Free Essays on Effective Leadership

‘Effective Leadership’ Styles I have so many ideas of what an effective leader should be that I often feel overwhelmed and cannot imagine how I will become the ‘ideal’ leader that I want to be. There are many ingredients of effective leadership styles. I have read several books and articles on leadership and management. I have also participated in a few leadership training/education modules offered through my employers. There are many theories on what makes an effective leader. In my research I have discovered that there is many leadership styles and most are effective if used in the right situations. Information on the subject of leadership is plenty with some resources being quite in-depth, but most describe a specific type of leadership. I did find one book that was both easy to understand and made a lot of sense. In the book, Leadership and the One-Minute Manager, the theory and use of Situational Leadership is described. I think that this style of leadership is most effective. It descr ibes that different forms of leadership are needed in different situations. The book defines leadership style as â€Å"how you behave when you are trying to influence the performance of someone else† (p. 46). Therefore, one of the most important ingredients of any leader would be flexibility. The second most important ingredient would be understanding when to use a specific leadership style. The four basic leadership styles described are directing, coaching, supporting and delegating. The directing leadership style would be needed for new hires, or less competent employees that show commitment and a desire to be productive. The employees at this development level would require very clear directions, and a lot of supervision. The atmosphere must be controlled and structured until these employees develop some competence. The coaching style would be useful for existing employees who have lost their sense of commitment. ... Free Essays on Effective Leadership Free Essays on Effective Leadership Effective leadership is comprised of several components and qualifications. Although no one is perfect, our society teaches that we have an insatiable need for self-improvement. Maslov’s hierarchy of needs shows that self-actualization is the highest, yet least achieved level. In my personal need for self-improvement, I, along with my colleague Rasheed Vanpatten, have chosen three aspects of my leadership abilities that are in need of improvement. I CALL MY GROUP COMMUNITY OR ORGANIZATION TO ACT OUT OF VALUES THAT TRANSCEND THE DAY TO DAY. I have come to realize that I quite frequently criticize those who do not act out of admirable values, yet I do not actively encourage change. For example, in instances of a lack of neighborhood pride, I personally do not litter on the street, but I never speak out when I see others that I do not know littering. More often than not, it is because of the concern that public opinions are not always given a warm welcome. I realize that true and effective leaders take a stance to make positive changes despite any possible repercussions. Over the next six months, I plan to improve on this flaw by becoming more involved in my community and my department at work. If a true leader leads by example, then I must do so by providing positive images for them to follow. I HAVE A HEALTHY SENSE OF HUMOR. I LAUGH AT MYSELF AND KEEP CYNICISM AND SARCASM IN REIN. I do not take criticism well. Constructive or otherwise. I realize that I often allow other people’s opinions of me affect my own self-confidence. Effective leaders can accept constructive criticism and utilize it to strengthen their leadership attributes. I am also told that I can be condescending and sarcastic. I think that this comes from my lack of patience. Over time I plan to increase my level of patience and consideration for others feelings by attending an anger management course. By doing so I think that I will become more... Free Essays on Effective Leadership ‘Effective Leadership’ Styles I have so many ideas of what an effective leader should be that I often feel overwhelmed and cannot imagine how I will become the ‘ideal’ leader that I want to be. There are many ingredients of effective leadership styles. I have read several books and articles on leadership and management. I have also participated in a few leadership training/education modules offered through my employers. There are many theories on what makes an effective leader. In my research I have discovered that there is many leadership styles and most are effective if used in the right situations. Information on the subject of leadership is plenty with some resources being quite in-depth, but most describe a specific type of leadership. I did find one book that was both easy to understand and made a lot of sense. In the book, Leadership and the One-Minute Manager, the theory and use of Situational Leadership is described. I think that this style of leadership is most effective. It descr ibes that different forms of leadership are needed in different situations. The book defines leadership style as â€Å"how you behave when you are trying to influence the performance of someone else† (p. 46). Therefore, one of the most important ingredients of any leader would be flexibility. The second most important ingredient would be understanding when to use a specific leadership style. The four basic leadership styles described are directing, coaching, supporting and delegating. The directing leadership style would be needed for new hires, or less competent employees that show commitment and a desire to be productive. The employees at this development level would require very clear directions, and a lot of supervision. The atmosphere must be controlled and structured until these employees develop some competence. The coaching style would be useful for existing employees who have lost their sense of commitment. ...