Benchmark leadership approaches
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Feb 20, 2024
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Benchmark - Leadership Approaches
Christine Martinez
College of Humanities and Social Sciences: Grand Canyon University
Admin-620: Influence and Power in Public Administration
Professor Anita Archambeau
September 20, 2023
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Leadership Approaches
The utilization of leadership styles and approaches holds significant importance in a leader's interactions with their followers. Effective leadership encompasses more than mere utilization of influence; it necessitates a comprehensive comprehension of its invocation. This composition examines the strengths and weaknesses of various leadership approaches, such as the trait approach and Christian leadership. This highlights the importance of possessing a comprehensive understanding of leadership, rather than solely focusing on its associated attributes or methods, in order to be an effective leader (Northouse, 2019).
Comparative Analysis of Leadership Approaches
Trait Approach
The trait approach, known as the “Great Man Theory,” suggests that people in positions of power deserve to lead because of characteristics granted to them at birth, which ultimately helped them to become great leaders. According to this theory, leadership is primarily determined by one's inherent qualities rather than acquired skills or circumstances. The advantage of this theory is that it provides a clear explanation of why specific individuals have been so influential and is intuitive and understandable. However, the disadvantage is that it lacks scientific validity and only considers men in power, which can lead to a biased list of traits that form a leader. For this reason, the list of traits is endless, unclear, and subjective and fails to consider situations and followers and suggests masculinity as superior (Northouse, 2019).
Behavioral Approach
The Behavior Approach focuses on behavior rather than characteristics. It emphasizes nurture, focusing on how the environment influences and shapes behavior. It often overlooks the
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role of nature, genetic factors, and internal factors like motivation and emotion and is considered overly deterministic. It suggests that behaviors are learned through associations with environmental stimuli and reinforcement, arguing that the environment controls our behavior, not
conscious thought, and processes.
The advantages of this approach lie in its utilization of rigorous, experimental research methods to bolster the credibility of science as a scientific discipline. Furthermore, it presents compelling arguments favoring the nurture perspective in the nature/nurture debate. One disadvantage of this approach is its failure to acknowledge the mental processes that play a crucial role in learning and suggest that individuals acquire knowledge solely through their experiences.
Relational Approach Relational leadership
emphasizes the significance of interpersonal relationships in the context of organizational leadership. Relational leadership values encompass process orientation,
empowerment, purposefulness, ethics, and inclusivity. They see the strengths and weaknesses of each member of their team and work to build on strengths and improve weaknesses. The advantage of this approach is that by listening to others' viewpoints, a leader can be better prepared to address any potential barrier (Rayner, 2020). However, the downside is that relationship leaders often have difficulty knowing how much time and energy they should invest in building those relationships. They may also find it difficult to delegate tasks and give constructive criticism (Salman, n.d.)
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Situational Approach
The situational approach asserts that different situations demand different types of leadership. The factors affecting the followers must be considered to determine the most beneficial outcome in a particular situation (Kaushik, 2020). An advantage of this approach lies in its simplicity and straightforwardness. It does not focus on many variables but instead on two main things: the group being led and the task at hand. The disadvantage is that its success hinges on the qualities and abilities of the leader. They must be able to read people and determine their needs, comprehend emotional statuses, and be comfortable engaging in social dynamics (Kaushik, 2020). New Emerging Leadership Approaches
Emergent leadership
is a new management structure that allows leaders to emerge within an organization, focusing on authentic, transformational, spiritual, and servant leadership. This approach values creative and critical thinking over rote guidelines set by superiors. Emergent leaders inspire and guide others, earning respect and trust from their peers. This approach promotes independence, creates a supportive culture, and allows those most invested in results to
take control of situations. However, it may lead to a lack of focus, as emerging leaders may become bogged down in peripheral issues rather than focusing on a few objectives (O’Keefe, 2018).
