Introduction
Leadership styles are neither static nor one-dimensional. Style flexing is important, often a result of the context or in response to the individuals being managed - their competency or motivation. Module 1 will address the fundamental concepts of leadership and explore two different leadership styles.
Learning objectives
Personal competencies
- Recognize personal preferences related to leadership
Skills
- Enhance the ability to reflect on leadership skills, traits, and styles
Module 1a) What is a Leader?
Introduction
Module 1a covers the fundamental concepts of leadership; definition, traits and why leaders are different than managers. We also challenge the classical concept of leaders being men and born to it.
Reflections
- Using the list below in the 'Resources' section, identify 10 traits and qualities that are most important to you.
- Take some time to reflect on the following definition of leadership: “Leadership is a process whereby an individual influence a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.”
- Reflect on the difference between leaders and managers and how this applies to your setting.
- What do you consider as the three key messages in Module 1a?
Resources
Leadership traits and qualities
Task motivation and application Supportive of the group task Social and interpersonal skills Emotional balance and control Leadership effectiveness and achievement Administrative skills General impression (halo) Intellectual skills Ascendance, dominance, decisiveness Willingness to assume responsibility Ethical conduct, personal integrity Maintaining a cohesive work group Maintaining coordination and team work Ability to communicate; articulateness Physical energy Maintaining standards of performance Independent Conforming Experience and activity Nurturing behavior Maintaining informal control of the group Aloof, distant |
Forward-looking Inspiring Competent Intelligent Fair-minded Straightforward Broad-minded Supportive Dependable Cooperative Courageous Determined Caring Imaginative Mature, cultured Ambitious Loyal Self-controlled Technical skills Social nearness, friendliness Honest Creative |
Module 1b) Leadership Styles: Transformational leadership
Introduction
Module 1b deals with an important style of contemporary leadership – Transformational Leadership. After defining transformational leadership, you will be presented the rationale for this style of leadership. This will be followed by a description of the core elements, and how these play out in praxis. The last part covers the steps to transformational leadership and concludes with examples of known transformational leaders.
Reflections
- Reflect upon the relevance of transformational leadership to your work.
- List the aspects you think makes this leadership style relevant and the aspects that makes it irrelevant to your work.
- List any leaders you know of who could be characterized as transformational leaders.
- What do you consider as the three key messages in Module 1b?
Module 1c) Leadership Styles: Servant leadership
Introduction
A servant leader will put the needs of the team and employees first when aiming for growth and development. This is contrary to classical organizational leadership, which usually focuses on increased revenue and business. A servant leader focuses on developing individuals and ensuring they perform at their best. Though an ancient philosophy, it is now becoming an important leadership competency and style, sought after across various institutions and organizations, both public and private. This video will introduce and define the concept of servant leadership and discuss the characteristics and challenges.
Reflections
- Take time to think about the relevance of servant leadership in your culture.
- List the aspects you think makes this leadership style relevant and the aspects that make it irrelevant to your work.
- List any leaders you know of who could be characterized as servant leaders.
- What do you consider as the three key messages in Module 1c?
Supplemental Conversation
Bernadette Kumar shares her experiences of being a women leader throughout her career with Jeanette H. Magnus. Kumar touches on gender roles and her experiences of being a women leader in diverse cultural settings. She reflects on the challenges she has faced and the importance of being able to acknowledge that, what works in one context may not work for another. Therefore, as a leader you must be able to adapt and reinvent. Most importantly, the ability to look through the lens of others and not only your own is key, which she admits takes time. Although some of the challenges in leadership may be daunting – if you are grounded in your ‘roots’ (core values and traits), then it will be easier to move towards a solution. Being an active listener and learning how to ask rather than to conclude, are leadership-like traits that you will be developed over time and are key to being a productive leader.