LEADERSHIP Flashcards
Leadership
Definition: The process of influencing, motivating, and enabling others to work collaboratively towards shared goals. It involves setting a clear direction, building a team, and fostering an environment where individuals feel empowered to contribute..
Key Characteristics:
Visionary
Decisive
Empathetic
Communicative
Adaptable
Why it’s Important: Strong leadership helps teams, organizations, and even societies function effectively and progress.
Importance of Leadership
Provides Direction and Vision:
Leaders define a clear path forward, setting goals, creating strategies, and aligning teams towards a common purpose.
Motivates and Inspires:
Effective leaders energize their teams, instilling a sense of enthusiasm and commitment towards shared objectives.
Cultivates a Positive Work Environment:
Leaders foster a culture of collaboration, respect, trust, and open communication, creating space for people to thrive.
Drives Innovation:
Leaders encourage new ideas, challenge the status quo, and support calculated risk-taking, leading to progress and improvement.
Manages Change:
Leaders navigate through transitions and uncertainty smoothly, helping teams adapt and embrace change for continued success.
Autocratic (Authoritarian) Leadership
A leadership style characterized by strict control and decision-making authority residing solely with the leader. Leaders provide clear instructions and expect them to be followed precisely.
Key Characteristics of Authoritarian leadership
Centralized decision-making
One-way communication (top-down)
Emphasis on obedience and following rules
Limited input from team members
Situations where Authoritarian leadership might be effective:
Crisis situations requiring quick decisions
Tasks with clear steps and procedures
Teams with limited experience or expertise
Potential downsides of Autocratic leadership
Stifles creativity and innovation
Can lead to low morale and disengagement
Hinders development of team members’ skills
Creates a single point of failure (leader burnout)
Democratic Leadership Style
Encourages team participation in decision-making
Values input and ideas from all members
Fosters collaboration and teamwork
Leaders act as facilitators and guides
Keywords for Democratic Leadership
Consensus-driven
Inclusive
Empowering
Team-oriented
Benefits of Democratic Leadership
Increased employee engagement
Improved problem-solving
Higher morale and job satisfaction
More creative solutions
Challenges of Democratic Leadership
Can be slow decision-making
Requires strong facilitation skills from leader
May not be suitable for all situations (e.g., crisis)
Relies on effective communication
Laissez-Faire Leadership Style
- A hands-off leadership approach
- Leaders delegate tasks and decision-making to team members.
- Minimal leader involvement in day-to-day work
- Emphasis on individual autonomy and responsibility
Key Characteristics of Laissez-Faire Leaders
- High trust in team members’ abilities
- Belief in self-direction and motivation
- Minimal supervision or guidance
- Focus on providing resources and support
Advantages of Laissez-Faire Leadership
- Promotes creativity and innovation
- Encourages self-reliance and problem-solving
- Can be effective with highly skilled, experienced teams
- Low-stress environment for employees
Disadvantages of Laissez-Faire Leadership
- Lack of direction can lead to confusion
- Can stifle growth with less experienced teams
- Requires highly motivated individuals to thrive
- Accountability can become unclear
Transactional Leadership Style
Focuses on exchange of effort & rewards
Clear expectations & goals for performance
Motivates with rewards & punishments (carrots & sticks)
Emphasizes efficiency & achieving objectives
Key Components of Transactional Leadership
Contingent rewards: Providing rewards (bonuses, promotions) for achieving goals.
Management by exception (active): Closely monitoring for deviations from standards & correcting them.
Management by exception (passive): Intervening only when problems arise.
Strengths of Transactional Leadership
Effective in achieving clear, short-term goals
Maintains order & stability
Clear structure & expectations for employees
Efficient task completion
Limitations of Transactional Leadership
Limited focus on employee growth & development
Doesn’t foster creativity or innovation
Can lead to a fear-based work environment
May not be suitable for complex or changing situations
Transactional Leadership vs. Emotions
Transactional Leadership: Focuses on task completion & exchange (rewards & punishments). Less emphasis on emotions.
Emotional Intelligence: Leaders understand & manage their own emotions, and those of others. Can be applied in any leadership style.
Transactional Leadership & Negative Emotions
Transactional leadership’s focus on achieving results can lead to stress or fear in employees if not balanced with emotional intelligence.
Ex: Micromanagement or harsh criticism can demotivate employees.
Transactional Leadership with Emotional Intelligence
Transactional leaders who use emotional intelligence can be effective motivators.
Ex: Providing specific praise & recognition alongside rewards strengthens positive emotions & reinforces desired behaviors.
The Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Emotional intelligence can enhance any leadership style, including transactional leadership.
Leaders who understand emotions can build stronger relationships, improve communication & create a more positive work environment.
Transactional Leadership & Lower-Level Needs
Transactional leadership often addresses lower-level needs in Maslow’s hierarchy.
Ex: Providing a salary (physiological), job security (safety), and performance-based bonuses (esteem) can motivate employees to achieve goals.
Limitations of Transactional Leadership for Higher Needs
Transactional leadership may not fully address higher-level needs in Maslow’s hierarchy (belonging, self-actualization).
Ex: Focus solely on rewards and punishments may not inspire creativity, innovation, or a sense of purpose
Combining Transactional Leadership with Other Styles
Transactional leadership can be effective when combined with other styles that address higher-level needs.
Ex: A transactional leader who also uses a transformational style can provide rewards while inspiring a shared vision and growth opportunities.
Transactional vs. Autocratic Leadership
Similarities:
Both emphasize clear expectations and achieving goals.
Leaders provide direction and structure.
Differences:
Decision-Making: Transactional leaders allow some input, while autocratic leaders make decisions alone.
