VISH

Leadership is prevalent in all spheres of life. Leadership is not limited to organizations and politics only. We see the applications of leadership in informal groups, team projects and even day-to-day activities like in the families.

The concept of leadership

Leadership has been described as the “process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task”. (Chemers, M. M. ,2002). Dr Gillette of the Center for Information and Communication Sciences at Ball State University in his essay "Measuring leadership commitment and engagement for information Renaissance communities” defined leadership in three words “Develop an inspiring vision” (Gillette, J.E., n.d.)

The leadership in my view is an art of influencing and guiding the group activities towards achieving group goals. This seems rational to me as groups are formed with some common goal even the social groups. Following are some of the definitions that provide similar views about leadership:-

"Leadership is a process of giving purpose (meaningful direction) to collective effort, and causing willing effort to be expended to achieve purpose.” Jacobs & Jaques (1990, p.281)

"Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal." Northouse (2004, p 3)

The concept of leadership in information renaissance of 21st century

The Information Renaissance of 21st Century is mainly due to advancement in various fields of technology. This information renaissance has changed the methods of communication and ways of accessing information. It has enhanced the skills sets of leaders as well as followers. The competition has become more intense in the professional settings. Knowledge management and competitive intelligence have become more important.

Taichi Sakaiya has explained the concept of knowledge value as “the price of wisdom” and “the value created by wisdom”. (Sakaiya, 1991). Dr Gillette in his essay "Leadership for the Information Renaissance: Clarity, Challenges, Opportunity" paraphrased the knowledge value concept given by Taichi Sakaiya as “add knowledge-value to everything you touch”.
(Gillette, J.E., n.d.)

The Characteristics of effective leader in information renaissance of 21st century
L- Learner for life
E -Excellent communicator
A -Admirable
D Determined
E-Excellent motivator
R-Resourceful

Learner for life

It is important for leaders of current scenario to constantly update themselves. Competitive intelligence and knowledge management are keys to success. Effective leader is not perfect. Effective leader understands his weaknesses and try to overcome them.

Excellent communicator

Leadership and communication have an inter-relationship. The effective communication is crucial to leader's success.

Admirable

The authenticity pays a lot in leadership. That gives you followers. The sincere following is half the battle won. The leader should have self respect not ego. The leader should be compassionate, kind and empathetic. He understands that the individuality of people and lack prejudice. He is even-sighted.

Determined

Effective leader exercise initiative, He has a lot of patience and also take calculated risk at times. Decision making is unwavering, accurate and prompt.

Effective motivator

The effective leaders have a clear vision and they inspire their group for its realization. The effective leaders are excellent motivators.

Resourceful

An effective leader uses his resources very well and he has the ability to act effectively especially in difficult situations. He is reliant and courageous. He has lot of self confidence. He is systematic and self disciplined.

Works Cited

1. Chemers, M. M. (2002). Cognitive, social, and emotional intelligence of transformational leadership: Efficacy and Effectiveness. In R. E. Riggio, S. E. Murphy, F. J. Pirozzolo (Eds.), Multiple Intelligences and Leadership
2 Gillette,J.E. n.d. Measuring leadership commitment and engagement for information Renaissance communities
3 Gillette,J.E. n.d. Leadership for the Information Renaissance: Clarity, Challenges, Opportunity
4 Jacobs, T. O., & Jaques, E. (1990). Military executive leadership. In K. E. Clark and M. B.
Clark (Eds.), Measures of leadership. West Orange, New Jersey: Leadership Library of America,
pp 281.
5 Northouse, P.G. (2004). Leadership : Theory and practice, Thousand Oaks, Sage Publications.
6 Taichi Sakaiya (1991). The Knowledge- value revolution or a history of the future. New york and Tokyo: Kodansha International, pp 235-237.