Unit C Leadership & Communication Skills Section 3.01 Characteristics of a Good Leader

Definitions  Management.  The process of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling.  Leadership.  The ability to influence individuals, or groups, to achieve organizational goals.  Responsibility.  A task that cannot be delegated to another person.  Authority.  The right to make decisions about policies, procedures, and goals.

Characteristics of a Leader  Intelligence  The ability to study, learn, and direct others effectively.  Judgement  Make decisions by considering facts, applying knowledge, experience, and new information.  Objectivity  Be able to look at all sides of a situation before making decisions.  Initiative  Self starter with high motivation

Characteristics of a Leader  Dependability  Can be counted on to follow through with actions.  Cooperation  Works well with others.  Honesty  Ethical in decision making and consideration of others.  Courage  Willing to take beneficial risks

Characteristics of a Leader  Confidence.  Attempt to make the best decision possible and trust one’s own judgement.  Stability.  Dependable.  Understanding.  Recognize the feelings and ideas of others is important.

Leadership Styles  Autocratic.  One who gives direct, clear, and precise orders and makes ALL decisions.  The emphasis is on getting the job done without regard for anyone else.  This leader practices very close supervision, and does not generally accept advice or input from others.  Name some professions where this style is necessary.

Leadership Styles  Democratic  One who encourages workers to share in making decisions.  Shows consideration for others.  Listens to input and ideas from others  Practices good supervision  Helps others define goals and use their judgment to accomplish those goals.  Name some professions where this style would be appropriate.

Leadership Styles  Open or Laissez-fare.  One who gives little or no direction to workers.  Passes information from a higher authority.  Emphasis is entirely on the feelings of the group.  Depends on the group to get the work done.  Name some professions where this style would be appropriate.

Conclusion  Do political and business leaders need to have the qualities we have discussed to be effective?  Why are different leadership styles necessary in certain situations?

Vocabulary Review  Management  Leadership  Responsibility  Authority  Intelligence  Judgment  Objectivity  Initiative  Courage  Dependability  Cooperation  Honesty  Confidence  Stability  Understanding  Autocratic  Democratic  Open or Laizze Fairre