Why Is Leadership Important to Organizations?

Complete Week 1 Bus 525: Leadership Strategies

Leadership is important to organizations and firms because it determines the success of the firm or organization. Manning and Curtis (2012) share that “leadership is social influence,” (p.2) - a social influence that initiates and guides with the result being change. The influence of the leader in the organization through the principles and practices on the job actually has impact in the home of the employee as well as in the community (Manning and Curtis, 2012). Leadership is responsible for the climate of the organization. A healthy work climate “brings out the best in employee and organizational well-being” (Manning and Curtis, 2012 p. 79). However, a sick work environment may cause the organization to not only suffer but also die (Manning and Curtis, 2012).

Leaders learn to be leaders through examples and role models of three type of leaders who exhibit either a teacher (rule breakers and value creators), a hero (great causes and noble works), or a ruler (domination and exercise of power) leadership (Manning and Curtis, 2012). People look to examples of leadership in an older sibling, a parent, teacher, church leader, coach, boss and so forth. Some leaders provide great examples and experiences to future leaders while others demonstrate the type of leaders we do not want to become. According to John Maxwell (2008) experience along is not enough. Evaluating the experience is crucial in that it brings about reflection, which turns into insight.

The major satisfaction and frustrations of leadership are in knowing how to lead and who to lead. Covey (2004) refers to the Leadership Challenge, which includes families as well as organizations. This challenge is the ability to run organization in a way that increases the inner worth and potential of the employee in order to provide him or her with a voice; this voice allow for unique talents