Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Leadership - Essay Example The Executive Maturity model is based on the idea that the leader should be able to respond effectively to the needs of others under pressure (Trathen 2007). The above model incorporates two key phases: in the first phase, the leader needs ‘to be aware of his own feelings, thoughts and values’ (Trathen 2007, p.71). In the second phase, the leader has ‘to manage the emotional needs of others’ (Trathen 2007, p.71), keeping a balance. On the other hand, Alexander (2008) notes that the key characteristic of a successful leader would be his ability to ‘handle crises and mitigate effects’ (Alexander 2008, p.34). Cooper (2010) notes that the identification of a leader’s competencies is necessary before trying to improve the leader’s effectiveness. After reviewing my leadership strengths and weaknesses, as presented in the previous section, I would come to the following conclusion: I should emphasize more on decreasing the time I need for managing complex tasks, so that I would become more efficient in a range of projects; I should continue focusing on details but I would try to limit the time spent on issues of secondary importance. The Executive Maturity model would help me to change my leadership style, setting appropriate priorities and increasing collaboration. Question 2 Are leaders born or made? Each leader has unique characteristics, even if the particular fact is not clear. Indeed, the leadership style is closely related to the personality of each individual and from this point of view it would be quite difficult to identify two leaders that would respond exactly the same to a series of critical events. Yuki (1988) have noted that ‘leadership effectiveness varies across situations’ (Yuki 1988, cited in... The researcher of this essay discusses the topic of leadership that today is a concept that can incorporate a high range of characteristics. Observing several responses to various challenges, the researcher could identify the strengths and weaknesses of several leaders. Referring to his own leadership strengths and weaknesses, the researcher would highlight the following issues: "I am committed to my studies, trying to respond to all the demands of my position. I have always tried to examine thoroughly the requirements of every task assigned to me, focusing on details. In case of mistakes or failures I’ve been able to respond immediately, suggesting appropriate plans of action. On the other hand, I have often failed in identifying early the risks related to a particular task.". Then , the researcher states that The Executive Maturity model would help him to change his leadership style, setting appropriate priorities and increasing collaboration. On the discussion of the second question "Are leaders born or made?", the researcher states that from his point of view, leadership is both inherited and learned, a view aligned with the view of Larkin. Then, the researcher discusses the differences between leadership & management. In summary, it could be stated that leadership focuses on establishing and promoting the practices that will enhance the performance of organization. Management aims to ensure that employees will follow the guidelines of the leader so that the targets set are achieved.