Leadership -- its Importance for Today's Organization
When looking at leadership and the role it plays in organizations, it is important to not only define it, but also recognize the differences with respect to "Management." The characteristics of effective leaders need to be examined, as well as how one can develop leadership skills in today's work environment.
This report will show the importance of leadership in terms of developing and implementing effective strategies, as well as traits employees feel are important for an effective leader. Three articles concerning leadership will also be examined in this report.
Definition of Leadership and Differences with Respect to "Management" good definition of leadership is one who possesses the "capacity or ability to lead (http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entries/06/m0070600.html)" or give an organization direction or guidance.
Management, however, refers to the executive ability or skill in managing an organization.
Management skills should be balanced with leadership skills. It is important to place extra emphasis on developing leadership skills, and less on management skills (Bolton).
Management deals with "planning and budgeting, organizing and staffing, controlling and problem solving (Bolton)."
In contrast, leadership deals with "establishing direction and aligning people, as well as motivating and inspiring (Bolton)." Some feel that if there is too much management, there is bureaucracy, while if there is too much leadership, there is anarchy, creating a need for a balance between the two.
The Importance of Leadership to Effective Strategy Development and Implementation
When developing and implementing an effective strategy it is important to understand the leader's competencies. These are the results of one's "experiences and the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes he or she has acquired during their lifetime (Pickett 103)."
In an organization, the competencies may be used to perform a number of duties which produce products and services to others. The quality of the services or goods, as well as the response from the receiver, leads to "results with positive, negative or neutral consequences for the organization; the people who work there; and its suppliers, shareholders, clients, and customers (Pickett 103)."
Many companies today realize the importance "to improve management competencies, improve organizational structure, to better utilize corporate strategy to drive change and to strengthen the link between strategic intent and day-to-day implementation (Pickett 103)."
It is important that current and projected needs of an organization be reflected in workplace and managerial skills. Senior management needs to be able to recognize the basic competencies of the organization and make sure the managers and workforce are adequately skilled, since the future success of any organization depends on adept employees.
The organization and its employees can realize growth with "the development of an effective competencies framework and complimentary performance management program (Pickett 103)."
Employee Perceptions of what Constitutes Effective Leadership
Employee perceptions of what they feel represents effective leadership vary from one organization to another. Some employees feel it is important for the CEO and senior executives to share strategic leadership. They feel a team approach to leadership is important for the survival of the organization.
This type of leadership has been shown to be effective in multinational organizations.
Another variation of this leadership type "extends strategic leadership to include middle management (Harrison 299)."
Employees feel middle management is a crucial connection between the "strategic decisions made at the top of the organization and the implementation of such decisions in the operational areas (Harrison 299)."
Some employees like a participative style of strategic leadership in which they and management in all levels of the organization participate in decision making. Some feel this is a way to be successful by giving employees, consumers and suppliers an active voice in the organization. In this type of leadership, the CEO is relegated "to a role as first among equals, although the CEO must maintain ultimate responsibility for the formulation and implementation of strategy (Harrison 299)."
Other employees feel that strategic leadership is not an important aspect, no matter what level of the organization...
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