Leadership

Nature of Leadership

Leadership is the ability to influence people.  Keith Devis said that “leadership is the process of encouraging and helping others to work enthusiastically toward objectives.” So, Leadership is the potential to influence the behavior of others. Important nature of leadership are-

·        Leadership is essential for management.

·        The essence of leadership is followership- Willingness of people to follow the leader.

·        Leader can influence the followers.

·        Leadership is a personal quality.

·        Good leaders are made not born

·        Leadership contributes to organizational effectiveness through the use of desirable personal attributes to achieve good results.

·        Leadership is dynamic and involves the use of power.

·        Leadership is a people activity.

Several leadership approaches may be suited for the position described in this situation, even though Laura should implement at her non-profit organization a Transformational Leadership style. Which means treat the employees as complete human beings, considers emotions and perspectives. It is a motivational, breach resistance, flexible, people influencing leadership style.

The concept of transformational leadership started with James V. Downton in 1973 and was expanded by James Burns in 1978. In 1985, researcher Bernard M. Bass further expanded the concept to include ways for measuring the success of transformational leadership.  The qualities of a transformational leader are-

·        Encourages the motivation and positive development of followers

·        It gives importance to authenticity, cooperation and open communication

·        Acting as a social architect

·        Building trust and positive self-regard.

·        Considers emotions and perspectives.

·        Promotes intelligence, rationality, and careful problem solving.

The above leadership qualities indicate that transformational leadership is the best option in this situation to Laura