Introduction
Leadership is one of the fundamental institutions playing a critical role in every sphere of human activity. Leaders have the power to unite individuals, coordinate their actions, and guarantee that the existing goals will be achieved. At the same time, being a leader implies resolving complex issues and facing numerous challenges.
For this reason, the question of whether leaders who can perform such actions are born or can be made remains topical. Furthermore, different types of leaders operate in public service. An enhanced understanding of leadership, its various aspects, and types is essential for better management and the ability to resolve current tasks.
Nature of Leadership: Are Leaders Born or Made?
First, speaking about the issue, it is vital to determine whether leaders are born or made. Thus, a leader is a person who determines the meaning and direction of a group and motivates it to achieve the desired results (Solomon et al., 2016). In such a way, leadership has specific essential components, such as a person, a group, and a goal (Solomon et al., 2016).
The combination of these components is fundamental to leadership and further evolution. It also means that leaders can be made by hard work, education, and training (Northouse, 2021). A person who acquires specific skills to motivate and organize followers and moves towards achieving the goal can become a leader. He/she can learn how to become effective and attain better results.
Types of Leaders and Their Characteristics
As stated previously, many types of leaders have their differences and similarities. Although there are many definitions, one offers formal, informal, democratic, and autocratic leaders (Solomon et al., 2016). Furthermore, different types of followers might emerge because of the different types of followers. These include managers, executives, transformational leaders, community leaders, small group leaders, and legislators (Van Wart, 2015).
Similarities and Differences Among Leadership Styles
The major similarity between these types is the ability to impact followers and make them achieve a particular goal. However, the difference is in using power and authority to motivate individuals and ensure they realize their current tasks. The importance of leadership can also be considered from the Christian perspective. Jesus was among the most powerful leaders who made people believe and follow him (Manning, 2017). It resulted from communication and meeting people’s needs (Manning, 2017).
Leadership from a Christian Perspective
Furthermore, from a Christian perspective, a leader should care about followers. “So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed” (The Holy Bible, New International Version, 2011, Isaiah 41:10). The line ensures people are motivated and united to attain specific goals, which is central for leaders. The same ideas can be applied to modern public service, as the fear of uncertainty might deteriorate outcomes, while leadership helps to avoid it.
Conclusion
Altogether, leadership is one of the most important concepts for the practical work of society and its central institutions. However, leaders should not be confused with managers, as while the former innovates and develops new ideas, the latter focuses on maintaining the existing order and supporting already working ideas (Solomon et al., 2016). It means that leaders perform a more complex role by creating a new vision and ways for the company or organization’s evolution. It requires support from followers, the ability to inspire them, and the readiness to take risks and invent new practices. The Biblical perspective also emphasizes the role of leaders as those who lead people, eliminate fear, and help to achieve important goals. That is why an enhanced understanding of this concept is essential.
References
The Holy Bible, New International Version. (2011). Biblica.
Manning, P. (2017). Faith, leadership, and public life: Leadership lessons from Moses to Jesus. Castle Quay Books.
Northouse, P. (2021). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Solomon, I., Costea, C., & Nita, A. (2016). Leadership versus management in public organizations. Economics, Management, and Financial Markets, 11(1), 143-151.
Van Wart, M. (2015). Dynamics of leadership in public service: Theory and practice (2nd ed.). Routledge.