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DEFINITION OF LEADERSHIP/FOLLOWERSHIP


DEFINITION OF LEADERSHIP
 
WHAT IS LEADERSHIP
This is a positional head that influence, motivate and mobilize others to work towards achieving the organization goals. In management it is the ability to direct, guide and motivates people towards the attainment of a given set of goals in an organization. A
leader is someone that has the ability to influence a group towards the achievement of goals.

 WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EFFECTIVE LEADER AND EFFICIENT LEADER
Effective
leader lead by examples and accomplishment while Efficient leader motivate subordinate to voluntarily contribute to the organization goals.

THEORY OF LEADERSHIP
Trait Theory: It states that a leader must posses some quality that fit them to lead others. Since it has to do with interpersonal relationship with others leaders must have ambition and intuition.

Situational Theory: This theory state that this type of leaders emerges as a result of need. Such leader will only operate on the situation that leads to his emergence.

TYPE OF LEADERSHIP
Generally, there are three types of leadership: autocratic, laissez fair and democratic leadership. Others are transactional and transformational leadership.

Autocratic leadership:  This is the leadership style in which the leader is seen as one who commands s and expects compliance. He is dogmatic and positive and leads by the ability to withhold or give rewards and punishment. The hallmark of an autocratic leader is that he does not allow subordinates to participate in decision -making process

Democratic Leadership


: Under this form of leadership, the leader consult with subordinates on proposed actions and decisions and encourage participation from them.

Laissez Fair Leadership: This is the type of leadership in which the leader uses his or her power little, if at all. It give subordinate a high degree of independence in their operation. Under this type of leadership the leader depend largely on subordinates to set their own goals and the means of achieving them.

Transactional and Transformational Leadership: This type of leader tends to be inspirational relying on personal charisma, and ongoing trust in the leader’s ability. It also involves empowering team members to act out of self-generated enthusiasm and interest.

Other types of leadership are (1) Toxic Leadership. (2) Behavioral Leadership and (3) Situational Leadership.


NOTE: There is no one best form of leadership, the entrepreneur or management situation will determine the most appropriate form at a point in time.


WHO IS A LEADER
 A leader is an individual who directs, persuades, induces and inspires others to aspire in other to realize the goals of a group or society.

QUALITIES / CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD LEADER
1. He should have a respectable physique.

2. He should have an all round knowledge.

3. He should have an acceptable personality.

4. He should be self-confidence, posses aggressiveness and adaptability personality

5. He should be determined.

6. He should be sociable_ display interpersonal skills etc.

7. He should have listening ears.

8. He should be altruistic_ thinking of his followers before himself.

9. He should be focus.

10. He should posses a good communication skill.

11. He should be empathizing, putting himself in the shoes of his followers.

12. A good leader should be supportive.

13. A good leader should be fearless.
  
 FUNCTIONS OF A GOOD LEADER

1. To formulate and carried out objectives.

2. To asses assignment with fairness.

3. To delegate authority to the followers.

4. To motivate the followers to aspire.

5. To demonstrate examples

6. To co-ordinate the activities of the followers

7. To represent the group's interest.

8. To gather and spread information.

LEADERSHIP STYLES

1. Autocratic Style: It is the use of force, threat and authority to enforce discipline and ensure compliance.

2. Democratic Style: It is involvement of the followers individually and collectively in making decision relating to goals plans etc.

3. Laissez Faire Style: It involves the exercise of a minimum influence on the followers and readiness to advise them on request

4. Affiliative Style: It is the involvement of the followers in the policy thrust of a social group.

5. Pace-Setting Style: It sets standards which the followers are expected to follow.

FOLLOWERSHIP
This is a process or an act of taking instructions from an individual (a leader). In this regards, a follower is a person who obeys and takes instructions from a leader.

QUALITIES / FEATURES OF A FOLLOWER
1.     He should have a sense of understanding.      
2.     He should be patient.
3.     He should be humble.
4.     He should be conscientious.
5.     He should be supportive.
6.     He should be attentive.
7.     He should be co – operative.

 FUNCTIONS OF A FOLLOWER
The following are some of the functions of followers

1.      To obey the leader.
2.     To assist the leader to carry out objectives of a social group.
3.     To accept and execute delegated authority.
4.     To work as a team with others in order to realize objectives of a social group.
5.     To keep the secrets of the social group
6.   To assist the leader in gathering and spreading information

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