In simple
words, a leader is someone who leads others.
He is a person who influences a group of people; maybe employees or
workers, towards the achievement of a target, an object or a goal. Who is a leader or what is leadership so far
as management is concerned in today’s business environment? After all, what are his role and functions in
an organization? Wikipedia describes
leadership as a process of social influence in which one person can enlist the
aid and support of others in accomplishment of a common task. Today, leadership is one of the important
functions of the management. A manager
issues orders and instructions to his subordinates to get the work done. It is the responsibility of the leader or the
manager to lead, influence or persuade others to move together as a team maintaining
harmony and cooperation. Most
importantly, a leader knows how to guide his team with influence and direct his
subordinates with authority. However,
thanks to his leadership quality, he receives allegiance, loyalty and
cooperation from the entire group.
A leader may
be the first among equals, but, he is able to influence the group and its
activities towards realization of set goals.
A leader has all the necessary qualities; honesty, intelligence and a
handful of other unique traits.
Especially, he should be likeable in the organization as his actions are
much in consistence with his values.
Through his guidance and directions, others in the group get purpose and
directions for their effort and work. A
good leader believes in progress through cooperation, coordination and
collaboration. A leader should consider himself as a part of the team or group he leads.
A good
leader knows his team members and his team members look to him for his wise
guidance and counseling. In that sense,
guidance or counseling can be an assistance given to fellow members to help
them adjust to a particular environment. As per the scriptures; where there is no
guidance, people fall, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. It is more relevant today than ever before
when we see business and risk management go hand in hand. The scripture says; and your ears shall hear
a word behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the
right or when you turn to the left. Only
thing, a leader needs to live up to their expectations and unflinching
trust. As such, it involves
inter-personal relation through which the members or followers receive the
leader’s guidance and support in accomplishing specified goals.
As already
said, a leader can be more effective if he uses leadership influence and
persuasion to lead and guide his subordinates towards the achievement of group
goals and objectives. He uses his
authority and power judiciously wherever it is absolutely necessary. A good leader has many superior traits to
influence the behavior and conduct of the members of his team in the interest
of the organization. Especially, he has
the ability to negotiate and solve conflicts by thrashing the issues
satisfactorily and without any strife.
It is important not only for the management but also for the
organization; it ensures smooth functioning and creates healthy environment in
the organization.
Hence, in
order to maintain good harmony and understanding between the leadership and management, there should be regular meetings and proceedings. When everyone in the group has knowledge and
understanding; it becomes easy for the leader to motivate and inspire his team
of management. And we know management
involves in important functions like coordinating, planning, controlling and
organizing operations for the achievement of the various organizational
objectives. A leader should have the
managerial qualities. He acts as an
intermediary between his subordinates and the top management. Accordingly, everyone; the management as well
as subordinates in the organization are able to receive guidance, advice and
direction in every situation from their inspiring leader.
