What is leadership?
The Oxford Dictionaries defines leadership as:
- the action of leading a group of people or organisation
- the state or position of being a leader
- the leaders of an organisation, country, etc
A great article from Forbes.com outlines the following:
There are so many definitions of leadership, if you google the term “leadership” many other phases appear including:
Tony Robbins defines leadership as “the ability to inspire a team to achieve a certain goal. It’s usually discussed in the context of business, but leadership is also how you, as an individual, choose to lead your life. The true leadership definition is to influence, inspire and help others become their best selves, building their skills and achieving goals along the way”.
History of leadership
The concept of leadership is most visible in areas such as military, politics and management operations, however leadership activities have evolved, and are no longer a function of management. Individuals are called upon to lead during their day to day lives, in ways such as leading a project or leading a meeting.
The term leadership did not did not enter our daily life until the late eighteenth century. If you asked someone to name a great historic leader, they might start to name historic figures such as Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, or Napoleon Bonaparte. Generally, these people are aligned to heroic actions. Others might be Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela or Oprah, these people tend to have been extremely influential in their time.
Over time, the concept of a leader has changed and a singular type or kind of leader is no longer accepted by modern research.
From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, leadership theories emphasised control and centralisation of power, meaning a person who is a leader is in control and powerful. You will do as I say, because I’m in charge. It was also during this time the concept that “great leaders are born not made” emerged. In order to be a leader, you were born with the skills and attributes of leadership. This was known as the “Great Man Theory”.
This model has faded in popularity and theories attempting to identify ‘traits” emerged. “Trait theory” was an extension of the Great Man Theory”, in which many surmised that in order to be a great leader, certain qualities and traits needed to be possessed. These traits were common among great leaders, and included expertise, integrity and high energy.
In the modern era, leadership theories continue to evolve, and have become overwhelming in its size and scope. No doubt as time moves forward further theories will be created and debated.
The Difference between Leadership and Management
Often leadership is synonymous with management, but these are two entirely different functions, as shown below by the table.
Types of Leadership Styles
The type of leadership style that is best, is the one that is most suited to your particular personality. Understanding your strongest qualities and leveraging these will help you become the best leader you can be. There is no “right” or “one-size-fits all” leadership style.
It’s important to understand the different types of leadership styles. Each style has a different impact on the team, and can produce different results. Understanding your own leadership style, allows you to identify your strengths and weaknesses as a leader, allowing you to become a better leader.
The 7 Most Common Leadership styles:
- Laissez-Faire Leadership
Laissez-Faire is a french term that translates to “let them do”. In this style of leadership, leaders provide minimal oversight. The intent is to empower teams by providing them with the necessary tools, resources and trust to solve problems, make decisions and get on with their work.
- Transactional Leadership
Transactional leadership is a style whereby tasks are given in return for either rewards or penalties. Transactional leadership establishes roles and responsibilities for each employee and their efforts are recognised either negatively or positively. This style of leadership treats the relationship between leaders and their team members as a transaction.
- Transformational Leadership
Transformational leadership encourages leaders to seek change from the teams they lead by inspiring and motivating their employees. Transformational leaders encourage their team to find better ways of doing business. This form of leadership looks to develop individuals and get the best out of their employees through motivation and encouragement.
- Bureaucratic Leadership
Bureaucratic leadership is the style of leadership where employees are bound by the policies and procedures of their organisation. There is a clearly-defined rule book that all employees are required to adhere to.
Bureaucratic leaders are often bound by their organsational processes, but can often be constrained by their own traditional way of doing and thinking.
- Charismatic Leadership
Charismatic leaders have personalities that people are attracted to. These leaders are often great at communicating their vision and are able to persuade and influence their team to follow them in their cause. Charismatic leaders can affect great change through their leadership as they are able to clearly articulate their goals.
- Democratic (Participative) Leadership
Democratic leadership, also known as participative leadership, is a style of leadership where leaders seek input from each of their team members before making a decision. Team members feel valued and that their contributions are highly regarded.
- Autocratic (Directive) Leadership
Autocratic leadership, also known as directive leadership, is the opposite of democratic leadership. Leaders make all decisions without the input of their team. Employees are not required to provide their views or feedback on any matters. This is often considered a command and control type of leadership.
Ways Women Lead
Research indicates that gender roles do play a backgrounding influence over behaviour of male and female leadership styles. This research indicates that women tend to have more developed skills associated with encouraging and supporting their team members.
Studies have demonstrated clearly that women tend to have a more transformational and participative approach to leadership. Using these styles of leadership, women gain the trust and confidence of their team by establishing themselves as role models. They empower, mentor and motivate their teams and encourage them to reach their full potential. The transformational approach allows female leaders to pay more attention to how goals are developed, defined and achieved.
Some of the reasons for these styles of leadership may be in response to prejudices that women may face with taking a traditional hierarchical role. Studies have also shown that In instances where women show strength and dominance (regardless of their actual performance), their likability declines.
Female Leadership Strengths
Working to your strengths is what makes you a strong leader. As we have noted above, research indicates that women lead differently to men, and you should consider your own personal strengths and apply these to your role. Being true to yourself is what will make you a great leader.
The most common female leadership strengths women possess are:
Motivation through transformation
As noted above, women leads tend to inspire and empower their team to achieve.
Collaboration
Women tend to be more participate and keen have their team share information and work collectively. Teamwork is promoted and celebrated by female leaders.
Empathy
Women are more empathic to the needs of their team. Often empathy is misunderstood as a weakness, however a leader’s capability to be emotionally intelligent is a huge strength. Putting the needs of the team ahead of their own, is an exceptional leadership quality.
Attention to detail
Women demonstrate greater attention to detail, and are able to fine tune actions and matters relating to strategy. Women often have strong organisational skills, and are able to ensure all matters are considered.
Open and transparent
Women generally lead with openness and transparency. Good communications are essential to ensure the team fully understands the direction and goals.
How can women become effective leaders?
There is no “right way” to be a woman leader. What is important is that you are being true to yourself in the way you conduct yourself and lead your team.
The best advice is to:
- Be aware of your unconscious biases and limitations.
- Develop your self confidence by seizing opportunities and taking risks without fear.
- Find a strong role model who will keep you inspired.
- Get a mentor, who will support you and keep you accountable.
- Grow your networks, join discussion groups.
- Keep learning, find the learning in each experience, and seeking out professional development opportunities.
Check our post on the 7 Must See Ted Talks for New Female Managers:
Conclusion
I believe that every woman has the ability to be a great leader.
Successful female leaders are able to adapt to the changing environment and needs of their team. Continue to develop your skill sets, seek assistance and support from your networks and mentors, and continue to learn from each situation you are faced with.
What’s the best piece of leadership advice you have received?