Leadership
Abstract
The following paper discusses the different aspects and definitions that create the concept of leadership. To first create my own theory on the definition of leadership, I have researched other scholars’ thoughts on this topic. To truly understand the concept of leadership, I must understand where the idea originated and how it was defined through history. Also, during my research on leadership, I found there is a substantial amount of information defining management and leadership and explaining how the two concepts relate. My theory on leadership is a compilation of the theories of other scholars combined with my personal and professional experiences.
Definitions of Leadership
I think Ronald Reagan states it best in his statement, “Leadership is to grasp and hold a vision, that is the very essence of successful leadership” (Oxford University Press). According to J. Thomas Wren, the author of The Leader’s Companion,
“Leadership has been conceived as the focus of group processes, as a matter of personality, as a matter of introducing compliance, as the exercise of influence, as particular behaviors, as a form of persuasion, as a power relation, as an instrument to achieve goals, as an effect of interaction, as a differentiated role, as initiation of structure” (Wren, 38).
Throughout history, leadership has been defined by specific attributes that a leader is thought to have. There is not a right or wrong definition of leadership, but it is important to know the roots and history behind the term.
Leaders Throughout History
According to the text, The Leader’s Companion, the word “leader” dates back as early as the year 1300 but the word “leadership” did not appear until the first half of the nineteenth century. Written principles were created as early as 5,000 years ago in Egyptian hieroglyphics for leadership (seshemet), leader (seshemu) and the follower (shemsu) (Wren, 50). Leaders during that time were seen as prophets, kings, priests, and chiefs. It seems as though blood and class played an important role in defining leadership during that period.
The Greeks described leaders as heroic and inspirational individuals. An example of this is seen in Homer’s Iliad. During this age, aspects of leadership were defined by, “justice and judgment, wisdom and counsel, shrewdness and cunning, and valor and activism” (Wren, 50).
Hegel believed that in order to be an effective leader you must first act as a follower to understand where the followers are coming from (Wren, 50). I believe Hegel understood that in order to fully serve the people, you must initially know first hand the important issues that affect the people you are serving.
Leader vs. Manager
As it has been shown throughout history, there are many dissertations on the definition of leadership. When analyzing the concept of leadership, I questioned, is leadership the same as today’s managers? What I have discovered is there is a vast difference between the two types of individuals.
Leaders are seen as innovators, individuals that have a vision and inspire their following. The attributes of leaders that come to mind are charismatic, enlightening, passionate, risk taker or proactive. Leaders tend to take risks and push against the grain in the hopes of achieving a long-term goal or vision. Manager may be described as organize, stability, practice oriented and avoids conflict. After comparing the roles and attributes of leaders compared to managers, I wondered, can leaders be managers?
I do believe that a manager can be a leader and vice versa but not all managers can act as a leader. A blog on Leadership v. Management describes this idea as, “a leader is someone who knows where to go. Management skills are how they actually get there.” (McCarthy, 2008). This may take a little give and take between the two personality qualities in order to maintain balance. Imagine the qualities of management and leadership being weighed on a scale. For example, a manager can be passionate and be leading their workers toward a specific vision. A manager can be motivated and create a sense of urgency but to keep the business afloat they must maintain order and also obtain a good social standing. Leaders have historically been known to veer away from traditional views and rise up with a new perspectives and beliefs. This can create hostility amongst others that are not willing to change. I believe the test of a great manager is one that can incorporate their leadership qualities into their work.
The above is a visual of the balancing of management qualitites and leadership tendencies (ICS 655 Seminar).
Personal View on Leadership
The term leadership throughout history has molded into many different meanings. What I have learned from my research is that one cannot pinpoint the exact definition of a leader, but can create their own ideas. I view a leader to be a person that is a visionairy, that works for a long term goal. Martin Luther King, for example, had his vision or dream. He led by example, created a following, and made an impact on history. I believe the test of a great leader is if their vision can break through the boundaries of communication and make their dream, your dream.
Bibliography
Wren, J. Thomas. (1995). The Leader’s Companion: Insights on Leadership
Through the Ages. New York, N.Y. The Free Press.
McCarthy, Dan. (2008). Leadership vs. Management. Retrieved on January 19,
2008 from http://www.leadership501.com/node/4/leadership-vs-
management.
Oxford University Press. Leadership definition. Retrieved on January 19, 2008
from http://www.oup.com.
ICS 655 Seminar. Muncie, IN. 16, January, 2008.