THE CONCEPT OF LEADERSHIP
Leadership is an essential part of human life. It is represented in almost every area of life and social systems. It is a critical part of development in humans and society at large. Leadership is the most important activity on earth because it determines the destiny of the followers. In this dissertation we would be explaining the concept of leadership and its impact on human development.
LEADERSHIP DEFINITION :
Leadership in its simplest term is the action of leading a group of people or an organization.
Leadership can also be defined as the ability to command authority or to exact influence on a group of people or subordinates(followers).
Leadership is an act of taking up lead responsibility over a group of people who has placed their trust over an individual for the purpose of clarity and orderliness within the people or an organization.
Leadership has often been recognized and misconstrued merely as a "position" rather than a "disposition". The "Act of leadership'' is different from "Leadership" itself. Everyone has the potential of becoming a leader. Leadership is inherent in every human being. An orange seed cannot become a tree that produces oranges without burying the seed in a fertile ground and also being affected generally speaking by the components of nature(water, sunlight). Leadership must be developed and adequately worked on to reach its maximum potential. In a nutshell, leadership is the manifestation of certain attitudes that separates you from the average person. Leadership are strong moral values, and ethics. It is character unbending that is founded on truth and principles. Leadership is an unwavering belief in one's conviction of the truth.
The position of leadership is dynamic and so every leader must possess leadership qualities to be able to circumvent obstacles, oppositions and future contingencies. A leader must also possess leadership qualities before assuming the position of leadership. The foundation of leadership is a sound self image.
Leadership is also a form of followership. A leader is constantly learning and trying to improve. The moment a leader stops learning, he stops being a leader regardless of the position the leader occupies at that moment.
WHO IS A LEADER ? :
A leader is an embodiment of ideas, skill, knowledge, qualities that are convictions which in essence becomes a reflection of the followers or organization.
A leader is one who occupies the position of leadership and is able to influence decisions and proceedings for the benefit of his followers. A leader by virtue of position is able to impact rather than impose on his followers what he or she represents or believes as a person. A leader provides conviction about the future. A leader creates commitment in other people to pursue strategy and success.
A leader is responsible for the progress or retardation amongst his followers or an organization. He makes decisions that can have positive or negative impact on his followers. He is expected to live and also manifest good and exemplary lifestyles to the subordinates. It is incumbent on a leader to learn the necessary diplomatic ways of dealing with followers.
-Empathy
-Discipline
-Firm decision making
-Understanding
-Constructive criticism.
-Impartiality.
These qualities and more are critical qualities that a leader must possess. As much as these qualities are important, having them alone is not necessarily enough but knowing how and when to apply each of them are tantamount to the qualities themselves.
COST OF LEADERSHIP :
Most people desire the positions of leadership which in general are not inordinate, but are unwilling and unable to match or go through the rigorous requirements of becoming a leader. Bad leadership in all areas of life has come at a cost. A lot of the so-called "leaders" have assumed the position of leadership in various ways and manners that have negatively affected the followers and the condition of life in general.
Qualified leaders have been denied several leadership positions for so many reasons. Sentiments, nepotism and the power of incumbency in some regions of the world has all been a negative effect on leadership selection and has painfully led to decadence of values and morality in humans and the social system. In some cases qualified leaders have been victims of oppression as a result of a failed system. In some scenarios where leaders have been pressured to fit in with the demands of their environment, their impeccable qualities and standard begins to erode them unconsciously and they change to something entirely different. All these are coherent factors that negate and impede leadership development.
The truth remains that true leaders do not vacillate, they stand the test of time.
THE POWER OF VALUES IN LEADERSHIP :
Leadership in another word is character and according to one of Dr. Myles Munroe's journals on "How to restore broken character", he explained that character is manifested when your values, principles and morals are tested or tried. He also stated that one's values which are convictions are proven by test and not mere pronouncement.
Values are more important than rules because rules that do not resonate with one's values can be jettisoned. If values are broken or not heeded to, then the bond of trust with the followers or organization is broken too. Trust is the currency of leadership and it is a reason why a leader is successful.
Values shape the followers or organization.
Values become a culture which is widely accepted.
Values can also create or destroy.
Lastly values outlive goals. You are always remembered for what you stood for.
THE EFFECT OF GOOD LEADERSHIP :
There will always be effects and consequences of leadership whether it is dispensed rightly or wrongly. The effect of good leadership has a long lasting impression on the followers, organization and life in general.
A follower who is under the tutelage and mentorship of a good leader and is witnessing first hand values and morals would want to assume the same disposition in every other area of his life, be it family or social circle.
Proximity to good leadership qualities helps to mitigate the possibility of the numbers of followers who are hell bent on destroying the structure laid down by good and effective leadership.
Good leadership is paramount than the number or size of followers or organization. Good leadership does not act tentatively therefore reducing the apprehension of the followers which in essence directs focus and energy with meticulous precision the possibility of an unprecedented level of growth or development among the followers or an organization.
Furthermore good leadership brings to cognizance the objectivity of unity among followers or an organization.
THE IMPACT OF LEADERSHIP FAILURE :
Where incompetent and ineptitude people are inadvertently or purposely given the task of leadership positions, it's impact is conspicuous and generally detrimental to the followers and organization.
Leadership failure is sinister. It leads to the plummet of trust on the side of the followers which can lead to disorder and retrogression. Leadership failure cannot be trivialized. Most of the institutions and social bodies are functioning at very low capacity and frequency as a result of leadership failure.
Bad leadership is susceptible to external influences that can aggravate the position and outcome of internal deliberations.
Leadership failure limits the potential of ideas, skills and qualities that are latent in the followers as a result of the inability to create platforms that are conducive and orderly for the followers to express these qualities.
Leadership failure impedes or slows down the progress and development of the followers or organization. Lastly bad leadership translates to bad followership which is clearly represented in our family, state, nation and to a larger extent the world.
In summary, everyone is inherently a leader and so must make an effort to develop their potential so we can make our environment a better place.
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