Characteristics of a Leader and Two Types of Leadership

711 Words2 Pages

When talking about a leader, there is no set of characteristics that can describe one. But there are a couple of characteristics that may work especially well. Vision is one of those characteristics. A strong vision by definition is the core values of a company. It defines purpose, and describes what leaders see for their business in the future. [2] In every aspect, vision brings meaning to work, and helps people become proactive. A good vision identifies direction and purpose; it is well articulated and easily understood, as well as being ambitious. [2]
A strong vision for a business can create energy and drive needed to push an organization forward. Creating a strong vision is one of the most important functions a business leader can perform. Like was stated in the lecture people follow leaders but obey managers. There was a study conducted that says that the presence of a vision on behalf of the company leader, shared differentiates leaders from managers. [2] Creating and communicating the same vision is one of the most important activities a leader in any business can perform. Once a leader has created a sense of shared vision within their organization, they will be able to more successfully.
Another important characteristic of a good leader is the ability to inspire. For example, after developing a vision for their company a leader then inspires his/her people to feel the same way and they in turn become inspired to fulfill the goals and objectives of the company as if it was their own. Inspiring leaders inspire their employees to be more collaborative for the sake of the greater good. They encouraged those about them to be more innovative. [7]
There are two main kinds of leaders one can see in the world today. These kinds ...

... middle of paper ...

...ar. 2014. .

4. "Transformational Leadership Vs. Transactional Leadership Definition." Small Business. Web. 13 Mar. 2014. .

5. "Transactional Versus Transformational Leaders." Boundless. Web. 13 Mar. 2014. .

6. "Leadership." BlogSpot. Web. 13 Mar. 2014. .

7. Harvard Business Review. Web. 13 Mar. 2014. .

8. About.com Human Resources. Web. 13 Mar. 2014. .

Open Document