Leadership
Introduction
Since time immemorial, leadership has always played a crucial role in mens affairs. In traditional aspects, leadership has been perceived as the art of winning and influencing the support of other human beings. In the present perspective, men have become more socialized and educated, and this has changed the perception of leadership. Leadership is now viewed as being inadequate in effectively responding to the modern demands, especially in the context of increasingly changing political, social-economical, cultural backgrounds as well as professional values. Further, progress in the leadership development should be measured, reviewed, and worked at in ensuring that priority of actions is always adhered to.
My Model Leader
While working for the General Building Contractors in New York, I managed to encounter many people who were influential to my career. Among them is the companys senior manager, Mr. Richard Breinee. From my experience at this company, Mr. Breinee is both a very successful leader and entrepreneur. His leadership qualities portray him as a transformational leader. For instance, he is a man who leads through example and is always aspiring to create a culture of perfection in his operations. Transformational style of leadership means that his employees would not have common exchanges of low level. What instead draws and retains people to this organization is his perseverance, dedication, and incredible vision (Antonakis and House 746-771).
Apparently, Richard Breinee could be a role model, especially for many other young entrepreneurs. The man uses innovative approaches in attracting people in this company, unique ideas in work operations, and a cheeky attitude (Antonakis and House 746-771). These attributes make him stand out among the multitude. Despite encountering various challenges, he is able to triumph over these obstacles through carefully planned strategies.
In accordance with McShane and Von Glinow (75-80), effective leaders are the ones with passion to achieve what they envision. Being an inspirational figure and motivation for the followers is also a key factor in transformational leadership. Since most leaders would like to be followed or obeyed by their subjects, to do that effectively necessitates the aspect of inspiration.
Mr. Brainee happened to be an encouragement to his followers even during the time when his company was not performing quite well. He always shows them his commitment to succeed despite the challenges they have to undergo. His risk-taking in whatever he does is in itself an inspirational not only to his employees but also to many other people. This man was not just out to develop his company, but also the people he was working with.
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Owing to the leadership capabilities of Richard Breinee, there is no doubt that the leadership characteristics displayed by him are those of a transformational leader, as described above. This quality has greatly contributed to the leaders success in career and good performance of the company. His stewardship in the General Building Contractors indicates that he is a transformational leader with an aptitude in innovation. He comes up with new ideas and better ways of working. From his leadership capabilities, it can be noted that he is able to transform employees in many perspectives towards achieving the companys goals and objectives.
Mr. Breinee has all four elements of transformational leader: inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, idealized influence, and individual consideration. Mr. Breinee regularly inspires his employees and followers to continue working hard even in the time of desperation. In many instances, the leader utilizes intellectual stimulation in dealing with many situations that could have otherwise collapse without this capability.
My Leadership Vision
Similar to Mr. Breinee, I will also embrace the leadership attribute of transformation. Transformational leadership is currently one of the most famous leadership theories that are in existence (McShane and Von 220). As a leader, I would always aim to transform individuals, groups and organizations that I will be working for. Transformational leaders put their emphasis on their followers and motivate them to perform highly. In the process they assist their followers in developing their own potential in leadership. Research findings have demonstrated that individuals or groups led by a leader who is transformational, do perform high and have higher satisfaction level in comparison to those groups, which may be led by other kind of followers, with the measure of their best performance. As a consequence, they empower, stimulate, support, and encourage their followers to exceed the normal level of performance (Antonakis and House 746-771).
I will always aspire my team members to make them view me as a leader who encourages them to work. Another aspect I have to incorporate is to have a good relationship with all the people I work with. In this respect, I will endeavor to listen to peoples concern and designing strategies on how to meet their needs.
Servant leadership theory will assist me in taking priority of clients and colleagues in my workplace and general social relations. The traditional leadership mode is established in a hierarchical structure, where most leaders manage by fear and authority. Servant leadership differs from this structure in five crucial aspects, such as respect, trust, common goal, shared experience, and mutual understanding. Authority or power does not influence the servant leadership theory, which is rather willing to serve others, and be committed to the societys development. According to this model, an effective leader must be willing to learn and seek feedback from colleagues or other leaders (McShane and Von Glinow 78).
There are specific concepts that can be used from various leadership theories in relation to my leadership development plan. I believe that the skill approach can be used to nurture and develop effective leadership qualities. I also do believe in the essentiality of the servant leadership theory, which revolves around the interest of ethical and community dimension. Skill approach is dissimilar to the traits theory in the sense that it depends on an individuals abilities in developing the qualities of leadership. According to McShane and Von Glinow (215), any individual has potential of becoming a leader provided he exerts an effort in nurturing the skills in crucial aspects.
Conclusion
Some people claim that leadership is a natural talent. I however tend not to agree with them for some reasons. My argument in this perspective is that the qualities of leadership that are crucial for success can be developed and established. I will therefore endeavor to improve my leadership capabilities through constant practice. I will begin my leadership development plan by setting specific goals within a specific timeline. The next step is to develop positive aspects in me. This will help me to have a positive attitude towards life and people. The next step is to shape my communication and social skills so that I will be able to communication the goals, visions, intentions, skills, and expectations to other people. This will include improvement of my listening, verbal, and non-verbal skills.
Further, I will work towards establishing my self-confidence. I understand that for a leader to effectively project a positive vibe in an organization, self-confidence has to be among the crucial attributes that such a leader should have. I will therefore work on streamlining my insecurities, and also start building my self-esteem and confidence. Other qualities in me that I will have to streamline are being optimistic and more initiative.
