What is leadership?
By Giorgia Madonno By Marco Polo Consulting
Leadership is the influencing process of
leaders anf followers to achieve organizational objectives through change.
Let's discuss the key elements of this
definition:
1) Leaders-followers: In the influencing
process of leadership is between leaders and followers, not just leaders influencing followers, it is
a two way street.
2) Influence. Influencing is the process
of a leader communicating ideas, gaining acceptance of them, and motivating
followers to support and implementthe ideas through change. Influence is the
essence of leadership. Influencing also
is about relationship between leaders and followers. Leaders gain the
committment and enthusiasm of followers who are willing to be influenced.
3) Organizational objectives. Effective leaders influence
followers to think not only of their interest but the interests of the
organization. Members of the organization need to work together toward an
outcome that the leader and the follower both want, a desired future or shared
purpose that motivate them toward this more preferable outcome. Leaders need to
provide direction. Effective leaders set clear goals.
4) Change. Influencing and setting
objectives is about change. Organizations need to continually change, in
adapting to the rapidly changing global environment. Effective leaders realize
the need for continual change to improve performance.
5) People. Leadership is about leading
people. effective leaders enjoy working with people and helping them to suceed.
Leadership managerial roles:
Henry Mintzbetg identified 10 managerial
roles that leaders perform to accomplish organizational objectives. He grouped
them in 3 cathegories as below:
