Introduction
The concept of leadership has become blurry today since this term is often used not as an indicator of a leading person who can guide people but as the definition of an ordinary manager. Nevertheless, based on the ideas of different authors, it is possible to draw a deeper conclusion about what it means to be a leader and what qualities are required for it. Most researchers agree that the leader is the one who has strong qualities that are necessary to perform specific tasks. Therefore, it is essential for such a person to not only stand at the head of a certain group or organization but also to be responsible for any taken decisions and actions.
Action Despite Crises
When calling someone a leader, people mean that he or she stands a step above them and knows how to give clear directions and monitor the performance of work. As Lowney remark, a person who encourages others to perform certain tasks and is able to help to solve a problem on his or her own can be called a leader (17). At the same time, it seems to most people that leadership is an inherent feature.
Nevertheless, experience shows that any action that brings the team closer to achieving the intended goal is an act of leadership. The more actively this or that person is ready to undertake the given work even in times of crisis, for example, experiencing the lack of money or time, the higher the chance is that his or her efforts will be evaluated. Perhaps, it is this approach that reflects the true essence of leadership. Therefore, managing does not mean leading, and this statement can be considered from different angles, including both philosophical and practical ones.
The Lack of Desire for Leadership
Despite the fact that some people voluntarily give up the role of leader, it is necessary to recognize that the desire to transfer responsibility to someone else is a natural intention. However, according to Cronin, if there is no desire to lead people, it can be developed by studying the biographies of famous personalities and drawing conclusions from their experience (31). Perhaps, the success stories of other people can motivate many to achieve their goals and not to be afraid to solve problems. After all, it is precisely this task that confronts leaders – to take responsibility for making a decision and organizing people with a view to taking joint measures.
It is hard to imagine a leader who does everything by himself or herself. Certainly, this initiative should be encouraged. Nevertheless, as Bass claims, leadership is a motivation focused primarily on groups, and despite the fact that the personality plays an essential role here, the main task is to mobilize joint efforts to solve the set tasks (38). If a particular person has this skill, he or she can be called a leader with great probability.
Conclusion
Thus, one of the primary qualities inherent in a competent leader is the ability to organize joint activities of people, taking specific measures not only alone but also motivating people for certain efforts. The experience of famous personalities can be useful when analyzing the basic directions of development and qualities that are needed. The concept of the manager and the leader cannot be considered identical, especially today, since they have a slightly different essence.
Works Cited
Bass, Bernard M. “The Meaning of Leadership.” The Leader’s Companion: Insights on Leadership Through the Ages, edited by J. Thomas Wren, Simon & Schuster, 2013, pp. 37-38.
Cronin, Thomas E. “Thinking and Learning About Leadeship.” The Leader’s Companion: Insights on Leadership Through the Ages, edited by J. Thomas Wren, Simon & Schuster, 2013, pp. 27-32.
Lowney, Chris. Heroic Leadership: Best Practices from a 450-Year-Old Company That Changed the World. Loyola Press, 2010.