Introduction
In the study of leadership, a number of theories, models, and styles exist. All these help scholars to evaluate the skills of leaders. Some scholars have proved through research that good leaders are usually made. This is contrary to the popular belief that leaders are born. In fact, effective leaders develop through a continuous process of self-study, education, training, and experience (Jago, 1982, p. 315).
Research shows that a leader must be knowledgeable if he or she wishes to inspire followers. Moreover, a leader should adopt certain traits in order to win the trust of followers. Finally, a leader should always do something unique in order to win the confidence of followers.
The good qualities of a leader are not acquired naturally but instead an individual must learn them. Therefore, excellent leaders are expected to work hard and conduct research in their fields in order to develop strong managerial skills.
Scholars tend to agree on the meaning of leadership. Northouse (2007, p. 3) observes that leadership is a process through which an individual influences others to perform certain tasks. Through this influence, the leader can direct the organization in a way that makes it solid and consistent. In leadership, skills and knowledge are important aspects that a leader must possess.
Process leadership means that a leader must apply skills and knowledge in issuing directions. On the other hand, Jago (1982, p. 322) notes that process leadership cannot be successful without complimenting it with trait leadership. In the modern world, leadership is usually learned in the institutions of high learning.
However, personal attributes, such as attitudes, principles, moral values, and personality, influence an individual’s skills and knowledge. Knowledge and skills are very important because they are needed in the process of leadership. Other factors, such as beliefs and values classify leaders into various categories. In other words, they make leaders unique.
Factors of Leadership
Scholars note that there are four major factors influencing leadership. The factors are interrelated implying that a leader must know how to link them up. One of the factors is the leader himself. The leader must understand his position in the organization clearly. For instance, the leader must know his strengths and weakness. Moreover, a good leader must be knowledgeable in order to interpret events accurately.
Members of the institution are charged with the responsibility of categorizing good leaders. This means that leaders must wait to be praised instead of praising themselves. Followers would most probably lose trust in their leader, particularly when the leader fails to offer direction. Therefore, the leader must always convince followers to believe in his leadership style. Another important factor is the follower.
In this regard, the leader must come up with different leadership styles, which are to be applied differently. This is because people respond differently to different leadership styles. In the university, a fresher would need more supervision as compared to a finalist. Similarly, a poorly motivated student requires a special leadership approach as compared to a highly motivated student.
For a leader to understanding his followers, he must first understand the human nature. This would entail understanding human desires, feelings, and inspirations. The third factor pertains to communication. The leader must embrace a two-way communication system. In organizations, communication takes non-verbal forms. In this regard, the leader must come up with a communication channel that satisfies each student.
The last factor of leadership is the situation. In the organization, situations are usually different. A style applied in one situation would not function in the other. Therefore, the leader must employ special skills in addressing certain matters. For instance, a leader may want to confront a student who is perceived to be going against the university rules. The leader must know the best time to approach the student, as well as the style to apply.
Approaching the student in a timely manner would solve the problem while approaching him or her inappropriately would cause more problems. Scholars of psychology claim that an individual’s trait changes with the situation.
Therefore, the leader should always try as much as possible to use the process theory as opposed to the trait theory. Apart from the four factors, other aspects affect the relationship between the leader and students. For instance, the relationship of the leader with his or her seniors would affect his managerial style.
Application of Leadership Skills in the University
According to Baas, an individual must go through various processes before becoming a leader. According to Baas, three events could force people to develop leadership skills. One of the events is a crisis (great event). People are forced to rise up to the occasion to solve urgent problems. The event brings out unique leadership qualities in an individual.
The second aspect is the individual’s personality (traits). Some people possess extra ordinary qualities that put them in better positions to leader others. Finally, people can decide to learn leadership in the institutions of high learning. This form of leadership is referred to as transformational or process leadership. Crisis form of leadership takes place when an individual volunteers to offer leadership during unusual events.
