Marketing Research Paper: Describe Leadership Theories (Research Paper Sample)

Leadership Theories
As I was learning I learnt a lot of things and important concepts about leadership and leadership theories. I learnt that leadership is the process whereby an individual influences others and the decisions that they make all the time. The influences is mostly via an organization and attainment of the goals of the organizations. Leadership is a very brad concept that has people being guided in various ways towards a certain goal that they need to attain. All forms of organizations and workplaces need leadership for them to attain the relevant goals that they need to, (Foti, et.al, 2014). Leadership concepts are studied as a course very frequently and are hence the most researched area of organizational studies and the lives of human beings. The area of leadership is different to that of management and as it always entails the ability of an individual to influence others. The concepts of leadership are that leadership always prevails regardless of the authoritative position of the individuals and one does not necessarily need to be on top in order to influence others, (Landis, et.al, 2014). The formal position and authority do not matter as you may find a persona who is a subordinate influence those at the top and their peers. When comparing this to the role and position of management you would see that a manager is at the top and is hence the one planning, organizing, controlling and sometimes directing what is to be done. This management always begins from the top to bottom.
The goals are the prime motive of a group and organization and they hence require an individual figure who will be guiding everything through influencing others to reach the targets and goals. Thus the definition of leadership entails a total of three important points to this effect. The first most important point of leadership is on the social aspect of leadership which discusses leadership as a social influence topic, (Avolio, &Yammarino, 2013). The process of leadership has it that leadership has to occur as a process of social life. Hence, the occurrence of leadership is based on the number of followers who in this case have to be at least one or two following a leader. Otherwise, there would be no one being led by the leader if there are no followers. The followers on their part have to be able to perform voluntary work as they are required by the leadership and leader. This makes the followers part able to give themselves out and their efforts to contribute towards the requirements of the leader. The followers will behave in a certain way that will keep them focused on the goal that the organization setting requires. I also learnt that the leadership duties and activities are more focused on the workplaces and what the workplace has to offer the individuals.
I have realized that leadership being a very broad spectrum has models, viewpoints, and styles that come along with it. With the three concepts and theories of leadership I have realized that I can improve my skills significantly and ensure that I bring the best out of me always. I have realized that I need self-development as an area that will ensure I am improving my personal capabilities and knowledge. Since for me to be able to lead others I will require to know more about what I can do and expand my bank of knowledge, self-development is hence a core area of development that I require, (Ehrhart, 2015). My effectiveness as a leader is improved greatly and significantly by the concepts of these theories. The theories are that the traits of a leader must be directed towards what the leader is capable of doing. The traits and other capabilities of a leader are seen in the leader for the leader to be able to influence others. I have realized that the traits of a leader such as intelligence and wisdom have to be a part of what I can do for me to be able to work as an effective leader. My drive and sociability needs to be very exemplary for me to be able to lead others well.
As a member of a group, I do not necessarily need to be on top in terms of a formal position for me to be a leader. This allows me to improve my skills from the group and peers that I am in. the sphere of influence that I have will then project and expand to reach others who are not even my peers. In this way, my effective and efficiency as a leader will grow significantly and make me go beyond the limits thatare in existent. I have also realized from the three concepts of leadership that I need to be competent with whatever I am doing. When all the characteristics of a leader are combined and balanced properly, the result is a very effective and efficient leader who is capable of getting out of tricky situations, (Tyssen, et.al, 2013). The leader is also capable to handle all kinds of problems with a tactical nous that is distinct of him alone. The theories have also assisted me in understanding the approach of leadership that I need to have always for me to be able to attain all my goals. The behavior of a leader needs to be maintained all the time to ensure that a leader is able to maintain the identity of the leader too. I have also realized that my behavior as a leader dictates my job performances all the time.
I have learnt that these concepts and theories are very essential in enhancing the leadership practices that I am doing. My leadership practices and effectiveness is very important and hence has to be handled well and improved. Integrating these learning concepts of leadership into my daily work is the most important step of achieving success in my leadership roles, (Foti, et.al, 2014). I will have to alter my thinking and behaviors to suit the learnt concepts so as to be a better leader who is well-equipped in handling matters and reaching the goals of the team that I am leading. I will take specific changes of actions to alter my behaviors so as to ensure I am doing the correct thing, (Tyssen, et.al, 2013). My behaviors and thinking will change regarding the ideas that the different ideas of leadership that I have. I will look towards finding the correct balance between the leadership abilities and theories. This will vary in whether I am autocratic, democratic, or Laissez-faire in terms of what I am capable of. The autocratic leader is one such leader that will decide on the issues without involving the others and the team members.
The leadership behavior of autocracy is applied in issues where there is a need for a quick decision and does not necessarily need to have a quick successful outcome. Any behavior of a democratic leader allows the people to input information in the decisions. Hence, I will apply thi...