. Help others look beyond self-interest. The transformational leader helps others to look at the “big picture” by describing an entire scenario, i.e. if we hire more employees to do x, we will have to make cuts in other areas. 3. Help people find self-fulfillment. The leader helps others not to focus on minor satisfactions, i.e. getting a job done before the deadline ...