Introduction
Leadership is a unique position within a social group that involves influencing other individuals to achieve goals. Leaders have always existed both in the animal world and in human society. Plato already asked questions about leadership emergence, and other researchers have repeatedly addressed this issue. The central conflict among scientists, which is still unresolved, is whether leadership qualities are natural or result from behavioral activity. Social psychology is currently exploring this issue, and several leadership styles, models, and approaches have been identified. Indeed, born leaders exist, but the opportunity to improve management skills is always possible. Each person is unique and has a different set of qualities, and their development and analysis are necessary to improve the ability to lead.
Leadership Style
There are numerous leadership models and theories, and they all have both unfavorable and praising sides. It is challenging to choose which concept I adhere to because a combination of qualities of several of them seems to be the most advantageous alternative. Nevertheless, transformational leadership is the concept that portrays my behavior in most cases. The primary reason is that I attempt to adapt my behavior to specific goals while paying more attention to the human factor and communication. The skills approach swings the possibility of developing and applying the critical skills needed to be an effective leader. Moreover, leadership effectiveness is situational and depends on the preferences, personality traits of the subordinates, and the ability to influence the situation (Avery & Bergsteiner, 2011). In each case, the manager’s actions must be determined by the specific situation. For example, I try to operate every problem that arises. The primary category of the behavioral approach is leadership style. My strategy tends to be democratic because I prefer influencing mechanisms that appeal to the higher-level needs. This style is characterized by a high degree of decentralization of authority; aides take an active part in decision-making and enjoy freedom in performing tasks (McCleskey, 2014). I likewise try to create an atmosphere of openness and trust in the organization so that associates do not hesitate to ask for help.
A leader is a bearer of specific qualities and skills that influence others. That list of characteristics is paramount to a leader’s influence and effectiveness. The main types of leaders are charismatic, transformational, and the latter is typical of my leadership style (Lakshmi, 2014). I built relationships with slaves by transforming underlying beliefs, values, and needs while applying oratorical skills. Essentially, the path-goal approach attempts to explain the impact a supervisor’s behavior has on a subordinate’s motivation, satisfaction, and performance (Dugan, 2017). Under this approach, I try to control by increasing the assistants’ benefit in completing the job’s purpose. I desire to be a friendly and easy-going manager concerned about my subordinates’ status, well-being, and needs. All these characteristics represent my leadership style, which allows me to perform tasks; nevertheless, there is always a way to improve.
Leadership Traits
Numerous qualities are essential for a person to be considered an effective manager. However, the most important of these is vision, as the idea of creating or reforming something should be at the heart of a leader’s vision. It allows one to create an image of the new and helps paint a picture of the future, building perspective. Goal-setting is equally significant, which allows a leader formulates an idea into concrete, tangible results (Lakshmi, 2014). This leadership skill will enable one to see the purpose clearly, not merely from a distant perspective.
I consider it imperative to develop and exercise flexibility as it is the ability to have more strategies and choices. Moreover, I would like to achieve more organization because it is crucial for a leader to assemble a team of first-rate professionals in their business and organize the activity process itself. It includes such qualities as planning, delegating, and rejecting unnecessary actions (McCleskey, 2014). This brings the team members closer together and allows them to cope with the tasks more effectively.
An essential quality is internal integrity, a leadership skill that integrates all the above attributes. It is the balance of all parts and manifestations of a person. Personality is holistic when the whole essence of a person is directed as a stream in one direction as if subordinated to a single plan. One wants to follow a leader when he knows not only where to go but also when he broadcasts it with his whole essence. A step toward wholeness is the leader’s awareness of his mission or uniqueness. A person who understands their mission knows or feels what needs to be done while enjoying the process of their activities and life in general.
Preferable Leadership Approach
All employees must have the same level of involvement in the process because this determines the work’s effectiveness. That is why it is always essential for me to have a respected voice and the opportunity to contribute to the organization. I prefer the approach of democratic leadership, which includes motivating workers and explaining how important the work each of them is for the common cause. Organizations with a democratic leadership style have decentralization of authority (Gandolfi & Stone, 2018). All employees actively participate in decision-making and are given a certain amount of freedom. By setting a common goal, the leader often empowers subordinates to develop their purposes within the framework of achieving the common goal.
In the subsequent work, he does not control the process but evaluates its results. In this case, the leader is a link that provides employees with all the necessary resources to achieve the goal. This approach allows employees to be particularly committed to the goals and strategies of the organization. The leader sets a system of standards by showing each employee the significant contribution the leader makes to the common cause (Dugan, 2017). When he evaluates an employee’s performance-whether negative or positive-the main criterion is whether it meets or fails to meet those standards. It has a positive effect on flexibility: the manager declares the final goal and, as a rule, leaves enough freedom to show initiative. It is reasonable in almost any situation because it allows the business to evolve constantly and use new ideas of inspired employees.
