Leadership is the process by which an individual mobilizes people and resources to achieve a goal. Describe the relationship between leaders and followers
Though they have traits in common, leadership and management both have unique responsibilities that do not necessarily overlap. Distinguish between managerial roles and responsibilities and leadership roles and responsibilities
Power is the ability to influence the behavior of others with or without resistance by using a variety of tactics to push or prompt action. Identify the six different sources of power available to organizational leaders and how leaders can employ these sources of power and influence in a meaningful and ethical way
Structural tactics exploit aspects of the relationship between individual roles and positions. Bilateral tactics, such as collaboration and negotiation, involve reciprocity on the parts of both the person influencing and the target. Unilateral tactics, on the other hand, are enacted without any participation on the part of the target. These tactics include disengagement and fait accompli. Political approaches, such as playing two against one, take yet another approach to exert influence. People tend to vary in their use of power tactics, with different types of people opting for different tactics. For instance, interpersonally-oriented people tend to use soft tactics, while extroverts employ a greater variety of power tactics than do introverts. Studies have shown that men tend to use bilateral and direct tactics, whereas women tend to use unilateral and indirect tactics. People will also choose different tactics based on the group situation and according to whom they are trying to influence. In the face of resistance, people are more likely to shift from soft to hard tactics to achieve their aims.Leaders use social influence to maintain support and order with their subordinates. Differentiate between various methods of influencing others and their role in effective leadership
A clear and well-communicated vision is essential for a leader to gain support and for followers to understand a leader's goals. Explain the relationship among vision, mission, and strategy as it pertains to leadership
Vision and mission are sometimes used interchangeably, but there is a useful distinction between the two. A vision describes an organization's direction, while its mission defines its purpose. By focusing on the value an organization creates, the mission helps prioritize activities and provides a framework for decision-making. Vision also plays a significant role in a leader's strategy for the organization. By setting the direction, a vision underscores the necessity of all the areas of a business working toward the same goal. This unity of purpose often involves changing what is done and how, and aligning the activities and behavior of people is critical to fulfilling a leader's vision. A vision reduces ambiguity and provides focus—two benefits that are especially valuable in turbulent or rapidly changing times. Traits of effective leaders are conditionally dependent and have been debated for years, but researchers have identified some commonalities. Summarize the key characteristics and traits that are predictive of strong leadership capacity
Leaders may adopt several styles according to what is most appropriate in a given situation. Explain how different leadership styles may be adopted according to the demands of a given circumstance
Theories of effective leadership include the trait, contingency, behavioral, and full-range theories. Discuss differing theories and approaches to defining and understanding leadership
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