Leadership concepts and practices

Leadership is paramount in the more globalized economic structure. Companies are now expanding into emerging markets at a very rapid pace. Competition from markets including China, India, and Brazil, now create a more competitive dynamic in regards to labor. Companies need leaders who can flourish irrespective of their geographic locations. Leaders now must also be cognizant of cultural values as they attempt to inspire and motivate their personnel. An awareness of individual leadership strength and weaknesses is therefore needed to navigate a constantly changing and dynamic environment. A self inventory of corresponding strengths and weaknesses will allow the future leader to be better prepared for many of the more complex aspects of leadership (Spillane, 2004).

While reading the leadership styles inventory, a litany of concepts emerged. For one, my style is not that of an authoritarian but rather that of a cooperative, collectivistic leader. I prefer to work alongside my employees rather than directing them. By working alongside those I supervise, it allows me to establish both a rapport and a bond with the overall team. This bond will become paramount as employees are more productive when they enjoy work. I addition, I tend to explain the reasons "why" a particular action is needed. Research has proven that when employees understand the reasoning behind a particular objective, they are more apt to work towards that particular objective. My leadership strength therefore comes from my ability to build rapport with my employees. In addition, my ability to effectively communicate and understand my employees is integral to my overall leadership style. These strengths create a work environment which is enjoyable for all stakeholders. However, all stakeholders also understand what is expected of them in regards to performance. This combination of understanding, communication, enjoyment, and rapport will be the cornerstones of my leadership style (Lewis, 2006).

In regards to challenges, a litany of circumstances can arise that would make my leadership style ineffective. For one, the industry that I work in may not allow for a consensus building. Instead, authoritative leaders will be more effective. Time sensitive industries such as fast food, retail, railroads, and manufacturing, often require authoritative leaders for success. The industries are characterized with quick demands, rapid changes of objectives, and time-sensitive demands. As such, orders must be followed without an explanation (House, 1971). Explanations, in many instances would simply waste time, without a corresponding increase in productivity. As such, my collectivistic, collaborative style would not be effective in these environments. In addition, employees will not take my leadership skills seriously. They may see a collectivistic nature as a sign of weakness, and subsequently rebel. Some employees, particularly those will long tenure, prefer to simply be told what the goals are, as opposed to having an explanation.

Working in the healthcare profession however, would be ideal for my leadership style. Many of the decisions with this profession require both communication and collaboration, both of which, I excel at. Aspects such as treatment processes, customer service delivery, and overall business operations require time to implement. Leaders with the ability to communicate the reasoning behind a particular course of action will excel in this industry. Hospice, therefore, would be an ideal area to foster and facilitate my overall leadership skills.