Leadership can refer both to the process of leading, and to those entities that do the leading. The process of leadership can be actual or potential:
• actual - giving guidance or direction, as in the phrase "the emperor has provided satisfactory leadership"
• potential - the capacity or ability to lead, as in the phrase "she could have exercised effective leadership" (Web,1)
Leadership is a complex process by which a person influences others to accomplish a mission, task or objective and directs the organization in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent. A person carries out this process by applying his leadership attributes (belief, values, ethics, character, knowledge and skills).
Although one’s position as a manager, supervisor, lead etc. gives him the authority to accomplish certain tasks and objectives in the organization, this power does not make one a leader; it simply makes him the boss. Leadership makes people want to achieve high goals and objectives, while, on the other hand, bosses tell people to accomplish a task or objective.
An effective leader generally values people, listen actively, gives credit to others, have consistent behaviors, admits mistakes, have a sense of humor and above all they set a good example for their followers. (John, 1998)
The basis of good leadership is honorable character and selfless service to the organization. In the employee’s eyes, the leadership is everything the leader does those effects the organization’s objective and their well being. A respected leader concentrate on what he is (beliefs and character), what he knows (job, tasks, human nature), and what he does (implement, motivate, provide direction).
What makes a person to follow a leader? People want to be guided by those they respect and who have a clear sense of direction. To gain respect, they must be ethical......
