Definition of Leadership:

Leadership is defined as the “Process of influencing group activities, towards the Accomplishment of goals in a given situation”. In this context, the leader is viewed as the person in the group who is capable of influencing group activities with regard to goal formation, and goal Accomplishment, according to Paul Harsay Blanchard.

The above definition says that,

1. Leadership is a relationship between two or more people in which influence and power are unevenly distributed.

2. Leaders do no grow in a vacuum.

3. Leadership is function of a leader.

4. Leaders gain their authority over a group by the consensus of the group.

5. Leadership is a continuous process of influencing behaviour.

6. A leader breathes life into the group and motivates it towards Accomplishment of the goals.

7. Leadership is something a person does and not something he has.

8. Leadership is something that emerges, that grows and that is achieved.

Role of Leaders:

The role of a leader may broadly be categorised under the below mentioned head lines.

1. Developing a team work

2. Representing the members

3. Appropriate counseling

4. Using power properly for constructive purpose

5. Time management

6. Managing and leading

7. As a potential source

8. Creating a cordial relationship

9. Role Continuing

10. Accountability

11. Creating ‘WE’ feeling

12. To involve participation of the members by delegating the powers.

Characteristics of Leadership:

The action of the leader affects the attitude of the followers. According to Krech and Crutch a leader is primarily concerned with the problem of morale and it is his responsibility to increase and sustain group morale. The behaviour of the leader affects the followers, more than the behaviour of the followers could affect the leader. Leadership is a wholesome synthesis of personality and opportunity.

The leader may not be able to have his own ways always. He may have to accept certain dominance of his followers, to be able to secure his leadership. Human nature refuses to be bound by any bond that threatens his self-dignity and prestige. Leadership should pay attention to this. He should know when to bow to the wishes of the followers and when to make his point of view acceptable.

When the followers are educated and sensible, the best method is to make an attempt of persuading them through suggestions, arguments, propaganda and such other devices.

A leader is not born. He has to acquire skills to be leader. No single skill will keep a man as leader in all circumstances and over all kinds of people. The leader role is determined not by absolute traits and capacities, but by the demand of the situation at hand.

Leadership consists of such actions by group members as those which aid in setting group goals, moving the group towards its goals, improving the quality of the interactions among the members, building the cohesiveness of the group, or making resources available to the group.

It is important that the leader should sense the situation, understand the nature of social problem and find solution which should be satisfactory, understanding the member is the paramount necessity.

Further, knowing an individual is different from understanding him, that is understanding his inner feelings, his perception, beliefs, attitudes and his social milieu. This understanding will help him to find out the ways and means to win their confidence, which is necessary for getting things done through them.

The executive, should have robust common sense. To fight against the odds, self confidence is sine quonon. Tactfulness is another pre- requisite for an executive.

He should have the ability to infuse courage and confidence in the workers. If the workers become disheartened and discouraged they won’t be a source of strength for the executive. Nothing succeeds like success.

In the present day factory System, such executives develop workers phobia or union’s phobia and are petrified on seeing a group of workmen coming to represent. Such executives become different. There are instances where executives have resigned their jobs because of this phobia.

Another characteristics of a leader is to make the member work with zest and Zeal so that they may enjoy work. This implies many Requirements, like job environment, luscious interaction among other workmen and the Organisation leaders.

Primarily, it is the responsibility of the leaders to lift the members vision to higher rights and to raise their performance to higher standards. This requires a high degree of ability to motivate.

Besides these characteristics a leader should have the qualities of a friend, a philosopher and a guide.

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