The approach to Influencing Others
Transformational leadership is characterized by the ability to effect significant change. A leader of this type changes the organization’s concept of future development, strategy, culture, production, and applied technology. This model is the basis for my management, founded on perspectives, shared values, and new ideas. For example, I try to create collaboration, give meaning to the work of my subordinates, and involve them in the change process. Transformational leadership is based on the leader’s values, beliefs, and qualities, not on the mutual exchange between leader and subordinates (Avery & Bergsteiner, 2011). I always give my colleagues the freedom to control their activities within the delineated boundaries. This way, everyone is involved in the process and learns new ways of working, contributing to increased productivity.
Transformational leadership translates the needs of employees from the lower physiological level to the higher psychological level. Decent wages and good working conditions must meet the needs of the lower level (Gandolfi & Stone, 2018). Nevertheless, I try to provide opportunities for growth and development individually for each person with whom I interact. Moreover, I always try to create a picture of a desirable future and enthuse everyone with the idea of making dreams come true. This picture becomes an action guide and provides other aspects of transformational leadership. Change only happens when people see the goal in front of them and know the organization’s direction. Without perspective, no transformation is possible, and this idea is central to my approach to management.
Self-Improvement
The prospect of career advancement makes numerous people throw themselves into their work, hone their professional skills, and take on new and new projects. However, at some point, professional knowledge and diligence become insufficient to manage a project team successfully. Some people are lucky to be born leaders, but anyone can develop certain qualities. The first goal of development is to build discipline, often lacking, to become a successful leader and set the right example to subordinates. A great way to enhance leadership skills is to take on more responsibility, and the second aim is to take on more projects (Cortellazzo et al., 2019). Getting out of the comfort zone is the only way to learn something new and prove yourself as a proactive employee. Last but not least is expanding and acquiring new knowledge or improving daily skills. The most reasonable way to become a good leader is to learn something new constantly.
The first step to improving leadership is realizing and accepting responsibility for life. The leader’s task is to control undertakings; therefore, it is necessary to understand that success depends directly on one’s efforts. Moreover, the action plan would include questioning how one’s behavior looks from the outside. Accepting remarks about one’s behavior and learning to respond to them adequately is crucial. Creative thinking and resourcefulness automatically make a person a leader in the eyes of others (Cortellazzo et al., 2019). At the same time, motivation is essential, and an action plan will include surrounding the space with inspiring symbols, communicating with optimistic people, and eliminating negative emotions and daily visualization.
Moreover, life attitudes and thoughts are very contagious. Therefore, spending more time communicating with people whose vision is worth adopting makes sense. To enhance motivation, one must imagine achieving goals and enliven that image with bright colors and vivid embodiment. It is possible to apply charismatic leadership theories to achieve one’s goals. It is a form of influencing others through emotional attraction, evoking support, and recognition of leadership. This type of leadership involves criticism as a basis for development and improvement.
The Way of Achieving Self-Improvement
To achieve self-improvement goals, it is essential to follow specific steps and a clear action plan. To develop self-discipline, it is vital to include limitations, control, and compliance with rules and techniques. First, I need to establish a straightforward daily routine, and only when the habit is formed do I allow myself to relax more. The next step should be to make a plan and mark it accomplished. Finally, it is necessary to develop a support team, to appeal to people from the circle and ask for their help. Taking complete responsibility requires the ability to make serious decisions about one’s life independently and fearlessly. The first step toward the goal of taking responsibility is to refrain from blaming others. The next step is determining the circle of influence and real opportunities to change something in each situation. After this, it is necessary to take the most important and last step – action. Even small tasks will help one become more confident and make the management process more accessible and practical.
The last goal is continuous learning and improvement of skills necessary at work and in your personal life. It is believed that the key to success in mastering new things is to study as much as possible. There was even formulated “the rule of 10 thousand hours” – as if that is how much time it takes to become an expert in any field (Cortellazzo et al., 2019). However, research in recent years has revealed that increased practice does not always guarantee excellent results. The first step is concentration and a clear schedule of one hour a day to immerse in the learning process without distractions. The next chance is to prioritize and divide tasks into two lists. It is essential not to take on everything at once but to pay attention to the most necessary first and then move on to the following tasks. The third step is to use different techniques for memorizing information.
Conclusion
Leadership is a social phenomenon, the study of which has interested many scientists of different eras. The relevance of this topic has led to the emergence of diverse approaches and interpretations of the understanding of this phenomenon. Each person is characterized by their management style, but the question of the obligation of its improvement is identical for all. Leadership is determined by qualities of character and likewise by skills and abilities, which can be enhanced or acquired. Therefore, it is crucial to constantly improve and be motivated to handle difficult situations correctly, make quick decisions and manage the team effectively.
References
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Cortellazzo, L., Bruni, E., & Zampieri, R. (2019). The role of leadership in a digitalized world: A review. Frontiers in psychology, 10, 1938.
Dugan, J. P. (2017). Leadership theory: Cultivating critical perspectives. John Wiley & Sons.
Gandolfi, F., & Stone, S. (2018). Leadership, leadership styles, and servant leadership. Journal of Management Research, 18(4), 261-269.
Lakshmi, B. (2014). Leadership ethics in today’s world: Key issues and perspectives. ASCI Journal of Management, 44(1).
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