The Leaders :

Meaning,
Nature and
Qualities

AFE 103: Leadership 1

Lecture 2 30102023
Leader

• A leader is an individual who occupies a

position of influence, responsibility, or
authority and who guides, directs, inspires,
and motivates a group of people or an
organization toward the achievement of
specific goals, objectives, or a shared
vision.
• Leadership is a multifaceted concept that
encompasses a wide range of qualities,
behaviors, and roles. Here's a
comprehensive definition of a leader:
The Leader
 Meaning of a leader
1. One who leads.: "A leader is one who leads others to achieve a common goal."
(Northouse, 2019)
2. One who guides or directs.: "Leaders are responsible for guiding and directing
their followers towards the achievement of organizational goals." (Avolio & Gardner,
2005)
3. One who influences others: "Leaders influence others through their vision,
charisma, and ability to motivate." (Kouzes & Posner, 2017)
4. One who sets an example:"Leaders set an example for their followers by
demonstrating the values and behaviors that they expect of others." (Maxwell, 2013)
Meaning of a leader
5. One who builds consensus. "Leaders are able to build
consensus among their followers by listening to their concerns and
finding common ground." (Heifetz, 2009)

6. One who inspires change. "Leaders are able to inspire change

by communicating their vision for the future and empowering their
followers to take action." (Goleman, 2000)

7. One who serves others. Intext reference: "Leaders are servants

of their followers. They are committed to helping their followers
achieve their goals and reach their full potential." (Greenleaf, 1977)
Famous
Leaders
Meaning of a leader
A leader is one who is able to articulate a
clear and compelling vision for the
future, and to inspire others to share
that vision." (Babalola, 2008)

Leaders should be able to communicate

effectively with others, both verbally and
in writing." (Babalola, 2015)

Leadership is not about power or

privilege, but about responsibility and
service." (Babalola, 2019)
A leader in the spectrum of a business
According to Hamel and Breen (2023), business
leaders are individuals who bear the weighty
responsibility of steering an organization toward
success. They set forth a compelling vision, craft and
execute strategies, and serve as the driving force
behind employee motivation and guidance. As
management experts and authors of "The Future of
Leadership: How to Build a Culture of Innovation
and Engagement," Hamel and Breen emphasize the
pivotal role of leadership in fostering innovation and
engagement within businesses. They aptly assert,
"Leadership is the catalyst that transforms ordinary
companies into engines of innovation."
 The Leaders: Meaning, Nature, and Qualities
A leader is someone who:
1. Inspires and Influences:
A leader has the ability to inspire and influence others, often through the power of
their ideas, vision, or character. They have the capacity to rally individuals or groups
around a common purpose or goal.

2. Guides and Directs:

Leaders provide guidance, direction, and a sense of purpose to their followers or
team members. They make decisions and set priorities that steer the group toward
desired outcomes.

3. Takes Responsibility:
Leaders take responsibility for their actions and decisions. They are accountable for
the success or failure of the endeavors they lead.

4. Demonstrates Vision:
A leader often possesses a clear and compelling vision of the future. They articulate
this vision and work to align others with it.
 1
5. Exhibits
2 3 4 5
Integrity: 8. Empowers
Integrity is a and
fundamental Develops They foster a
7. Adapts to
quality of a 6. Communicates Others: culture of
Change: Effective
leader. They Effectively: Leaders Leaders continuous
leaders are
act with are skilled empower improvemen
adaptable and
honesty, communicators who
their team t and
can convey ideas, able to navigate
ethics, and members to mentorship
expectations, and through
moral grow, learn,
feedback clearly and uncertainty and
principles. persuasively. They and take on
change.They
listen actively to adjust strategies greater
others and
encourage open and approaches responsibiliti
dialogue. as circumstances es.
evolve.

The Leaders: Meaning, Nature, and Qualities

 The Leaders: Meaning, Nature, and Qualities
A leader is someone who:
9. Builds Relationships: Leaders recognize the importance of building positive
and collaborative relationships within their team and with stakeholders. They value
diversity and inclusivity.

10. Manages Conflict: - Leaders are adept at managing conflicts and disputes
constructively. - They seek resolutions that benefit the group and maintain
harmony.

11. Achieves Results: - Ultimately, leaders are judged by their ability to achieve
results and goals. - They are driven by a commitment to excellence and the
betterment of the organization or community they serve.

12. Adheres to a Leadership Style: - Leaders may adopt various leadership

styles, such as transformational, servant, democratic, or autocratic, depending on
the situation and the needs of their team.
Nature of a Leader
Vision: A leader is able to articulate a clear and compelling vision for the
future, and to inspire others to share that vision. (Kouzes & Posner, 2017)

Integrity: A leader is honest, trustworthy, and ethical. They are committed to

doing what is right, even when it is difficult. (Avolio & Gardner, 2005)

Competence: A leader has the knowledge, skills, and abilities to lead others
effectively. They are able to make sound decisions, solve problems, and manage
complex situations. (Northouse, 2019)
Nature of a Leader
• Communication: A leader is able to
communicate effectively with others, both
verbally and in writing. They are able to
clearly articulate their vision, goals, and
expectations, and to listen to and understand
the feedback and concerns of
others. (Maxwell, 2013)

• Empathy: A leader is able to understand and

empathize with the feelings of others. They are
able to create a positive and supportive work
environment where everyone feels valued and
respected. (Goleman, 2000)
Leader’s Desirable
Traits

• Courage: A leader is willing

to take risks and stand up for
what they believe in, even
when it is unpopular. (Bennis
& Thomas, 2002)

• Decisiveness: A leader is
able to make timely and sound
decisions, even under
pressure. (Kotter, 1990)
 Leader’s Desirable
Traits
• Adaptability: A leader is able to
adapt to change and to think
outside the box. (Heifetz, 2009)

• Humility: A leader is willing to

admit when they are wrong and to
learn from others. (Hummel &
Deal, 2018)

• Resilience: A leader is able to

bounce back from setbacks and
failures. (Manning &
Härtel, 2019)
 Qualities of leaders
• Research shows that there is a
consistent set of traits, characteristics
and qualities of good leadership that
people look for in their leaders.

