WHAT IS LEADERSHIP?

It seems that even today, with information at the tip of our fingertips, people still haven't really grasped the REAL meaning of leadership. Leadership is a way of influencing a team to achieve a certain goal by combing their skills and guiding them to the endpoint of the journey. It's not a dominant bossing around individuals, that's definitely not leadership. It's being controlling. No matter whether in a work setting or out in the world, as a leader don't be one who ignores other people's opinions and feelings, don't we know and don't blame others for your shortcomings.

Styles of leadership:

Autocratic

The leadership is passed on from the singular figure telling the team what to do and how to do it.

Democratic

Is also known as the participative style because leaders involve team members in the process of coming to decisions about the process/steps needed to achieve a certain goal. Leaders have a more creative approach to leading.

Laissez-faire

Is also referred to as the "hands-off" style of leadership as there isn't micro-managing or much supervision at all. It can be tricky though. It does allow the team freedom to explore and develop ideas but, it may cause some members to slack off or derail as there isn't a leader watching what they do.

Transformational

It's when leaders inspire and encourage members to be more creative and have intellectual stimulation. It produces positive change in the organization as a whole.

Effective leadership

Effective leadership is vital for any leader. There is no point in being appointed a role and not doing your duties any justice. The following characteristics are vital in an effective leader:

-They do not micromanage. They trust you enough to do what you are meant to do.

-Set clear boundaries and express what they expect from each member.

-Are empathetic and see members as human first and foremost.

-The amount of growth in the members, as well as the goals and objectives reached, are key indicators of the effectiveness of the leaders present.

Leadership Vs Management

Leaders and managers are perceived by many to be the same but, they are different. Leadership is a bigger picture thing, whereas management is about the tasks at hand.

Leadership's relation to leadership influence

Though they work in cohesion with each other, they are not the same thing, and understanding the difference is important.

Leadership is usually a conscious and visible action whereas influence comes from working for a long time and is attained unknowingly. In leadership, values are shared whereas influence crosses boundaries. Leadership is an immediate thing. You lead on a project that is presently happening whereas influence happens over a series of events' outcomes.

"Leaders need influence but, not all influencers are leaders."

“You can't be hesitant about who you are.” -- Viola Davis