Leadership in Times of Change : Chapter 1

If you ask people to identify a leader in a group, they can probably point out without much difficulty the one, who stands out for his/her leadership qualities.

They will recognize his/her ability to influence others and get them to do things that sometimes exceed initial expectations. We recognize leaders for their achievements and their ability to lead, motivate, inspire others.

But How do They do That Exactly?

The results are tangible, but the qualities, attributes, and approaches used by leaders can vary considerably. Some will be bold while others will adopt a more cautious attitude. Some will be driven by the need to achieve while others will aim instead to create a harmonious work environment that is conducive to the achievement of organizational goals.

In truth, there are several styles of leadership.

In recent decades, hundreds of studies have examined the concept and many theories have been put forward to explain how it works. Without knowing all the details, we are now able to better understand the aspects that contribute to leadership.

Few people can claim to have all the key characteristics required for effective leadership. However, most people with an influential role have many assets that allow them to take on leadership roles, formally or informally. A good understanding of these assets is the essential starting point to choose one’s actions and improve one’s efficiency. It is the same with the knowledge of one’s limits and possible areas for improvement.