Business Management
Select ONE of the concepts highlighted and describe how you could use that new knowledge in a leadership career. (Citation only as required.)
1. Leadership Theories:
Fundamental to understanding leadership is a body of theories that should be studied to develop an individual framework for what leadership is or is not. Leadership, on the outset, appears to be straightforward and complements other elements such as organizations and followers. However, each of these theories produces a more complex premise about leadership that often vary significantly from other theories on this topic. (Malos, n.d., pg. 413-414) Therefore, it is essential to analyze these theories to understand this discipline better and practice it effectively.
2. Leadership Competencies:
Beyond the theoretical debate, “Is a leader born or made?” are actual competencies leaders need to successfully contribute to their roles and communities. These competencies consist of abilities one naturally possesses complemented by skills that can be learned. Leaders should inventory their competencies, compare them to what the leadership position requires, and work to fill any gaps with education and coaching. Leaders need to be sufficiently skilled in their current and future positions.
3. Strategic Thinking Skills:
One of the most vital leadership competencies is strategic thinking. Every leader thinks, but strategic thinking is a critical skill that requires development and practice. Strategic thinking can be a logical, creative, or combined process used to generate thoughts and create a future for a person or organization. (Bradford, 2020, para. 1, 2) Strategic thinkers exercise their ability to see beyond the horizon of possibilities and bring a vision closer to fruition.
4. Culture of Innovation:
Culture and innovation are two buzz words in today’s leadership lexicon. Individually, these concepts are essential to any organization, but together they are a powerhouse duo. Most companies have a vision statement or set of priorities that include growth but are stifled by a rigid culture that discourages innovation. An organization that sees failure as mistakes of enthusiasm and flattens decision-making to the lowest level possible will foster a vibrant culture that embraces innovation and exponential growth. (Biro, 2020, paras. 6, 9)
5. Emotional Intelligence:
Another emerging factor shaping leadership effectiveness is emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is one’s ability to perceive, understand, and manage the emotions of oneself and others. (Cherry, 2020, paras 11-14) A leader who applies emotional intelligence has a greater sense of self-awareness, empathizes with others better, and is prone to slowing down and thinking prior to making an emotional decision. (Cherry, 2020, paras 17-19) In other words, this is a relational skill that helps build an emotional connection between ourselves and others.
6. Followership:
Though leadership is the main focus of this discussion, followership is an essential component of the conversation. Followers make up one-third of an organizational triade, including context and leadership. (Harvard Kennedy School, 2009) Followership brings relevance to leadership in a symbiotic relationship; one cannot exist without the other. The power of followers derives from their collective strength in numbers, ideas, skills, and experiences.
7. Crisis Leadership:
Leadership is easy when everything is going well; however, when a crisis strikes, leadership is tested, and character is revealed. The ability to manage unexpected circumstances is key to being a crisis leader. Though crisis leadership skills can be taught, development often comes from experience. A crisis leader must be able to decisively solve problems, navigate a quickly shifting landscape, provide timely communication, and sift through a flood of information to find relevant and actionable intelligence. (The Wall Street Journal, 2015, paras. 8-14)
