Management Theory and Practice Leadership, Essay Example

Ma ying-jeou – taiwan

The President of Taiwan has been a short period of time in Office but he has demonstrated the qualities of a conciliatory leader.  He has moved swiftly towards the path of reconciliation with Beijing and ended the spectre of war in the region. (Macartney)  He would best be described as showing transformational leadership characteristics. Hence identified by the characteristics of a person with vision, a strong sense of purpose and very goal oriented.  He believes that people will follow those who inspire them.  Hence goal attainment is by inspiring your subordinates motivating them by enthusiasm and energy.  Working for these types of leaders can be a great experience as they derive a great deal of passion about their work and genuinely want you to succeed.  Such leaders start with a clear identification of a vision. Executive C believes people can achieve great success when they are inspired and passionate about a vision.  Leaders of this type are quick to exploit the vision by sharing it with their team. Such leaders are often seen to be using mind mapping or brainstorming sessions with their subordinates.  They believe in inclusivity and the power of team dynamics. Leader C try’s to remember employees birthdays and special events and prefers that employees see the leader as a coach or mentor figure.  They believe in structured approaches to Problem Solving and Decision Making and often follow a Kepner Tregoe Management style.  Executive C takes a pride in his approach to problem solving.  “Transformational Leaders are always visible and will stand up to be counted rather than hide behind their troops. They show by their attitudes and actions how everyone else should behave. They also make continued efforts to motivate and rally their followers, constantly doing the rounds, listening, soothing and enthusing. “(Changing Minds.org)

The new President is confident that the peace process can outlast him and that he can consolidate a new international relationship with China.  People are nervous about a democratic Taiwan co-existing with communist China.  The leadership however are committed towards a lasting peaceful solution with China.  There is also an element of what we term Level 5 Leadership here. Hence “Level 5” leadership style.  Level 5 is the Executive who builds enduring greatness through a paradoxical blend of personal humility and professional will. Nearly all of the good-to-great companies contained level 5 leaders in the critical transition phase.  Great leaders have been describes as quiet, thoughtful, self-effacing and reserved with a philosophical outlook e.g. Lincoln, Socrates as opposed  to warlike leaders such as Caesar, Patton who lack personal humility in favour of god like qualities.  Executive A shied away from attention and often gave credit to others for successes in the organization.

Level 5 Leaders are not charismatic charmers of people but instead are determined inspirational leaders. They take control and lead by example building a culture of discipline and focused on the success of the Company.  They do not create a coercive or tyrannical regime but a meritorious organization built upon performance and recognition.  These people are self-determined and willing to go to extraordinary measures in order to fulfil their objectives.  Level 5 leaders often have others acknowledging their success as opposed to seeking public acclaim

Works Cited

Changing Minds.org. Changing Minds.org. 2009. 20 12 2009 <http://changingminds.org/disciplines/leadership/styles/transactional_leadership.htm>.

Macartney, Jane. President Ma Ying-jeou of Taiwan has progress making ties with China. 30 8 2008. 16 11 2010 <http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article4636572.ece>.