Motivation: Transactional leaders use rewards & punishments, while autocratic leaders rely on authority.
Transformational Leadership
Focuses on inspiring & motivating followers to exceed expectations.
Creates a shared vision for the future.
Encourages innovation, creativity, and problem-solving.
Develops followers into leaders themselves.
The Four Key Behaviors of Transformational Leaders
Idealized Influence: Leads by example with strong morals & ethics, serving as a role model that inspires followers to trust and admire them. Transformational leaders consistently demonstrate the values they expect from others, building trust and creating a positive and ethical work environment. Their high standards motivate followers to hold themselves to a higher standard as well.
Inspirational Motivation: Articulates a compelling vision that excites followers, outlining the positive impact their work can have and the bright future that awaits if they achieve a shared goal. This vision should be clear, concise, and achievable yet challenging, stretching followers to reach their full potential. Transformational leaders can effectively communicate this vision in a way that resonates with followers, igniting their passion and commitment to achieving the goal.
Intellectual Stimulation: Challenges the status quo & encourages new ideas. Transformational leaders are not afraid to ask tough questions and challenge existing assumptions. They create an environment where creativity and innovation are valued, and where followers feel empowered to share their ideas and perspectives. This can lead to new and improved ways of working, and ultimately, greater success for the organization.
Individualized Consideration: Treats followers as individuals with unique needs & growth potential. Transformational leaders take the time to get to know their followers as individuals, understanding their strengths, weaknesses, and aspirations. They provide individualized support and development opportunities to help each follower grow and reach their full potential. This personalized approach fosters trust, loyalty, and a strong sense of commitment among followers.
Benefits of Transformational Leadership
Increased employee engagement & morale
Higher productivity & innovation
Stronger team spirit & collaboration
Development of future leaders
Challenges of Transformational Leadership
Can be difficult to sustain, requiring high energy & charisma from the leader.
May not be suitable for all situations (e.g., strict deadlines).
Relies on a trusting relationship between leader & followers.
Connections Between Transactional leadership and Big five model
May be more effective with leaders high in Conscientiousness (organized, efficient) who value clear expectations and goal achievement.
May struggle to motivate followers high in Openness to Experience who crave novelty and challenge.
Connections Between Transformational leadership and Big five model
Often associated with leaders high in Extraversion (outgoing, energetic) who can easily communicate a vision and inspire others.
Leaders high in Openness to Experience themselves may be more likely to encourage creativity and innovation in their teams.
Transformational leaders likely need a good balance of Agreeableness (cooperative) to build trust and Conscientiousness (organized) to achieve the vision.
Servant Leadership
A leadership philosophy where the leader’s primary goal is to serve others.
Focus on the growth and well-being of employees and the community.
Leaders share power and prioritize the needs of others.
Key Characteristics of Servant Leaders
Empathy: Ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
Healing: Supporting the personal and professional growth of employees.
Awareness: Understanding oneself and the impact on others.
Persuasion: Using gentle influence rather than relying on authority.
Foresight: Anticipating the future and its likely outcomes.
Advantages of Servant Leadership
Increased employee engagement and commitment
Improved trust and loyalty between leader and team
Fosters a sense of community and purpose
Encourages personal and professional growth of employees
Potential Challenges of Servant Leadership
Can be misconstrued as weakness or lack of authority
Requires strong self-awareness from the leader
May not be suitable for fast-paced or crisis situations
Needs buy-in from the whole organization to thrive
Bureaucratic Leadership
A leadership style emphasizing strict adherence to rules, regulations, and a clear hierarchy of authority.
Leaders focus on maintaining order, consistency, and efficiency.
Decisions are made based on established procedures.
Key Traits of Bureaucratic Leadership
Formal Structure: Clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and lines of authority.
Impersonal: Emphasis on the position, not the person. Decisions made objectively.
Rule-Based: Strict adherence to established procedures and regulations.
Focus on Efficiency: Prioritizes consistent outcomes and process optimization.
Advantages of Bureaucratic Leadership
Predictability & Stability: Clear rules provide consistency and fairness.
Efficiency: Standardized processes can be effective for routine tasks.
Reduces Bias: Focus on rules reduces potential for favoritism.
Well-suited for highly regulated industries: Where compliance is essential.
Disadvantages of Bureaucratic Leadership
Rigidity: Slow to adapt to change, can stifle innovation and creativity.
Demotivation: Focus on rules may hinder employee autonomy and initiative.
Impersonal: Can create a cold, uncaring work environment.
Limited Employee Growth: Emphasis on following rules may not foster development.
Paternalistic Leadership
A leadership style where the leader acts like a parent figure, guiding and protecting employees in exchange for loyalty and obedience.
Decisions are made centrally by the leader, who acts in what they believe to be the best interests of their followers.
Key Characteristics of Paternalistic Leaders
Authoritarian: Maintain strong control over decision making.
Protective: Focus on the well-being of employees, sometimes making decisions on their behalf.
Benevolent: Act with kindness and good intentions.
Expect Loyalty: Demand obedience and trust from their followers.
Advantages of Paternalistic Leadership
Provides support & stability Especially beneficial in organizations with young or inexperienced employees.
Can create a sense of family: Fosters strong bonds between leader and followers.
Can be efficient: Decision-making can be fast since the leader holds primary authority.
Disadvantages of Paternalistic Leadership
Limits innovation & autonomy: Employees have little input, stifling creativity.
Creates dependency: Followers may not develop decision-making skills.
Potential for abuse: Leaders with bad intentions can exploit the power imbalance.
Unsuitable for modern workplaces: Doesn’t align with contemporary values of employee empowerment.
Tannenbaum and Schmidt Leadership Continuum visual
