When the topic of management comes up, the thought of a leader and what defines a good leader comes up. The first thought is for the individual to be a strong, knowledgeable, influential , encouraging and motivating person who can drive a person to go above and beyond to achieve success.(PSU,2014) The greatest importance is the relationship between the leader and the follower. (northouse, 2013)
Many of us have at some point in our lives be placed either in the position of the leader or the position of the follower. The leader for most situations is seen as the person who gives direction, and lead a follower to grow and develop. When the relationship is close between the two, success has been achieved, the follower feels a sense of satisfaction, turnover in an organization is low, productivity is high, higher productivity, attitudes and positive and followers are more likely to work harder resulting in increased levels of promotions.( Northouse, 2013) when the relationship between the leader and follower is not close, the connection between the two can cause discomfort, tension, low productivity, and high turn over.
The two close theories that talk about the importance of this are the leader member exchange ( LMX) and the power and influence theories. Northouse, 2013 describes he power –influence theory as the power characteristic that a good leader should have and describes influence as that which a leader holds to cause an effect on another based on values, beliefs and change in behavior. In a good relationship, the influence can come from either direction.(Northouse, 2013) The leader member exchange focuses more on how close the relationship is and how focusing on the importance of the relationship can also lead to success.
As a leader myself was able to experience and grow much closer with my teammates. They feel encouraged and app
reciated everyday and an increase in productivity and satisfaction in the workplace has been seen.
referfence
Northouse, P.G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
Penn State WebAccess Secure Login:. (2014, September 30). Retrieved from https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/fa14/psych485/002/content/06_lesson/printlesson.html
all5149 says
We far to often do not indepthly look at what makes a great leader. It is not merely power and influence it is traits, behaviors, and ultimately something inside an individual that leads to drive and success.