According to Northouse (2016), “skills approach takes a leader-centered perspective on leadership…emphasis on skills and abilities that can be learned and developed” (pg.43). In an article by Robert Katz in the Harvard Business Review, he addresses leadership as a set of developable skills (Northouse, 2016, pg. 43). Using Katz (1995) general idea about skills approach that includes technical, human and conceptual skills – can an individual be considered a leader with only one of these skills? Or does an individual need all these skills to be considered a leader? Using the skill approach to analyze a leader, we are able to determine what skills are essential for a leader to be successful.
One of the greatest leader known is Nelson Mandela, who helped to unite South Africa as it dismantled apartheid, the cruel system of white minority rule. Using Nelson Mandela for a Skills Approach Analysis, we can identify the following:
Technical Skill can be defined as, “knowledge about and proficiency in a specific type of work or activity” (Northouse, 2016, pg.44). Mandela was known for his inspiring speeches – In addition, Mandela had high conceptual skills in creating new policies – “During the 1964 Rivonia Trial Mandela delivered a 3 hour address to the court expressing his determination in removing all traces of the apartheid” (Mansah-Owusu, n.d.). Public speaking – in this sense – can be described as a technical skill as not everyone can speak will in public. In an article in Forbes Magazine, it explains the six most important steps in public speaking – though it may seem such an easy and small task, it requires preparation and more preparation! (Jacobs, 2014) Public speaking is even offered in college level courses to teach students the preparation to develop a speech/presentation and practice the act of speaking that is appealing audiences. However, Mandela mastered this skill to successfully shed light to the inequalities and injustices of the world.
Human Skills can be defined as, “knowledge and ability to work with people” (Northouse, 2016, pg.44). Mandela helped followers by inspiring creativity of thoughts. He inspired and changed the outlook on life. Mandela was able to make ANC members and those who followed him realize that their sacrifices and decisions would lead South Africa to “freedom” and equality (Mansah-Owusu, n.d.). In addition, Mandela shows genuine concern and care for others – always encouraging and assisting in development. In an article, it describes, “his greatness came from the humanity that he radiated, his common touch, humbleness, self-deprecation, sense of mischief and dignity” (Hain, 2013). The article praises Mandela’s humanity, “when he was with you, you had all his attention, whether you were a President, a mere child, a hotel porter, a cleaner, a waiter or a junior staff member” (Hain, 2013). With these characteristics, Mandela was able to inspire positive change in others – more importantly – action to change the world.
Conceptual Skills can be defined as, “ability to work with ideas and concepts” (Northouse, 2016, pg.45). Mandela understood the need for peace and equality in South Africa. Throughout his 27 year prison sentence, he was able to see the “bigger picture” of peace and needs of non-violent methods of eliminating apartheid. Mandela was a visionary who was able to inspire others to see the bigger purpose (Mansah-Owusu, n.d.).
Using this analysis, we can make the observation that Mandela displays all three administrative skills to be a successful leader. In addition, his traits (personal character) and behavior contributes to his success as a leader.
In contrary to Mandela, my Manager, does not have a balance of strength in all three skills. However, he is still able to learn and develop the technical skills to be a successful leader based on the skills approach. My manager has strength in both human and conceptual skills because he is able to work with all team members and managers while providing a clear vision/goal. In this case, my manager can take lessons and tutorials to learn more about how to use Microsoft Suite – specifically excel and power point for presentations and reports.
To answer my initial inquiries, we can make the observation that the skills approach can be used effectively to define leadership because of its focus on development and ability to learn skills. In contrary to traits, skills and behaviors can be learned and strengthened through practice. I am able to make the observation that Mandela and my manager as leaders in the same category because of their strength in at least 1 or more administrative skills based on Katz’s findings. Though Mandela displays strengths in all three-skill approaches while my Manager only shows two, it does not mean that one is more of a leader than the other. Again, we can return to the definition of leadership as a process, involving influence, occurring in groups and having a common goal (Northouse, 2016, pg.6). Hence, we can conclude, using the skills approach, Mandela and my Manager fall into the category of a leader. Even if my Manager lacks technical skills, using the skill approach, he is able to develop and learn new abilities.
Work Cited
Hain, P. (2013, December 5). Nelson Mandela’s greatness came from the humanity that he radiated. Retrieved May 31, 2016, from http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/nelson-mandela-s-greatness-came-from-the-humanity-that-he-radiated-8987122.html
Jacobs, D. L. (2014, January 6). Six Ways To Be An Amazing Public Speaker. Retrieved May 31, 2016, from http://www.forbes.com/sites/deborahljacobs/2014/01/06/six-ways-to-be-an-amazing-public-speaker/#1153370dd1a5
Mansah-Owusu, G. (n.d.). What Can Mandela teach us about leadership in organisations? | The Association for Business Psychology. Retrieved May 24, 2016, from http://www.theabp.org.uk/news/what-can-mandela-teach-us-about-leadership-in-organisations.aspx
Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.