The Nature of Leadership
One of the most discussed issues in America today is that of Leadership. What makes a person a leader? What makes an outstanding leader? Are they born with leadership traits? Can an effective leader be "self-made"? Can a leader be a leader in any number of situations? Here is what we know about "Outstanding Leaders"
Portrait of an Outstanding Leader
1. Sets a positive example as a person
a. Competent - knows the job
b. Unique individual - creative
c. Self-motivated, self-confident & self-directed
d. High integrity & high standards e. Sense of purpose & commitment
f. Works harder than others
g. Continually searching, learning & developing
2. Takes a dynamic approach to activities
a. Action oriented - has drive & enthusiasm b
. Seeks new & better ways
c. Persuasive - "effective salesperson"
d. Sees things through to completion
e. Looks for new challenges
f. Has well defined, meaningful goals
g. Willing to take a position & accept responsibility
3. Brings out the best in people
a. Strong people orientation - respect for human dignity
b. Skilled in motivational processes
c. Inspires people to achieve goals
d. Has confidence in people
e. Communicates effectively
f. Brings about cooperation & coordination
g. Helps people achieve their full potential
4. Demonstrates skill in directing activities
a. Integrates all areas of activities
b. Accurate sense of "when" & "how much" in each situation
c. Cuts through complexity & sorts out irrelevancies
d. Provides practical solutions to difficult problems
e. Develops contingency plans
f. Maintains control of all situations
g. Displays simplicity in all actions

The Nature of Leadership

1. The Great-Man Approach

a. Birth
b. Blood
c. Supernatural

2. The Trait Approach

a. Physical
b. Psychological

3. The Behavioral Approach

a. Successful leadership styles
b. Effective leadership styles

4. The Situational Approach

a. The Hersey/Blanchard Model
b. The Path-Goal Approach

5. Modern Approach

a. Charismatic
b. Transformational

Successful vs. Effective Leaders

Look let's look carefully at the difference between successful and effective leaders.

Successful leadership is the ability to get others to behave as the manager intended. In effective leadership, people perform in accordance with the manager's intention & find this a path to the satisfaction of their needs.

Successful Leaders
Leader Motto Behavior
Bureaucrat "We go by the book" Follows the letter of the law
Zealot "We do things my way" Is task oriented & has little concern for people
Machiavellian "We use people" Treats individuals as things to be outwitted & exploited
Climber "I walk over anyone I can" Good with people but has no interest in them
Exploiter "When I bark, they jump" Uses pressure & fear to get things done
Missionary "We love one another" A soft manager who prizes harmony above all else
Temporizer "We bend to the strongest pressure" Reacts to the individual who seems to have the most clout
Effective Leaders
Leader Motto Behavior
Entrepreneur "Only achievers need apply" Offers challenges & opportunities to succeed
Developer "People are our most important resource" Delegates & consults but keeps effective control
Integrator "We build consensus & commitment" Shares the leadership. Gives a great amount of freedom & authority
Gamesman "We win together" A sharp manager who challenges & rewards contribution
Craftsman "We do important work as perfectly as we can" Motivated by a desire for excellence in self & in others
Coach "I call the shots, but we all work together 
as a team"		 Supportive of others but concerned with the goals of the organization