WK4 - Leading Managing


What is Leadership?

  • Defined as the capacity to influence people through personal attributes and/or behaviors to achieve a common goal (CIPD).

Leadership Myths

  • It’s Rare

  • It’s Found Mainly at the Top

  • It’s About Being Superhuman

Leadership Concepts

  • Leader:

    • Individual with the most influence in a group or an organization.

  • Leadership:

    • Process where an individual influences group members towards achieving defined goals.

Leaders vs. Managers

  • Leaders:

    • Establish organizational missions.

  • Managers:

    • Implement missions through others.

  • Overlap:

    • Overlapping functions create a blurred distinction between leaders and managers.

Wilson’s Managerial Skills

  • Technical Expertise

  • Clarification of Goals and Objectives

  • Problem Solving

  • Imagination and Creativity

Leadership Research Timeline

  • 1930s – 1950s: Focus on Personality

  • 1960s: Focus on Behavior

  • 1970s: Focus on Situational Variables

  • 1980s: Emergence of the ‘New Paradigm’

Leadership Theories

  • Personality-based

  • Situational

  • Transactional

  • Transformational

Theories of Leadership - Traits

  • Characteristics that may determine a good leader:

    • Personality, Dominance, Personal Presence

    • Charisma, Self-confidence, Achievement

    • Ability to formulate a clear vision

Theories of Leadership - Traits Questions

  • Are these traits gender biased?

  • Do these traits produce good leaders?

  • Is leadership more than just bringing about change?

  • Does this imply that leaders are born, not bred?

Personality Based Theories of Charismatic Leaders

  • Traits of charismatic leaders include:

    • Vision and articulation

    • Sensitivity to others’ needs

    • Environmental sensitivity

    • Unconventional behavior

    • Taking personal risks

    • Upsetting the status quo

Situational Leadership

  • Adaptation of leadership style to fit the development level of followers:

    • Directing (Dependent)

    • Coaching

    • Delegating (Independent)

Situational Leadership – Style Requirements

  • Insight

  • Flexibility

  • Trust

  • Problem Solving

  • Coaching

Transformational vs. Transactional Leadership

  • Upcoming discussion on the differences between these leadership styles.

Transactional Leadership

  • Style promoting compliance through rewards and punishments.

  • Keeps followers motivated in the short-term.

Transactional Leadership Style Characteristics

  • Focuses on short-term goals.

  • Favors structured policies and procedures.

  • Thrives on following rules and efficiency.

  • Tends to be inflexible and opposes change.

  • Management of current issues and problems.

Motivational Aspects of Transactional Leadership

  • Appeals to follower self-interest.

  • Accomplishment of tasks linked to desirable rewards.

When to Use Transactional Leadership

  • When leader wants control.

  • When deadlines are imminent.

  • In short-term relationships.

Transformational Leadership

  • Causes change in individuals and systems, enhancing motivation and morale.

Transformational Leadership Style Traits

  • Organized, creative followers expected.

  • Team-oriented, supportive environment.

  • Respects and inspires followers.

  • Coaches and delegates responsibilities.

Transformational Leadership Impact

  • Charismatic and visionary.

  • Appeals to followers' ideals and values.

  • Common strategies include vision and framing.

  • Linked to lower turnover, higher productivity, and employee satisfaction.

When to Use Transformational Leadership

  • When fostering active participation and ownership.

  • When building a sense of purpose.

  • For long-term organizational plans.