Leadership & Teambuilding Unit

What is a leader? A leader is one who earns the respect and cooperation of employees to effectively accomplish the work of the organization.

Characteristics of a Good Leader Intelligence Judgment Objectivity Initiative Dependability Cooperation Honesty Courage Confidence Stability Understanding All these characteristics help managers be flexible and adjust to change.

Why is a Good Leader Important? A good leader is important to a business because they can create an atmosphere that encourages employees to do their best work to make the business successful and reach their goals. Leaders help employees get work done correctly and willingly. They create work environments in which employees enjoy their work and want to do a good job. They must also understand the work to be done and the business must be well organized.

4 Types of Power Power – is the ability to control behavior. Position Power Is power that comes from the position the manager holds in the organization. This occurs when a manger has the power to give directions and expect the employee to complete that work. Results from the manager’s position in the organization. Reward Power Is power based on the ability to control rewards and punishments. It occurs when the manager can determine who receives new equipment, preferred work schedules, or pay increases, or can be penalized for poor work etc. Results from the manager’s control of rewards/punishments.

Types of Power (Cont.) Expert Power Identity Power Is power given to people because of their superior knowledge about the work It results from the manager’s knowledge and skill Identity Power Is power given to people because others identify with and want to be accepted by them When employees respect a manager they will likely do what the manager requests It results from the employee’s perception of the manager

3 Management Viewpoints Closely Managed This type of manager thinks Employees are lazy and only work because they get paid Employees will not work hard and try to avoid responsibility Employees do not have initiative and that managers need to make all the decisions for the employees Limited Management This type of manager believes Employees like their work Employees like responsibility and will take initiative Employees do not need close supervision and they ask their employees for their input and ideas.

Viewpoints (Cont.) Flexible Viewpoint This type of manager thinks Employers should get to know their employees and adjust their management style according to the type of employee This is the most effective type because every employee is different and not everyone needs the same type of direction from the manager. In this type managers can increase or decrease their amount of supervision based on the individual employee.