Introduction
Leadership is the art of influencing other people to carry out specific tasks in a specific away in order to achieve a common objective. It involves the use of authority in decision making. It is a human factor which binds a group of people and offers motivation towards accomplishment of mutual goals. It is worth noting that the process of leadership comprises the leader, the follower as well as other personality’s variables that usually add value to leadership practices. However, leadership involves both science and art. Leadership practices can only be successful and practical when the two dimensions are embraced (Cammock, 2003).
Notably, leadership science mainly entails observation and categorization of practices involved in leadership. The classification usually results in a more consistent enlightenment of what underlines an effective leader. On the other hand, leadership is an art in the sense that it engages development of rational experiences as far as application of leadership practices is concerned. Of note is that the practice forms the art of leadership (Cammock, 2003). An effective leader should be in a position put into practice leadership science until the time when he gains instinct. There are believes that a leader is born and not made (Nahavandi, 2008).
However, whether a leader is born or made he should be in possession of instinctive awareness. Apart from possessing intuitive knowledge a leader should have ample experience as well as self discipline. This is necessarily because experience will actually help a leader to offer excellent leadership without having to think about the key basics of leadership (Cammock, 2003). Practice will allow him/her to lead more effectiveness without having to waste time. As an art, a leader learns from his work, makes modifications and changes while offering the best to his/her followers. Through a clear comprehension of the process and system which a leader should adapt in order to offer good and effective leadership, he/she will be able to influence his group or organization in a positive way. In addition such leaders would lead their followers in the right direction while creating reality on the ground. However, the techniques and practices that are usually found in science leadership involve persistence as well as trailing until they are completely absorbed by the leader. These practices and tests should be part and parcel of a leader (Nahavandi, 2008).
Additionally, the steady experimentation as well as practices allows the behaviors, relationships as well as the work of leaders to become spontaneous. A leader can only become competent through adequate practice which is an art and learning through observation which is an authentic science (Nahavandi, 2008).A part from possessing intrinsic traits, a quality leader should depict authoritativeness, should have the potential to deal with crisis and conflicts in the organization. No leader is a good leader if he can not provide solutions to issues in an organization or a group. Therefore a quality leader should be confident in. speech as well as actions. The aspects of science and art are essential regardless of whether the leader practices, autocratic, democratic or free rein leadership styles (Nahavandi, 2008).
Qualities of a Great Leader
A great leader is who offers effective leadership which helps in doing away or reducing crisis or conflict in an organization. He is also a person who motivates and inspires people into reaching their stipulated goals and objectives. A good leader does not create panic or fear to his juniors as fear would reduce the morale of the employees thereby reducing their productivity in an organization (Nahavandi, 2008). He/she should strive to ensure that all the employees are lead in the best way possible and they are always motivated. Therefore, there are a number of traits that makes a great leader. These qualities include honesty which is an essential quality of a good leader. Honesty to oneself and to your followers is necessarily in leadership. Through honesty, a leader is considered reliable but if leader loses his integrity, then the followers will not put their trust on him or her (Daft, 2007).
A great leader should also be patient enough in order to maintain balance, peace and harmony in the organization. If a leader loses his temper, then he will most likely instill fear in his followers thereby leading to failure in goals accomplishment. Quality leaders should consider emotions, crisis as well as conflicts as part and parcel of their daily undertaking. Confidence is another quality of a good leader (Nahavandi, 2008).A leader should have confident when controlling and guiding his followers. If a leader depicts doubts and panic through his eyes, he gives an indication that he cannot be reliable.
Another trait is dedication. A leader should be fully dedicated to his work. He should also work tirelessly in order to ensure the well being of his juniors as well the productivity and growth of the organization. Leadership dedication triggers employees’ openness thus enhancing a good relationship between the leader and his follower. An open relationship with the employees increases the inspiration and motivation to the employees. Therefore a leader should be fanatical about his role as a leader (Daft, 2007).
Focus on the organizations goals and mission is also essential as far as success of a company is concerned. A good leader should be focused in order to ensure that there are no obstacles towards achievement of an organizations goal. A leader who is focused guarantee that all setbacks are handled in soonest time possible thereby enhancing progress in an organization or a group. A leader should also be consistent and avoid radical changes which may actually affects the performance of an organization (Nahavandi, 2008).
Notably, a person who has poor communication skills cannot make a good leader. This is because effective communication skills help in giving command and instructions, offering guidance as well as representing an organization and group in various organizations’ functions. How would a leader offer leadership if he/she cannot speak effectively (Daft, 2007). All in all, a leader should be in a position to motivate others since this is one of his moral responsibilities. A leader who interferes with the morale of the employees’ leads the organization to collapse and so he is not a good leader. A good leader should practice persuasive leadership which will offer encouragement to his juniors. He should also acknowledge and appreciate the achievements of his followers and at the same time create a favorable atmosphere which would ensure better performance (Daft, 2007).
Leadership Failure
A leader may fail in his duties if he does not accept corrections, guidance from his seniors as well as juniors. Notably, a leader who is not competent enough can actually fail in his duties. Competency can actually be realized through practice and learning. A leader who is not wiling to learn can not prosper (Nahavandi, 2008). Continuous learning and practices enhances good leadership therefore, if a leader does embrace these two aspects of leadership then he is destined for a failure (Daft, 2007).
Additionally, leaders should not feel superior towards his juniors as this will lead to development of pride which will affect his role as leader thereby causing failure. Conversely, a leader can try to fix his traits and behavior in order to correct the mistake which almost made him to fail. He can examine the reason for his near failure and try to change towards bettering his leadership practices. Through critical observation, he will be in a position to learn his mistakes and try to correct them (Nahavandi, 2008).
Conclusion
I have learnt that good leadership comprises of both art and science. The art involves the practice while the leadership science is through learning through observation, categorization of practices involved in leadership which in turn gives the qualities of an effective leader. One can only be an effective leader if he practices extensively and at the same time learn. Practices and learning creates experiences which helps one to be effective since one does not require revisiting the fundamentals of good leadership in the due course of his work (Daft, 2007).
The person I would go for during leadership dilemma is probably a person in the most senior management. This is because this person has gone through the management ladder due to his qualities and experiences which he has acquired through practice and learning. He is the best mentor because he has ample experience and most probably, he has faced numerous challenges before getting to his current position. He has learnt, practiced and demonstrated good leadership which has made him reach that far (Daft, 2007).
Reference:
Cammock, C. (2003). The dance of leadership: the call for soul in 21st century leadership, Edition2, New York: Prentice Hall, 2003.
Daft, R. (2007).The leadership experience, Dryden Press Series in Management, Edition4, California: Cengage Learning, 2007.
Nahavandi, A. (2008).The art and science of leadership, Edition5, New York: Prentice Hall, 2008.
