Leadership is paramount to a team.
Imagine an orchestra that has all the best musicians in the world except a conductor. Though every member can play perfectly on their own, if they come together, they will only produce incompatible melody; an orchestra can only create harmonious music when it is led by a conductor.
In fact, the same situation is applied to every community. If a company does not run with a leader, chaos happens: no deadline is set to urge the members, different people shout different voices, the company is blinded without a clear goal.
All of these reveal a pure fact: a leader is essential to a team to run smoothly and effectively. A leader is important, as he or she will help the community to over-see the situation and make the best decision. Only by this, the resources of a team can be allocated efficiently.
If you are currently at the position of leading a team, you should give some credits to yourself, as you play an important role. And in order to nail this role, you may want to study some theories about leadership, and lead your teammates to perform at their best.
To start with, you may want to know which level of leadership you are currently at.
Level 5 leadership from Harvard Business Review
The concept of Level 5 leadership was first introduced by a business consultant, Jim Collins. His concept was later published in a Harvard Business Review article.
The concept of Level 5 leadership began with a study conducted in 1996. In the study, Collins studied 1,435 successful companies, and he distinguished 11 truly great ones from others. Collins discovered that these 11 companies were great as they were led by what he called “level 5” leaders.
The level 5 leaders, according to Collins, possess humility and compassion for the company.
Now, you may have a look at this hierarchy of leadership:
Level 1: Highly Capable Individual
At this level, you possess the knowledge and skill that enable you to excel your work.
Level 2: Contributing Team Member
At level 2, you contribute your knowledge and skill to the success of the company. In other words, you work productively with other people in your company.
Level 3: Competent Manager
At this stage, you are able to organise your team effectively to achieve goals.
Level 4: Effective Leader
Here you are able to stimulate a department to meet performance objectives and achieve a vision.
Level 5: Great Leader
At the top level, you possess all the qualities of the previous levels, plus you harbour a unique blend of humility and will of true greatness.
Core Leadership Theories
Trait Theories: What are the traits that make a great leader?
As suggested by the name, the Trait Leadership Theory offers us a tool to distinguish the traits that are commonly possessed by great leaders.
Dr. Gordon Allport, a psychologist, is one of the most famous promoter of the theory.
In a nutshell, the Trait Leadership Theory is founded on the belief that all great leaders possess intrinsic traits that make them a great leader; in other words, a leader is born, not made…
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