Civility is the virtue that deals with the differences found in those unlike one's own. A leader is not limited to established relationships and bonds. He is not blind to other views. Blindness to other shades of opinion prevents learning from them. Piety demands inclusiveness and undivided loyalty while civility accommodates diversity and tolerance. True leadership exercises both in a balanced way. Leadership finds solutions to problems for others. A wise leader values set bonds within his community. But he also relies on others and their resources, which can supplement or replenish his own. He does not exist separately of others (Sergiovanni).
To exemplify responsibility and accountability
Leadership is position not only of prominence and privilege. It is also a position of responsibility and accountability. A leader must answer for his use and exercise of power and privilege to those he rules. As a manager, he is internally and externally accountable. His internal accountability consists of coherence and alignment with his duties and the collective expectations of the organization (Elmore 2005). Accountable leadership possesses certain characteristics. It stresses the importance of at the individual and collective levels. It focuses on the technical and social or emotional aspects of improvement. When it does, it rewards improvement. Accountable leadership is distributed leadership. It is distributed according to expertise. Some managers or employees know more than the rest. Authority follows the organization's contours of expertise, especially in solving problems (Elnore). Leadership is about taking charge, taking responsibility and being accountable for assigned tasks.
To guide others effectively in times of turmoil
Leadership guides people and resources in tough times more than in easy times (Thomas 2003). It is much more relevant in times of great stress, change and uncertain than in times of ease, predictability and certainty. Hence, leadership must be tested and re-tested against certain principles in response to turmoil These principles are a re-affirmation of core purposes; a fierce resolve towards life; endurance; the courage to rethink...
In taking challenges, a leader must realize the power and influence accorded him for the position he occupies over others. He is more than just a savior who will lead his followers out of the wilderness. The new leader challenges his followers to face problems to which there are as yet no simple or painless solutions. An effective leader can and does mobilize his followers to tackle tough problems. The other purpose of leadership is to create an internal, solid and strategic unity in an otherwise chaotic external environment. It is the bond within the team. It infuses harmony, synergy and a sense of community, which are very essential in times of instability. The real challenge of leadership is to encourage followers to pursue new ways of innovating and thinking in distressful times. Its underlying purpose is to renew focus, commitment and energy to adapt to the situation (Thomas). Succinctly, leadership exists to make a difference among those who are led.
Bibliography
Elmore, R.F. (2005). Accountable leadership. 8 pages. The Educational Forum: Kappa Delta Pi
McLagan, P.A. (2002). Change leadership today. 5 pages. T & D: American Society for Training and Development, Inc.
Philips, R. (2005). 3 pages. Next century: the leadership? 3 pages. Dynamic Chiropractic: ProQuest Information and Learning Company
Sergiovanni, T.J. (2005). The virtues of leadership. 10 pages. The Educational Forum: Kappa Delta Pi
Thomas, G.W. (2003). In times of turmoil, great leaders emerge. 5 pages. Leadership: Association of California School Administrators
Veach, M. (2006). Leadership. 2 pages. Healthcare Financial Management: Healthcare Financial Management Association
Willging, P.R. (2004). Leadership is more than giving orders. 3 pages. Nursing Homes: Medquest Communications, LLC
