Recent research in leadership increasingly demonstrates that leadership in one situation does not guarantee leadership that is adaptable to other situations, but rather that leadership is a set of functions and behaviors which satisfy the needs of group members. It is the ability to guide, direct, and motivate individuals or groups toward the accomplishment of mutual objectives. In so doing, the behaviors utilized vary according to the personnel, environment, social, and other variables, such as the size and structure of the group and its function.
Leadership implies followership and these two roles begin to be prescribed as soon as two or more people interact to form either an informal or a formal group, and it is at this point that the situational aspects of leadership become evident. For example, a businessman may meet Monday morning with his staff for a weekly planning meeting and the following Monday make a report to his boss on the operation of the unit. That evening he may be scoutmaster for a local Boy Scout troop. Further, relationships between leader and follower, even in the same situation and involving only two people such as husband and wife or employee and employer, do not consistently take the same direction. If the husband, for example, is a chef by profession, he may assume leadership in the culinary aspects of the home, including grocery shopping. His wife may be a research scientist whose profession and employer determine where the family lives.
As you can see, depending upon the situation, we are all variously leaders and followers. In addition, there is rarely such a phenomenon as “the” leader, for roles change and most groups have many leaders. There are times when we may be a leader and a follower simultaneously. Consider the role of a teacher who directs and controls the activities of the classroom and the students. They are also directed and controlled by the department chairman or the principal. It is also evident that leadership is not confined solely to people who hold a leadership office such as president, general, coach, or chairman, for there may be others within the group who are more effective leaders.
This is part two of a five part series. Part 3: Develop Your Personal Leadership Skills to Advance Your Career.
For more information visit www.HollandResource.com
Leadership implies followership and these two roles begin to be prescribed as soon as two or more people interact to form either an informal or a formal group, and it is at this point that the situational aspects of leadership become evident. For example, a businessman may meet Monday morning with his staff for a weekly planning meeting and the following Monday make a report to his boss on the operation of the unit. That evening he may be scoutmaster for a local Boy Scout troop. Further, relationships between leader and follower, even in the same situation and involving only two people such as husband and wife or employee and employer, do not consistently take the same direction. If the husband, for example, is a chef by profession, he may assume leadership in the culinary aspects of the home, including grocery shopping. His wife may be a research scientist whose profession and employer determine where the family lives.
As you can see, depending upon the situation, we are all variously leaders and followers. In addition, there is rarely such a phenomenon as “the” leader, for roles change and most groups have many leaders. There are times when we may be a leader and a follower simultaneously. Consider the role of a teacher who directs and controls the activities of the classroom and the students. They are also directed and controlled by the department chairman or the principal. It is also evident that leadership is not confined solely to people who hold a leadership office such as president, general, coach, or chairman, for there may be others within the group who are more effective leaders.
This is part two of a five part series. Part 3: Develop Your Personal Leadership Skills to Advance Your Career.
For more information visit www.HollandResource.com
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