Leaders Followers and Situational Factors Essay

Leadership Effectiveness

Leaders, Followers and Situational Factors

It is unanimously accepted that the outcome of a job is highly dependable on the concern and interest of an effective leader. However, there are certain leader/follower characteristics and situational factors that impact leadership effectiveness. To begin with, let us analyze some leader characteristics that could influence leadership. Leadership and intelligence are always associated. However, if a leader is cleverer and smarter than his followers, his intelligence can come in the way of leading them successfully (Christine, 1999, p. 19). Honesty is the primary characteristic that needs to be present in a leader. This honesty must reflect in his actions to impress his followers. A leader must not make fake promises. He must act upon his words to create a positive environment of trust and honesty. Self- confidence of a leader is also important when we consider leadership effectiveness. A confident leader is courageous, far-sighted and an initiator. A leader who has a negative self-concept tends to be unaggressive and incapable of making decisions (Christine, 1999, p. 21). This kind of attitude hinders leadership influence.A dominant leader makes things difficult for his followers as he fails to bridge the communication gap with them. Such an attitude negatively impacts the leadership effectiveness. Credibility, competency and motivational attributes are all such characteristics in a leader that encourage and inspire his followers.

Leadership effectiveness is also affected by the characteristics of the followers. The behavior, enthusiasm, aptitude and character of a follower have great influence on leadership. A leader cannot achieve success without the participation and involvement of his subordinates. It is the devotion and dedication of a whole team that attracts success towards it. The experience of the followers also impacts leadership. It is the combined duty of a leader and his subordinates to work mutually for leadership effectiveness.

There are several situational factors that encourage leadership effectiveness. Firstly, the type….....