Chapter 1 Leadership

Objectives 1. Define the concept of Leadership. 2. Explain whether leaders are born or made. 3. Explain how leaders motivate others. 4. Explain various leadership styles. 5. Establishing and maintaining followers. 6. Building trust in those you supervise. 7. Promoting teamwork.

Leadership Effects of good leadership are: 1. High levels of productivity. 2. A positive can do attitude. 3. A commitment to accomplishing organizational goals. 4. Effective and efficient use of resources. 5. High levels of quality. 6. Mutually supportive teamwork approach to getting things done.

Leadership and Good Leaders Leadership is the ability to inspire people accomplishing organizational goals. Good leaders share several common characteristics: 1. Show a balanced commitment to people and work. 2. Set a positive example. 3. Use good communication skills. 4. Have influence. 5. Are persuasive. 6. Exhibit coaching skills.

Leaders: Born or Made Some are born leaders with a great deal of potential, whereas others develop their ability through determination and hard work (made). All supervisors can become good leaders through education, training, practice, determination, and effort.

Leaders and Motivation The key to motivating people is the ability to relate what they believe to the organizational goals. Human needs (Maslow’s hierarchy of needs): 1. Basic survival (air ,food, water, clothing, and shelter). 2. Safety/security: Money, laws, law enforcement. 3. Social: Family, friends, colleagues, organizations. 4. Esteem: Respect of others, dignity, worth. 5. Self actualization: fulfillment. Rules for applying the model for supervisors: 1. Needs must be satisfied from bottom up (basic survival first). 2. Once a need is satisfied, it no longer works as a motivating factor. 3. People will focus most intently on their lowest unmet need. For example people who have not met their security needs will not be motivated by factors relating to their social needs.

Theories of Leadership Douglas McGregor (late professor of Industrial Management at MIT) classified management and leadership styles as either Theory X or Theory Y. Theory X: Human beings must be directed, coerced, controlled and manipulated. Theory Y: Under the right conditions, humans will not just accept responsibility; they will seek it. Theory XY: Theory Y works most of the time but not always. Supervisors must be flexible enough to apply appropriate leadership strategies based on existing circumstances.

Leadership Styles Most leadership styles fall into the following categories: 1. Autocratic leadership: Leaders make decisions without consulting employees who will have to implement the decisions. 2. Democratic leadership: The leader makes the final decision, after receiving input and recommendations from all team members. 3. Participative leadership: Leaders ask team members to recommend solutions. 4. Goal oriented leadership: Team members are asked to only focus on the goals at hand. 5. Situational Leadership: Leaders select a style appropriate to the circumstances and individuals involved.

Winning and Maintaining Followers Many new supervisors confuse popularity with followership. Supervisors can be good leaders only if the people they supervise follow them willingly and steadfastly. Followership must be won, and must be maintained. All supervisors must occasionally make unpopular decisions. That is why leadership positions are sometimes described as lonely positions.

Leadership Characteristics that Win and Maintain Followership Characteristics that win and maintain followership are: 1. A sense of purpose 2. Self discipline 3. Honesty 4. Credibility 5. Common sense 6. Stamina 7. Commitment 8. Steadfastness 9. Fairness 10. Impartiality

Pitfalls that will Undermine Followership 1. Trying to be buddy to those you supervise: positive relations and good rapport are important, but supervisors cannot be a buddy to those they hope to lead. 2. Having an intimate personal relationship with an employee: This practice is both unwise and unethical. 3. Trying to keep things the same when supervising former peers: The supervisor employee relationship must be made if the supervisor is going to succeed in the long run.

Trust Building and Leadership Trust building strategies include: 1. Taking the blame but sharing the credit: Unselfishness will build trust. 2. Pitching in and helping: A willingness to get their hands dirty. 3. Being consistent: People trust consistency. 4. Being equitable: Fair and equitable treatment of employees will buid trust.

Terms Summary Autocratic leadership Democratic leadership Participative leadership Situational leadership Financial security Goal oriented leadership Hierarchy of needs Motivation Theory X, Y, and XY

Home Work Answer questions 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, and 10 on page 11 of your text book. 1. Define the term leadership. 2. List 5 characteristics of good leaders. 3. Are leaders born or made? 5. What is the key to motivating people? 8. Briefly explain the following theories of leadership: Theory X, Theory Y, and Theory XY. 10. List 8 characteristics that win and maintain followership.