Leadership Theories
Essay by pruttihay • February 3, 2014 • Research Paper • 976 Words (4 Pages) • 1,447 Views
(Mark 10:43-45, New International Version), reads "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as ransom for many." Many organizations and businesses measure greatness by personal achievements, however in the kingdom of God, service is the way to greatness. Servant leaders are recognized through one's service (Waite, 2011). Servant leader characteristics include but are not limited to, caring, empowering, listening, awareness, displaying authenticity, empathy, stewardship, growth, community building, and valuing people. Melchar and Bosco, (2010) declares from these characteristics derive five factors that are inclusive for the success as servant leaders: Altruistic calling, a deeper rooted desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others, similar to a passion. Emotional healing, describes the commitment a leader has toward fostering spiritual recovery from a hardship, these leaders are exceptional listeners. Wisdom is a combination of awareness of surroundings and anticipation of consequences, and knowing the difference between the two. Persuasive mapping is the extent where the leader uses sound reasoning and organizational stewardship. These leaders will make positive contributions' to society through community development, and is one who is preparing to leave a positive legacy.
Leadership styles also discussed in this chapter is the transformational leader, this type leader inspires followers to share a vision, empowering them to achieve the vision, and also provides resources to develop their personal potential (Smith, Montagno, & Kuzmenko, 2004). Bateman & Snell, (2013) have similar views of how they see the characteristics of a transformational leader by stating these type leaders motivate people with excitement to rise above their own interest for the sake of the group.
Transactional leaders are those who look for something in return, managing through giving and receiving. Dispassionate, using rewards and coercive powers, and exchange rewards for services rendered (Bateman & Snell, 2013). Charismatic leaders are dominant, exceptionally self-confident, they strive for success and they distribute high expectations. Charismatic leaders are highly acceptable, trustworthy, affectionate, risk takers and innovators. The goal of charismatic leadership is to satisfy other peoples' needs. Having charisma as a characteristic enables influence over external stakeholders causing an increasing in corporate performances. The autocratic leader, are leaders who make their decisions without the help of their followers. These type leaders are not as successful. Once they have settled on their decisions, then the information is announced to the group. Greenleaf (2008) explains that there is a particular mark of a leader, and that leader must articulate the specific attribute that makes him the one to lead. He goes on to say, "Every achievement starts with a goal." He asks excellent questions, such as, "Why would anybody accept the leadership of another except that the other sees more clearly where it is best to go?" And "what are you trying to do?" This is such a loaded and powerful question that is easiest to ask, but difficult to answer.
The usefulness of servant leadership for non-profit organizations are driven by a few key drivers, such as an infusion of millennial generation thinking, acceptance to the wisdom of ordinary people, and a solid, long term connection to the public (Hansen, 2008). The millennial generation
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