Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 3

Leadership - Essay Example Leadership is a vital part of being a successful manager. Employees would tend to follow a good leader rather than a manager that does not posses leadership skills and will respond positively to their direction. A poor leader will often fail to win over staff and will have problems communicating with and organizing workers effectively. But what makes a good leader There have been a number of studies that have been carried out in order to answer this question. Some debate that leader's are born with innate abilities, aura or charisma that others will find appealing. While others argues that leaders can be trained to adopt the key attributes of a good leader and if there is desire and will power it is possible to be a good and effective leader. The traits that can be associated with a good leader form into three broad categories. Personality traits of a manager are those characteristics that combine together and form into an appealing personality that would be attractive and would influence others. Personality traits can be further divided into general personality traits and task-related traits. The general personality traits include extraversion, dominance, psychological adjustment and assertiveness. While task-oriented traits can be emotional intelligence, internal locus of control and also flexibility and adaptability to the changing work methods, environments or people. (Kelly, 2007) Motives is another aspect of the traits of a leader. Motives are revealed as the intentions seen in the behavior of leaders. Motives are also evident through the emotional energy which shows how important the leader considers things to be. The motives of the leader need to be clear. The motives are of four forms. Power, drive and achievement, strong work ethics and Tenacity. The power motive involves the leader influencing the actions and behaviors of others. Power is further divided in personalized power motive and socializes power motive. Personalized power motive is when the leaders pursue their own interests and use their power for their own self fulfillment considering it as a form of high-status and luxury. While, socializing power motive is when the leader uses the power in achieving organizational goals and to help others. The second form of motive is drive and achievement motive is very important it means that the leader has the motivation and persistent energy that is need ed in achieving goals. This motive also means that the leader will consider the aims of the organization as their own personal aims and thus, will put in extra effort in finding solutions, planning and taking risks and responsibilities. The strong work ethic motive involved the leader having a strong belief in work dignity. Workers with strong work ethic believe in working hard and not wasting and resources such as time. Intelligence in leader is as important as are other factors. Mental abilities are one of the important traits that a leader must posses. A person that is smart and mentally sharp solves difficult problems, brings a creative edge to the company and also inspires others and comes up as more sensible and thus, motivates people in his or her