LEADERSHIP

According to the business dictionary leadership in an organizational role involves 1) establishing a clear vision, 2) sharing that vision with others so that they will follow willingly, 3) providing the information, knowledge, and methods to realize that vision, and 4) coordinating and balancing the conflicting interests of all members or stakeholders. A leader comes to the forefront in case of crisis, and is able to think and act in creative ways in difficult situations.

Leadership flows from the core of a personality and cannot be taught, although it may be learnt and may be enhanced through coaching or mentoring. There are different types of leadership styles:

-Charismatic leader: leads by infusing energy and eagerness into their team members.

- Bureaucratic leader: is very structured and follows the procedures as they have been established.

- Autocratic leader: (Lewin, Lippitt, & White, 1939) is given the power to make decisions alone, having total authority.

- Democratic leader: (Lewin, Lippitt, & White, 1939) listens to the team's ideas and studies them, but will make the final decision. Etc.

The following video shows Colin Powell explaining what leadership is:

Source: Colgate University, (April, 2009). Retrieved March 3, 2011, From: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T21HBWxBd-U&feature=relmfu

 Discussion: Do you think the power of vision have been overestimated or underestimated in giving direction to business?

I think that the power of vision has been underestimated in giving direction to business.  Many years ago the vision wasn’t very important; companies just satisfied there needs by selling in their local markets, it was just one requisite to open the company. But from few years now people saw the importance of applying those visions with the help of leaderships or persons that have that visionary characteristic that may lead to a growth on profits. (People with the ability or willingness to influence others so that they respond to it)