In any task performed by a group of people, there is a need for guidance and direction. In any sort of socio-political or economic setting, proper leadership and a leader is of utmost importance. The kind and authority of the leader vary according to the setting and the situation. Most governments and institutions have a distinct need for good and capable leadership as it is the leader who helps in accumulating and redirecting the efforts of the group to effectively secure public welfare. The article has looked at the concept of a leader and leadership along with its associated aspects.
Leader
The leader is an essential part of the entire mechanism of the organisational structure. Any sort of collaborative or group work necessitates the presence of a good leader who can bring individuals together and strive towards excellence and unity. The purpose of a leader is varied and diverse. Most governments and institutions have a distinct need for good and capable leadership as it is the leader who helps in accumulating and redirecting the efforts of the group to effectively secure public welfare. Any kind of organisation is a strange institution with unknowable variables when people first join it. Any kind of organisation- governmental, private, business, or otherwise- is arranged in rows of management levels and a hierarchy of authority. The people working for the organisation do not have a direct relationship with every level of authority or managerial system. The leader bridges this apparent bridge existing between levels of an organisation. A leader is required:
- Acts as a link between the organisation, the employees or the members, and the management system
- Directs the varied efforts of individuals in a larger continuous stream of productivity
- Tackles and manages the problems created by hierarchical functionalism as well as labour division
- A leader brings the team together to work towards achieving some predetermined goals
Leadership
Leadership is defined as the ability and capacity of the leader to guide and direct their team towards receiving certain organisational and individual goals. A leader has to be sensitive to the needs of their team. The leader also needs to be responsible and capable enough to honour the commitment they have to the organisation they are affiliated to. There are several kinds of leadership. People and studies have defined and described leaders and leadership differently in various fields. Leadership is subjected to change with its environmental factors. Some overarching elements remain the same:
- A leader should be able to command and direct people effectively
- Leader should not implement their authority blindly but responsibly
- A leader must be involved at every stage of the organisation in some capacity
- A leader should have a good understanding of the weaknesses and strengths of themselves and their team
Define Leader
When it comes to defining a leader or their style of leadership certain things must be kept in mind. Executives are leaders as they influence people and inspire cooperation and collaboration. Defining leadership is to look at the capacity of the leader to bring together a group of individuals and work towards realising a common goal. There are four elements to this:
- Leadership origin styles
- Influencing style
- Nature of the objectives
- Qualities of the leader
A leader is influenced by their team and the environment in which they operate. Leadership does not involve a passive process of influencing but a dynamic one.
Qualities of a Leader
The qualities of a leader are as follows:
- High endurance, determination drive, and ambition
- Strong sense of clarity and responsibility
- Enthusiasm and a sense of purpose
- Friendliness and empathetic nature
- Integrity, sincerity, and hardworking
- Collaborative spirit
Conclusion
Group Work or community-based activities necessitate the presence of a leader. The leader usually helps in directing and guiding the group or team so that the task at hand can be performed completely and in a proper fashion. A leader is influenced by their team and the environment in which they operate. Leadership does not involve a passive process of influencing but a dynamic one. The leader also needs to be responsible and capable enough to honour the commitment they have to the organisation they are affiliated to. There are several kinds of leadership.