Leaders

Definition of leader: a person who followed by other

leads or commands a group

(According to Oxford Dictionary)

Generally we know a leader as a person who commands and carries an air of dominance. There is no specific style or type of leadership for a perfect, proper leader, and not all styles are correct. This point will be touched on later.

But generally, what we expect of a proper leader is to be able to make proper decisions, distinguish between right and wrong, and have the power to point out and say what is wrong. A leader, definitely, cannot be weak.

There also is a fine distinction between being a manager and a leader.

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Types of leaders:

(www.leadershipcrashcourse.com)

According to Dr Taffinder, who is responsible for the Leadership Crash Course [that is very commonly known], there are 7 types of leaders. None of which are wrong. These 7 types of leaders depicted by Dr Taffinder determines which leadership behaviour a leader owns.

There are 5 types of behaviours;

1. Impose Context

2. Have Conviction

3. Challenge and Change

4. Generate Critical Mass

5. Make Risks and Take Risks

The titles already explain themselves I think.

First type: is the

The Transformational Leader whom possesses all these 5 behaviours and obviously considered the strongest amongst the 7. They have the ability to transform the commitment level of those around and are also passionate about their goal.

Second type: is the

The Enforcer, they are are strong in having conviction and generating critical mass, but weak in making and taking risks, and to challenge and change. They keep their eyes focused on the goal, but limit their options and avoid taking risks.

Third type: is the

The Deal Maker, which is the exact opposite of The Enforcer. They are strong in taking and making risks, and challenge and change but weak in all the other behaviours. They attract followers because of the energy and excitement they bring, often looking for something new. They also get bored of things easily.

Fourth type: is the

The Administrator, is strong in imposing context and generating critical mass but weak in the others. They depend mostly on strategy, and keeping a straight path towards the goal, not getting distracted or letting anything get in the way of reaching it.

Fifth type: is the

The Visionary, they are strong in the 5 behaviours except generating critical mass. They inspire people to dream and reach for what they desire, they have the qualities of the Transformational Leader, including the ability to elevate ambition, only lacking in ability to generate critical mass.

Sixth type: is the

The Serial Entrepreneur, strong in making and taking risks, having conviction, and challenge and change but weak in the other aspects. These leaders are imaginative, but calculative as well. They show deep commitment and passion, they also make the impossible seem possible, giving hope to the followers. They revolve around the acceptance of the followers.

Last, and seventh type: is the

The Spin Doctor, that are strong in the 5 behaviours expect having conviction. They seem like the have the qualities of a good leader, except their behaviour is inconsistent, lacking in having conviction. They have the ability to convince the followers well.

It is rare to find a leader with all 5 qualities, the perfect leader - the Transformational Leader, that is. None of these leaders are wrong, they have their own styles, weaknesses and strength, but doesn't everyone? There is no pointing out which would make the best leader, because all is fair.

I think Dr Taffinder describe and interpret leaders well.

3 STYLES:

1. Authoritarian.

Those who practice this style are commonly referred to as 'the bossy one'. They order followers around, telling them how and when they want the goal achieved, without consideration of those around them. It is rare to find those with this style, but they do exist.

2. Participative (democratic).

This is a very common style, we see it being used everywhere, even Singapore. Discreetly or obviously. Using this style is not a sign of weakness, rather a sign of strength, giving them respect from the employees. This method basically includes the opinions of others, in contrary to the Authoritarian. It actually shows that the leader considers others' opinions/information.

3. Delegative (free reign)

This style allows the employees to make decisions with the observations they make and information they possess. One who practices this style actually show those around them that they trust their decisions and analysis, but these employees do not take the blame for anything. The leaders are responsible for what happens, as they are for picking those below them to do things for them.