The True Measure of Ideal Leadership

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• 5THE TRUE MEASURE OF IDEAL LEADERSHIP

After having been immersed with a lot of leadership theories on this course, I think I now have so many ideas of what an effective leader should be that I often feel overwhelmed and cannot imagine how I will become the ‘ideal' leader that I want to be. There are many ingredients of effective leadership styles. I have read several books and articles on leadership and management. I have also participated in a few leadership training/education modules offered by the DepEd. There are simply many theories on what makes an effective leader.

…And they are mind-boggling.

In my researches and readings, I have discovered that there are many leadership styles and most are effective if used in the right situations. Information on the subject of leadership is plenty with some resources being quite in-depth, but most describe a specific type of leadership. I did find one book that was both easy to understand and made a lot of sense. In the book, Leadership and the One-Minute Manager, the theory and use of Situational Leadership is described. I think that this style of leadership is most effective. It describes that different forms of leadership are needed in different situations.

So it is with my report regarding Contingency Management Theory where it focuses on particular variables related to the environment that might determine which particular style of leadership is best suited for the situation. According to this

theory, no leadership style is best in all situations. Success depends upon a number of variables, including the leadership style, qualities of the followers and aspects of the situation. I also agree to this one but not in all aspects, of course.

Furthermore, Participative leadership theories suggest that the ideal leadership style is one that takes the input of others into account. These leaders encourage participation and contributions from group members and help group members feel more relevant and committed to the decision-making process. In participative theories, however, the leader retains the right to allow the input of others. (I always practice this one, though.)

On the other hand, Management theory, also known as Transactional Theory, focus on the role of supervision, organization and group performance. These theories base leadership on a system of rewards and punishments. Managerial theories are often used in business; when employees are successful, they are rewarded; when they fail, they are reprimanded or punished.

Whereas, Relationship theories, also known as transformational theories, focus upon the connections formed between leaders and followers. Transformational leaders motivate and inspire people by helping group members see the importance and higher good of the