Trait Approach and Leader Philosophy for Public Service
When considering how the trait approach might influence a leader's philosophy on public service, it is essential to understand that different traits can shape a leader's perspective and approach toward serving the public. One way the trait approach might influence a leader's
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philosophy on public service is by emphasizing the importance of integrity and ethical behavior.
Leaders who possess traits such as honesty, trustworthiness, and moral courage are more likely to
prioritize serving the public interest over personal gain (Fleener,1997). According to Fleener (2017), another aspect influenced by the trait approach is the leader's ability to inspire and motivate others. Leaders with charisma, confidence, and optimism can effectively inspire their teams and constituents toward a common goal.
Additionally, the trait approach may influence a leader's philosophy on public service by highlighting the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence. These traits make leaders more likely to understand and respond to the public's needs and concerns.
Christian Leadership and Leader Philosophy for Public Service
Christian leadership principles, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, can significantly influence a leader's public service philosophy. These principles, including servant leadership, the inherent dignity of every individual, integrity, love, and compassion, encourage leaders to prioritize the needs of those they serve and work toward the common good. A Christian leader who embraces these principles would view public service as an opportunity to serve the community and work toward the common good. They would also prioritize inclusivity, fairness, and justice, fostering trust between the leader and the community they serve. Additionally, Christian leaders would act with humility and selflessness, viewing their role as stewardship, empowering others, encouraging collaboration, and creating an environment for growth and development. Christian leadership principles can shape a leader's approach to public service, fostering a deep sense of purpose and responsibility, fostering inclusivity and justice, and positively impacting society (Kouzes & Posner,1997).
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Conclusion
Leadership can be defined as the action of guiding and directing a collective of individuals or an entity. The role of a leader encompasses a multitude of responsibilities beyond mere instruction. Due to the unique attributes of each individual, leadership cannot be universally applied in the same manner for everyone. Every leader possesses a distinct leadership
style; specific styles yield more tremendous success than others. Gaining insight into various leadership styles is an effective means of obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the concept of leadership. Understanding one's leadership style is essential for both professional and personal growth. By gaining insight into your cognitive processes and work methodologies, you can enhance your comprehension of your strengths and weaknesses, thereby facilitating their refinement and development (Prentice, 2004).
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References
Fleenor John. (2017). Trait Approach to Leadership
. Sage Publications.
https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=edscrc&AN=edscrc.23815709&site=eds-
live&scope=site&custid=s8333196&groupid=main&profile=eds1
Kaushik, P. (2020). The 9 Pros and Cons of a Situational Leadership Style.
https://www.startingbusiness.com/blog/situational-pros-cons
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (1997). The Leadership Challenge
: How to Keep Getting Extraordinary Things Done in Organizations: Vol. 1st pbk. ed. Jossey-Bass.
https://lopes.idm.oclc.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?
direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=26067&site=eds-
live&scope=site&custid=s8333196&groupid=main&profile=eds1
O’Keefe, P. (2018). The Strengths and Weaknesses of Today's Emerging Leader. https://www.edgetrainingsystems.com/the-strengths-weaknesses-of-todays-emerging-
leaders
Prentice, W.C.H. (2004). Understanding Leadership. Harvard Business Review.
https://hbr.org/2004/01/understanding-leadership
Northouse, P. (2019). Leading Public Administration
. https://bibliu.com/app/#/view/books/9781544362663/pdf2htmlex/index.html#pages 1-5
Rayner, L. (2020). What is the Relational Leadership Model?
https://www.graduateprogram.org/2020/09/what-is-the-relational-leadership-mode
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Salman. (n.d.). Advantages and Disadvantages of a People-Oriented Leadership Style
. https://westherts.actioncoach.co.uk/2022/12/07/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-a-
people-oriented-leadership-style
Hello Ms. Munford, As for my employment as a Veteran’s Direct Care professional the client that I served was
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history with the client Fredrick Lee Rova. Unfortunately, Mr. Rova passed away in June of 2020 and therefore cannot verify my employment with him. Sincerely, Christine Martinez-Mullins