Snapshots of Great Leadership, Essay Example

Introduction

Leadership is defined as a process of imparting social influence where an individual enlists support and aid of others to accomplish a common task (Howell 12). A leader is simply a person whom people follow, or a person with the capacity to guide others. Researches on leadership have come up with theories involving traits, function, behavior, situational interaction, vision, power, charisma, values, and intelligence. As a result, different leadership styles have emerged. The most common style is democratic or participative leadership style where a leader is expected to involve group members in the decision-making process. Free-rein or laissez-faire style leaves a group to fend for itself (Howell 12). Autocratic or authoritarian leadership style delegates all responsibility to the leader, which may result in dictatorship. This study dwells on different ideas about leadership.

Ideas about Leadership

Leadership Power

The ability to possess special powers enables leaders to influence peers and subordinates through control of resources. Successful leaders use their powers to influence other employees in order to meet the objectives of an organization. There are different types of powers in organizations: legitimate power refers to power accorded to a professional position, for example, power accorded to a manager, director, or a supervisor (Howell 14). Reward power is the authority accorded to manager to rewards employees through promotions and raises. Coercive power is the capacity of the manager to administer punishments such as suspensions or termination to an employee after committing an offense. Expert power is the power accorded to a leader based on personal talents such as knowledge, abilities, skills, or previous experience. Such managers are very valuable to organizations. Finally, referent power is the leadership power gained through association.

Leadership Traits

Scholars have observed that personal leadership traits are static from situation to situation, for instance, assertiveness, intelligence, or physical attractiveness. Conversely, each trait has different application depending on the circumstance. Drive and determination comprise of traits such as perseverance, initiative, energy, dominance, and masculinity. Individuals possessing such traits often pursue their goals wholeheartedly, are ambitious, work long hours, and are very competitive (Howell 16). Cognitive capacities include verbal and analytical ability, intelligence, good judgment, and behavioral flexibility. Individuals possessing the above traits are problem-solvers, work well under deadline or stress, adapt to dynamic situations, and are conversant with plans. Individuals with self-confident are able to make personal decisions, which are built on commitment and trust. Additionally, integrity is demonstrated through truthfulness, principles, and consistence, which are diffused to the subordinates.

Leadership Myths

Leadership is one of the least understood conceptions across all civilizations and cultures. Researchers have stated that prevalence of flawed assumptions on leadership interferes with individual perception on the definition of leadership. Firstly, some cultures believe that leadership is innate. As a result, leadership is affirmed by distinctive dispositional features present at birth, for instance, extraversion, ingenuity, and intelligence (Howell 19). Secondly, some communities believe that leadership is dominance over other people. Leadership is exercised through manipulation, domination, and coercion to influence others. In actuality, persons seeking group consent or act for the interest of others are classified as effective leaders, for example, court judges and class presidents. Thirdly, leadership is positively influential. With reference to legitimate and expert power, the entire employee fraternity is attracted to the special qualities possessed by their leaders. Individuals or groups of employees are compelled to imitate the behaviors of their leader, which implies that leadership is influential.

Internship in China and United States

China and the United States have different leadership styles, which are dictated by politics of the two countries and family connections. American leaders dissipate five leadership styles: participative, directive, charismatic, empowering, and celebrity styles (Howell 23). Conversely, leadership in China is dictated by professionalism and flexibility. As a result, students from China taking their internship programs in America may have trouble since they are only limited to their roles in industries. The United States leadership system is categorical on international students taking internship programs since their terms are inflexible. Conversely, United States students taking internship programs in China have an easy time in adapting since the leadership system in China is flexible. Additionally, leadership system in many regions in China is hereditary. Conversely, leadership system in the United States is based on personal skills (Howell 24). As a result, Chinese student taking internship programs in the United States may face difficulties since they are require to meet the required competencies to fit in the American system of education. Similarly, United States students in China may face in acquiring internship programs because of the hereditary system of leadership.

Conclusion

From the findings of this study, leaders should be energetic, competitive, and outgoing in order to fit in the dynamic leadership world. They should also be visionary, decisive, and hand-working to ensure that their capabilities are reflected by other employees. Innate leadership traits are best suited in the world today such individuals have the capacity to respond and adjust to changes in their career. Most organizations practice democratic style of leadership to ensure that decisions made are all-inclusive. As a result, the entire employee fraternity is equally represented in organizational decisions.

Work Cited

Howell, Jon. Snapshots of Great Leadership. London, GBR: Taylor and Francis, 2012. Print.