It takes place during events such as political violence, revolutions, and wars. Such leaders are usually outspoken and are good orators. Martin Luther King was one such leader. Transformational leadership focuses on bringing change to the organization. It is usually compared to transactional leadership, which is the worst form of leadership as far as change is concerned (Bass Bass 2008, p. 19).
In the institution, I may use leadership skills to influence other students. In other words, other students may emulate my leadership skills for them to succeed in their academic endeavors. In most cases, other students tend to think that I have a clear sense of direction. Therefore, the I must always be ethical in order to serve as an example to other students.
Furthermore, I must be visionary implying that I should have the power to predict future events. In the institution, other students would always conduct an evaluation on me based on my capabilities. In most cases, my personal attributes would not be taken into consideration.
By conducting a critical review, other students would definitely know the type of the leader am I and would wish to emulate. Students would tend to select a leader who has the interest of the majority at heart. In most institutions, leaders seem to be self-centered. This implies that they will do everything in order to be praised. For such leaders, students will never respect them but instead they will simply obey them.
Therefore, junior students would not follow such leaders. In other words, self-centered leaders are never role models in the institutions of higher learning. In the institution, some leaders tend to misuse the power and authority bestowed to them by university. Such leaders would easily be praised since they would be serving the interests of the school administration.
Therefore, as a student leader, I must possess an admirable character. Moreover, I must serve the institution without considering selfish interests. This is upon realization that the behavior of the leader affects the running of the institution in many ways. Therefore, strong leaders must concentrate on strengthening their character. In this case, I must evaluate my beliefs and typesets.
Moreover, I must analyze my skills to determine whether they are of benefit to other students. In other words, I must try to assess my role, tasks, and the surrounding environment. Finally, I must evaluate the system of administration. As a good leader, I need to establish the effectiveness of decision-making tools.
What should be changed?
A study conducted by Hay Group revealed that a leader must apply at least seventy-five keys in order to achieve institutional objectives. It was established that members of the institution are more comfortable working with trustworthy and confident leaders. Again, students enjoy working with leaders who communicate effectively.
In particular, students believe that leaders who help them in understanding the University rules are more effective. In fact, students would tend to appreciate leaders who designate specific roles to them. This would only happen through communication. The university fraternity would believe that it belongs to the institution in case I delegate roles to each member.
Information sharing is another aspect of management that strengthens the relationship between the students and leaders in the institution. Students must be informed amicably as regards to the performance of the university. If the university achieves its mission, students would be proud to be associated with the success. In most organizations, leaders would rarely congratulate students for their hard work.
Own Opinion
In the institution, leaders should strive to achieve high standards. For this to happen, leaders must be willing to embrace change. Change in many universities is inevitable. This means that it will take place one day. However, resistance to change is the major problem facing many leaders in the world. New ways of doing things are more effective and efficient. In the university, I need to challenge the exiting academic system.
This means that I must try to find out the new way of dealing with problems. Therefore, I should analyze the processes in the organization and identify the areas that need improvement. However, I should not implement policies without informing other students. In fact, I should consult widely before coming up with a policy.
Whenever I feel like adjusting the school schedule, all students must be informed in time. I must provide mechanisms through which students would fulfill their dreams. Students should be provided with sufficient methods and tools that would help them in resolving internal and external conflicts. In some instances, the university might be facing a great challenge. It is my responsibility to take precautionary actions.
In this case, consulting would not be needed. I need to show some bravery by encouraging members of the institution to work hard. The university cannot achieve its objectives without students. Therefore, students must be rewarded whenever the university makes a substantial progress. Leaders must be willing to appreciate students.
List of References
Bass, B & Bass, R 2008, The Bass Handbook of Leadership: Theory, Research, and Managerial Applications, New York, Simon & Schuster.
Jago, A G 1982, “Leadership: Perspectives in theory and research”, Management Science, Vol. 28, no. 3, pp 315-336.
Northouse, G 2007, Leadership theory and Practice, Thousand Oak, London.