'Leadership Essay'

by PO Loretta - Loretta Coste

Engineering Communication & Management II Essay

This piece is being written in context directed specifically at Australian Defence Force organizations.

By the time you have reached the end of this piece you will know, the leadership style you posses and how to use it, and how to distinguish between Authority, Power and Leadership. Always remember that leadership skills are very important attribute to possess in the ever-advancing world of today.

To be a leader is to have the ability to influence the thoughts and activities (behaviour) of a group or organization in the direction of a desired goal.
Being a leader doesn’t necessarily mean you have to be good at something, it can simply be that you are more capable of achieving an outcome than someone else.

It is imperative that you distinguish the difference between Authority, Power and Leadership; Authority is the theoretical ability to influence peoples’ behaviour based on position where as, Power is the ability to influence peoples’ behaviour based on force, and Leadership is the ability to influence peoples’ behaviour based on consent.

Many people assume that when the exercise authority they are automatically exercising leadership, but this isn’t necessarily the case. People may reject a leader but still follow his orders through fear of the power of the organisation he represents. Their actions neither are nor motivated by his ‘leadership’ but by fear of the consequences of disobedience.

Thus, although an appointed rank structure may give a person authority, this will not necessarily make them an effective leader. For leadership to be exercised it is important that the leader be respected by his followers. This respect may depend on the leader’s physical, intellectual and emotional qualities.

Although giving a person some authority may foster the development of his latent powers of leadership, there is also a very real danger that it may stifle them at birth. Some people consider it easier to use (or abuse) authority than it is to be a good leader. After a few initial failures to get his leadership accepted, an inexperienced leader may fall back on the authority of his rank and cling to it on subsequent occasions with attempting to lead.

When a person occupies a position of authority his subordinates look automatically to him for leadership. If he fails to provide it then they turn elsewhere, and when they do, it is to someone in opposition to authority.

In the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) and the Australian Navy Cadets (ANC) each leadership level has an authority delegated from higher levels. This is known as the chain of command and operates in the following matter. When the need for a decision arises, the person in the first position of leadership, in Navy terms a Leading Seaman must first asses whether or not it is in his delegated authority to act then he/she should do so. If not they are to pass it on to their next superior.

Authority and Responsibility

Authority and Responsibility (accountability) must be given in balanced proportions if they are to be effective. To little authority delegated leads to constant reference to higher authority, with a constant lack of initiative at the lower level. Too much authority delegated results in higher authority avoiding their responsibility for decision making. It also encourages the holder to act more arbitrarily without adequate consideration for the effect of his actions/orders on his subordinates.

In other words, if one is held responsible for the actions of a group of people, it is only fair that one be given the authority to control them and vice versa.
Delegated authority is a privilege rather than a right, and can be withdrawn if abused or misused. Misuse or abuse of authority often occurs when a person attempts to ‘throw their weight around’ or ‘pull rank’, or use authority given to them to personal advantage, rather than for the groups benefit or to achieve the task for which the authority was delegated.

Rights and Privileges

Rights are guaranteed entitlements, which cannot be removed except, by legal change, eg the right to vote and the right to free speech. Along with rights come certain duties, such as the duty to defend the country if it is attacked, and the duty to obey the laws of the nation.

Privileges, however, can be removed at any time. Along with privileges come responsibilities. Privileges can be removed when they are abused, or when responsibilities are unfulfilled.

Authority and responsibility, rights and privileges are all major points that come with leadership, and must be maintained effectively to keep the leadership position, which you possess.

There are many ways in which someone can attain a leadership position;

•?Force: Gangs, wars, political or financial pressures.
• Inheritance: Monarchies, family, companies.
• Prestige: Popularity, charisma.
• Appointment: Rank in the RAN/ANC.
• Ability: (knowledge/experience) capable in a situation.

Common Traits Possessed by Leaders

In any group of people there is nearly always someone who stands out as the ‘natural’ leader regardless of whether there exists an appointed rank structure.

The following is a list identified by British Researcher, Tead, and identifies what can make a good leader:
- Physical and nervous energy
- Sense of purpose and direction
- Enthusiasm
- Friendliness and affection
- Integrity
- Technical mastery
- Decisiveness
- Intelligence
- Teaching skills and,
- Faith.

There are three very different types of leadership styles, which vary in accordance with each other, but are easily attainable for the desired purpose.

The first is Autocratic (authoritarian) and below are a few common traits of an Autocratic leader:
- Leader gives priority to tasks rather than people
- Believes in close supervision – narrow span of control
- Minimal concern for friendly relations
- Determines all matters personally
- Gives orders and expects them to be carried out without question
- Doesn’t spoil with too much praise
- Remains aloof from the group
- Any attempt at participation is seen as a challenge of his/her authority.

There are many possible advantages to this kind of leader: It satisfies
sub-ordinates’ lower level needs (eg security). Appropriate where duties must be carried out according to a set of rules.
Being an autocratic leader is often effective in the short term through fear. It fits hierarchical organizations with specialisation of tasks, narrow spans of control and limited delegation. May be the most effective in some situations but requires a strong and effective leader.

The second and one of the most effective leadership styles is Democratic (Participatory). By following this leadership style the leader makes the final decision but only after consulting sub-ordinates to determine their feelings or seeking their ideas. This type of leader also seeks to increase commitment to goals by way of participatory style of management.

Democratic leaders attempt to have organisational and individual goals compatible. Gives praise and criticism in terms of results.

One of the most paramount features of a democratic leader is that they encourage suggestions for new procedures, from both their superiors but also allow for their sub-ordinates to have a greater input into change. They develop participation, opinion giving and decision making as possible.

There are many possible advantages of being a democratic leader including:
- Satisfies subordinates higher needs. Reduces resistance to change
- Leads to greater commitment to organisations goals as they are seen as compatible with personal goals
- Promotes increase in supervisor/sub-ordinate communication.
- Increased co-operation
- Enhances co-ordination of work
- Su-ordinates learn to take initiative
- Quantity and quality of production increases over medium to long term
- Increased output of knowledge
- Leader can devote more time to planning and constructive leadership

Although there are many advantages, there are also a few disadvantages which one must be aware of:
- Total participation is not always possible due to the situation faced
- Time major obstacle
- Some people prefer to be led

The last and most common type of leadership style is Passive (Leave them alone), this style of leader prefers to leave group alone and stays out of decision making, and definitely leaves responsibility to sub-ordinates. A passive leader does not interfere with group decisions, although does make him/herself available for advice when needed, and manages by exception.

A few possible advantages of attaining this leadership style are:
- May be effective where leader of top professionals or research scientists
- Requires self motivated sub-ordinates
- Allows people to achieve self direction and control
- Sub-ordinates able to justify higher level needs.

The following 4 points are some disadvantages of being a passive leader.
- Work may be sloppy, disjointed, and lacking direction
- Possible resentment toward leader for lack of attention
- Lack of co-ordination
- Requires highly self motivated sub-ordinates.

There are basically three broad styles of leadership as explained above: Autocratic, Democratic and Passive. When placed in a position of authority all leaders will adopt a style that falls somewhere along this continuum. It will probably be predominately one of the three styles discussed, but may have aspects of one of both the other two styles. Leadership style, however, is not fixed, and many leaders will change their style of leadership in different situations. The style of leadership adopted will be influenced by the leader’s personal traits, which have already been discussed.

To finish this piece, again the question, ‘which type of leader are you?’ is asked…
It is hoped that after reading this piece you can distinguish the different leadership styles, which one you posses and you can efficiently determine which is the most effective leadership style.

Leadership is in the eye of the people being led.

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