Leadership And Management

Success in today’s challenging society implores leadership and management as an essentiality. Leadership ensures effectivity in an organization and in managing change. Leaders use power to influence people in the direction and goals set. Management deals with planning, organizing, leading, controlling and coordinating skills

Managers have subordinates and would best pose an authoritarian, transactional style of power over them. It is usually vested on him through formal authority.

Subordinates are tasked to do duties assigned to them by the manager. In return, they receive compensation which mainly comprise wages . Managers aim to be harmonious individuals so as to avoid conflict that may be detrimental for the organization. They are risk-averse.

If there are leaders then there are followers. In essence, those who follow do such act voluntarily. Leaders are an inspiration to his people. Leaders need to have a personal charismatic approach that lures people to take risks. Leaders have a transformational style of handling people. Their effective style leads to loyal personnel. They focus on achievements of their personnel and act as motivator, especially with regards to achieving their mission.

Leaders are able to find solutions to threats. They have independent minds. Leadership styles vary depending on the situation. Competencies include: decision-making, problem solving, managing power and influence, motivating employees, and building trust. Teamwork is highly encouraged by leaders. As a whole, a leader must have people skill.

He must lead by example. The norms the leader sets are then followed. Leaders seek for the truth. He follows what is right. He must be decisive in his decisions- this is a strategic advantage. There must be consistency in decision-making. Leaders ensure that subordinates have the appropriate training and knowledge to achieve goals and missions

According to Colin Powell, former US secretary of state: “Effective leaders are made, not born”..

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