• 75,000 people, on six continents over

a period of 15 years were asked to
identify the characteristics and
qualities of good leadership (J M
Kouzes & B Z Posner, 2002, San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass). These were
the results:
 Qualities of leaders

Honesty Forward Competence Inspiring

Oriented

Intelligent Fair Minded Broad - Self -control

Minded
Meaning of a Leader
• A Leader is an individuals responsible for guiding and directing
others, leveraging their vision and motivational prowess to
influence and inspire followers.
• leader exemplify the values and behaviors they expect from
others, fostering consensus by attentively addressing concerns
and facilitating change through effective communication and
empowerment.
• Integral to the role is the commitment to serving the needs and
aspirations of the followers, enabling them to achieve their goals
and reach their fullest potential.
TEAM LEADER

A team leader assumes the pivotal role of

steering the collective towards achieving
set goals. Katzenbach and Smith (2021),
management consultants and authors of
"The Wisdom of Teams: How to Turn
Groups of Talented People into High-
Performing Teams," shed light on the
intricacies of team leadership. authors
underline that "Leadership within a
team context requires the ability to
harness the collective wisdom and
talents of its members, channeling them
toward the pursuit of excellence."
Educational leaders are entrusted with the
prosperity of educational institutions, setting forth
a vision, designing curricula, and providing
guidance and support to educators. This role is
illuminated in the work of DuFour, DuFour, and
Eaker (2021), experienced educators and authors of
"Professional Learning Communities at Work:

Building Consensus, Improving Collaboration, and

Achieving Breakthrough Results." In their book,
they delve into the concept of professional learning
communities and its impact on educational
leadership. Their message is clear: "Educational
leaders are architects of collaborative learning
environments where collective efforts translate into
exceptional outcomes."
 leaders are individuals who possess the ability to kindle motivation and inspiration
among others in their pursuit of goals. Furthermore, they cultivate a positive and
supportive work environment, fostering growth and well-being.
In the realm of
psychology This perspective aligns with the insights of Northouse (2022), a distinguished
textbook author in the field of leadership. Northouse, in his work "Leadership:
Theory and Practice," explores a wide array of leadership theories and practical
applications. He emphasizes that "Psychological leadership hinges on the art of
motivating and nurturing individuals, transforming aspirations into achievements."
A leader in social context
As outlined by Goleman (2020), wield the power to inspire and
motivate individuals from diverse backgrounds toward a shared
objective. Their influence extends across various domains, from
businesses and organizations to governments and communities.
Goleman, a renowned expert in emotional intelligence, authored
"Resonant Leadership: Creating a Culture of Engagement That
Achieves Results." In his book, he underscores the significance of
emotionally resonant leadership, asserting that "Effective leaders
resonate with the aspirations of their followers, creating a
harmonious chorus of shared purpose."
 Position of Power
• In the realm of politics, leaders occupy
positions of power and authority within
governments, as noted by Nye and Zelikow
(2021). These individuals are entrusted with
the pivotal tasks of formulating and
implementing policies, as well as advocating
for the interests of their constituents. Nye
and Zelikow, distinguished scholars in the
field of international relations, co-authored
"The Age of Rivalry: Strategic Competition
Today." In their work, they expound on the
complexities of strategic leadership in an
era defined by shifting global dynamics. As
they state, "Political leadership demands a
keen understanding of strategic
competition, where the stakes are high and
the rules are ever-evolving."
References
• Avolio, B. J., & Gardner, W. L. (2005). Authentic leadership: Development and validation
of a theory of leading with purpose. Psychological Reports, 96(2), 591-616.
• Goleman, D. (2000). Working with emotional intelligence. Bantam Books.
• Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power
and greatness. Paulist Press.
• Heifetz, R. (2009). Leadership in a perilous world. Harvard Business Press.
• Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The leadership challenge: How to make
extraordinary things happen. Jossey-Bass.
• Maxwell, J. C. (2013). The 21 irresistible qualities of a leader: Become the person people
want to follow. Thomas Nelson.
• Northouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership: Theory and practice. Sage Publications.
• Hamel, G., & Breen, B. (2023). The future of leadership: How to build a culture of
innovation and engagement. Harvard Business Review Press.
References
• Goleman, D. (2020). Resonant leadership: Creating a culture of
engagement that achieves results. Harvard Business Review Press.
• Northouse, P. G. (2022). Leadership: Theory and practice. Sage
Publications.
• DuFour, R., Dufour, R., & Eaker, R. (2021). Professional learning
communities at work: Building consensus, improving collaboration,
and achieving breakthrough results. Solution Tree Press.
• Katzenbach, J. R., & Smith, D. K. (2021). The wisdom of teams: How to
turn groups of talented people into high-performing
teams. HarperBusiness.