What is Leadership

Before we start with understanding how closely leadership and development are inter-related, it is imperative that we understand the former properly. It is easy to look up the web or a dictionary for the definition but understanding and truly grasping the leadership traits is something that is a slow but rewarding process. In layman's terms, a leader is someone who has the courage to lead and the humility to help others lead.

Leadership Styles

There is a vast difference in the various leadership styles. There is one style which is complete dictatorship, and the other is just the opposite and a lot less intimidating. These are some basic yet effective styles which help you understand the concept effectively.

Autocratic Leadership: The autocratic style is old school. This is the military type of style with a touch of dictatorship that was mentioned earlier. In this style, the word of the leader is the rule and has to be followed to a 'T'. This method is effective in certain situations that need a stern hand but the disadvantages are far too many like low morale of the workers, rebellion of followers etc. Hitler followed this style of leadership.

Democratic Leadership: This style encourages team work where coming to a decision is a collective task .In this type, everyone's opinions are taken into consideration. The disadvantages caused by the above method are ruled out in this style. This style is also known as participative leadership style. John F Kennedy is an example of a democratic kind of leader.

Laissez-Faire Leadership: This French term means to "let it be". Under this style, the leader leaves the individuals to complete the tasks. The leader leaves goal setting and target setting in the hands of the individuals itself. This style involves minimum interference from the leader and much freedom to the followers. On the downside, many tend to take advantage of such form of leadership. Some believe that Ronald Reagan practiced this type of leadership skills.

Leadership Theories
Leadership theories and principles have progressed and evolved with time. Let's take a look at some of the well-known theories which have greatly changed the way people define a leader.

Transactional Theory: This theory is characterized by a military like style of leadership. It is result oriented, highlighted by reward and punishment for failing to achieve the result. In this theory, there is a direct chain of command.

Functional Theory: According to this theory, the leader is responsible for the motivation and the functioning of the team. If the team as a group has achieved its target, the leader is said to lead the team well. This theory works through these three aspects: team as a whole, individual and task to do completed.

Situational Theory: According to this school of thought, there is no set leadership technique which is effective in all situations. It advocates that every situation is different and thus, the leadership tactic too needs to change accordingly.

Leadership Characteristics

If we look at the various skills, we will realize how leadership and management are interrelated. An organization and a team is as good as its leaders. Eventually, the qualities of a good leader shape the performance of the team. A leader needs to be honest and hardworking. He needs to set an example for his team, therefore it is important that he displays integrity and fairness in his actions. He must delegate judiciously and not burden his subordinate with his work. A leader must be skilled enough to make sound decisions. One of the main qualities that a leader must possess is, the ability to motivate this team and keep the morale of his team at a peak.

Quotes on Being a Leader
Some very inspirational leadership quotes are mentioned below.

• "Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things."- Peter F. Drucker
• "A leader is a dealer in hope." - Napoleon Bonaparte
• "Leadership should be more participative than directive, more enabling than performing." - Mary D. Poole
• "Delegating work works, provided the one delegating works, too." - Robert Half
• "A leader is the wave, pushed ahead by the ship." - Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy
• "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way." - John C. Maxwell
• "One never notices what has been done; one can only see what remains to be done. "- Marie Curie

These leadership characteristics are the backbone of a well lead organization. Understanding the concept of being a leader, may seem a little daunting initially, but a thorough study of the subject will make the picture much clearer. For some, leadership definition aside from a way of life, is a way of doing tasks and making others touch the peak of their abilities.