The article “All in a days’ work” deals with the essential traits, tasks and skills of managers which make them function as effective leaders. There were several opinions regarding the characteristics that should constitute good leaders and it was noted that a leader should begin with setting “the vision for the organization” which can be done by a thorough evaluation of the market, customers and employees of the company (Tragge-Lakra). While Cynthia affirms that leaders must be able to lead people effectively so that they can energize their employees, Raymond Gilmartin asserts that effective leaders function according to the demands and accomplish tasks in the best possible manner which occurs through a strategic plan and mission in accordance with the market. He emphasizes ethics, dignity and respect in order to have a “healthy organization”.
Affirming Gilmartin’s notion of leaders, Abraham Zaleznik states that it is necessary for leaders to “have a sense of direction” to lead the organization in the right direction. Frederick Smith also endorses the importance of values in an organization and affirms that an excellent leader initiates all tasks by communicating to the employees, the “vision and the values” of the organization. According to him, leadership entails the fortification of activities that lead to the success of an organization and restraint of those activities which are not favorable.
Managers have outlined the different leadership traits which are vital for the success of organizations and should be present in managers; however, the leadership ideas stated by Raymond Gilmartin and Frederick Smith appeal most strongly to me since their leadership styles are similar to some of the managerial traits which I possess. Smith endorses his belief that leaders must be courageous and must not become powerless in crises but should maintain their poise while being decisive, setting clear directions for the company and ensuring that it moves ahead rather than being stalled even in adverse situations. Affirming the importance of a vision, Smith endorses the necessity of a “vision” as a “focal point” for leaders to communicate to the organization so that all other issues revolve around it. Smith also believes that “leaders add value” to an organization through their leadership capabilities of enabling employees to unite with the help of a common vision rather than personal aims and aspirations. The motivation of employees is a key trait which leaders must possess to facilitate people to accomplish tasks optimally. Smith believes that motivation and encouragement can be done by leaders in distinct ways but the “the primary tool” to do so is by sharing the rewards with peers, which enhances performances and helps to “reinforce’ the values and mission of the organization.
As an engineer with an MBA, Gilmartin has experienced the use of a strategically designed vision through methodical processes to find the major issues which face organizations in order to surface the vision for the future and work-appropriate strategies to achieve this vision. Gilmartin also states that a vision is a crucial aspect of leadership since it “provides a framework” for the effective functioning of an organization. He also believes that leaders display discipline and focus in all their “activities and dealings with other people”. Thus, managers who are also great leaders display their skills and competence by recognizing the common values, goals and vision of an organization and ensuring that this vision is communicated to all the employees. Leaders also enhance employee output by motivating them and leading them to put in their best efforts for the common good of the organization rather than individual aims.
References
Gilmartin Raymond, Hesselbein Frances, Smith Frederick, Tiger Lionel, Tragge-Lakra Cynthia, Zaleznik Abraham (2001). All in a Day’s Work. Harvard Business Review Article.