Leadership & PM Flashcards
What is leadership?
Can be described as the two-way relationship between a leader and the followers. It is important for a good leader to have a strong following. The strength of any leader is only as strong as those behind them. First among equals.
Pragmatism
A pragmatic leader is one that takes a realistic and sensible approach to things. The primary objective is to complete the task in the best and most efficient way possible.
Egalitariansm
This refers to the approachability of a leader. This is an important quality in a leader, especially in NZ. It is concerned with the idea of equality, that the leader is no better than the followers but rather a representative for them.
Transformational leaders
These are visionaries that inspire and look towards large-scale changes.
Transactional leaders.
These are pragmatic leaders who take a more realistic and reserved approach towards decision making and resolutions.
Career in politics
- Career politicians who study politics and have always had the goal of entering politics. eg. Helen Clark. However she did pursue other areas following her time as PM.
- Those who enter politics late from another domain or choose to leave politics early in order to pursue other career pathways. eg. John Key who began with a career in business.
What are the 3 roles of the PM?
Executive function, communication function and party leader function.
Executive function:
The PM acts as the chair of cabinet as well as the head of the executive. They also advice the governor-general on the appointment and dismissal of ministers. They are also in charge of the allocation of portfolios as well as overseeing policy agenda. The PM will usually be the acting minister of the GCSB and the SIS.
Communication Function:
Due to the high prevalence of media and social media it is important that the PM is adept at communicating through that sort of medium. It is an excellent resource to get across to the masses. The PM is now surrounded with a multitude of workers who specialise in that department. Having a strong media presence is vital.
Party leader funtion:
The PM must be a symbol and represent the values and beliefs of their party. They effectively personify the party and are the central image of the party.
Presidential Style of leadership
These three functions signal a shift in the style of leadership of the PM. They are now very much at the for front of their political party and act as the ultimate power, with the ability to override certain decisions made by the legislature. This is in contrast to previous sentiments when the PM was the ‘first among equals’.
Skills of the opposition leader:
- Must be able to renew the party organisation.
- Restore self unity and belief - rebuilding morale.
- Instill confidence that they are the PM in waiting. Build confidence from the public.
- Oppose the government and hold them to account.
- Enhance communication skills again through the media.
- Prepare for the net election.
Skills of small party leaders:
- Agitator- They must attack the ideas of the larger parties. The primary goal of this is to draw attention to their party and gain some exposure.
- Organiser- The leaders must be able to get the party up and running in its early stages and maintain some sort of relevance.
- Campaigner- The election campaign is a crucial time for small parties as they get a rare chance of media attention. It is then crucial that they make their point and try to gain support during this exposure.
- Legislator- Small parties can still ave the opportunity to play crucial roles in the passing of legislation, especially when it comes to a close vote. They can prove quite powerful in a coalition.
What are the 4 roles of a small party leader?
Agitator, organizer, campaigner and legislator.
Personality politics:
Modern campaigns have become very media and personality driven. The PM or opposition leader plays a huge role nowadays in gaining support for the party. They have become the common face for the party and as a result it is crucial that they have an approachable, charismatic and attractive personality.
