Leadership

The roles of being a manager and being a leader are often intertwined, so much so that it is sometimes difficult to separate them and make exact definitions of each.

Whilst the term 'management' tends to be concerned with the organising of people, delegating tasks, allocating resources, ensuring tasks are completed on time etc, 'leadership' usually focuses on the ability of the leader to motivate and inspire others to achieve those goals.

When answering the question "what is leadership?", most answers revolve around the personality traits which a leader possesses that enables them to get subordinates on board in order to achieve the organisation's objectives.

Leadership Training

Many of the qualities that a leader possesses which make them effective are to a large extent part of their personality, which means that no amount of training could make them proficient in certain traits. However, leadership training plays a vital role in developing and improving upon the base level of qualities that already exist within the person, even if they are well-hidden within a person and require a number of coaching sessions to bring them out.

By embarking on a leadership training programme, a leader will improve and expand upon those qualities that make them an effective leader. When combined with management training courses, these leadership qualities and management ability will create a person who can lead their organisation or department through the numerous challenges which it may encounter in the future, as well as working towards achieving the set goals and objectives.

What Makes a Good Leader?

The qualities that make up a good leader are subject to some debate, but the most effective leaders are usually charismatic individuals who are able to inspire and motivate those beneath them in the organisational hierarchy to 'buy-in' to the objectives and work diligently towards their achievement.

An effective leader will often instil a high level of teamwork amongst the group, allowing for greater collaboration and quicker achievement of tasks. If the leader is well-respected and held in high regard by those working for them, workers will often strive to impress the leader and gain their praise.
 

Leadership Objectives

Different objectives require different styles of leadership, and the leadership qualities that achieve one set of objectives may not be that well suited to the achievement of different goals.

For example the leader of a research and development team may need to be a charismatic, creative individual who can inspire others to generate and develop new ideas.

On the other hand, the leader of an army unit will need to be a decisive, no-nonsense individual who is good at enforcing discipline.