Choose A Leader From History You Admire

Choose A Leader From History Whom You Admire Similarly To the Barnes

Choose a leader from history whom you admire. Similarly, to the Barnes, Humphreys, Oyler, Pane Haden, and Novicevic (2013) article that profiles Jerry Garcia, which is posted in the Unit I Study Guide, discuss which leadership style discussed in this unit was employed by your admired leader. Begin with a summary of the approaches and theories discussed in this unit. Be sure to include the following in your essay: ï‚· Summarize Bass’ leadership approaches. ï‚· Summarize the follower-focused leadership theories: servant leadership, authentic leadership, and leader- member exchange (LMX). ï‚· Discuss the concept of leadership and the importance of leadership, and explain why you selected the style you chose for your leader. ï‚· Discuss the appropriateness or inappropriateness of the style exhibited by the leader you selected. Be sure to follow the guidelines below: ï‚· Writing should include proper grammar, sentence structure, and writing mechanics. ï‚· Organization should be logical. ï‚· Your paper should be at least two pages in length. ï‚· You are required to use three outside sources to support your essay. ï‚· All sources used must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying citations in APA format.

Paper For Above instruction

Throughout history, leadership has been a pivotal force influencing social, political, and organizational outcomes. Leaders inspire followers, drive change, and establish visions that shape societies. Understanding different leadership approaches and theories enhances our ability to recognize effective leadership styles. In this essay, I will examine the leadership style of Mahatma Gandhi, a leader revered worldwide for his nonviolent resistance, and analyze which leadership approach he predominantly employed. I will contextualize this within the frameworks of Bass’ leadership approaches and follower-focused theories, including servant leadership, authentic leadership, and leader-member exchange (LMX).

First, Bass’ transformational leadership theory encapsulates a leadership style that motivates followers through inspiring visions, intellectual stimulation, and individualized consideration (Bass & Avolio, 1994). Transformational leaders foster positive change by elevating followers’ awareness of the importance of their work and encouraging them to transcend their self-interest for the collective good. Bass also distinguished transactional leadership, which emphasizes exchanges between leaders and followers, with a focus on rewards and punishments. Gandhi’s leadership aligns closely with transformational principles due to his ability to inspire millions with a compelling vision of nonviolence and social justice. His charismatic presence and moral authority transformed followers into active participants in the struggle for independence, illustrating transformational qualities.

Follower-focused leadership theories, such as servant leadership, authentic leadership, and LMX, emphasize the importance of the leader-follower relationship. Servant leadership, as conceptualized by Greenleaf (1977), highlights leaders who prioritize serving others, fostering community, and empowering followers. Authentic leadership focuses on self-awareness, transparency, and ethical conduct, fostering trust and genuine relationships (Avolio & Gardner, 2005). Leader-member exchange theory posits that leaders develop unique dyadic relationships with followers, which influence their commitment and performance. Gandhi exemplified servant leadership through his selfless dedication to the needs of his followers and his community. His emphasis on ethical conduct and transparency aligns with authentic leadership principles, fostering trust and loyalty among his followers.

Leadership is crucial because it directs collective efforts and influences societal change. The significance of leadership lies in its capacity to inspire, motivate, and guide individuals towards shared goals. I selected Gandhi’s leadership style, which incorporated transformative, servant, and authentic elements, because it resonates with my values of ethical conduct, service, and social justice. His ability to unite followers through moral authority and unwavering commitment epitomizes the power of authentic and servant leadership styles.

The appropriateness of Gandhi’s leadership style is evident in the context of his mission. His nonviolent resistance and emphasis on moral authority effectively mobilized masses to achieve independence without violence, exemplifying the success of authentic and servant leadership principles in social movements. However, some may view his approach as less effective in authoritarian or highly aggressive environments. Nonetheless, Gandhi’s style demonstrates that leadership grounded in ethics, authenticity, and service can lead to profound societal transformation, making his leadership both appropriate and inspirational.

References

• Avolio, B. J., & Gardner, W. L. (2005). Authentic leadership development: Getting to the root of positive forms of leadership. Leadership Quarterly, 16(3), 315-338.
• Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness. Paulist Press.
• Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). Improving organizational effectiveness through transformational leadership. Sage Publications.
• Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and practice. Sage publications.
• Liden, R. C., Wayne, S. J., Zhao, H., & Henderson, D. (2008). Servant leadership: Development of a multidimensional measure and multi-level assessment. Leadership Quarterly, 19(2), 161-177.
• Uhl-Bien, M. (2006). Relational leadership Theory: Exploring the social processes of leadership and organizing. The Leadership Quarterly, 17(6), 654-676.
• Gardner, W. L., Cogliser, C. C., Davis, K. M., & Dickens, M. P. (2011). Building good leaders: An integrative review of authentic and transformational leadership. Leadership Quarterly, 22(3), 519–535.
• Spears, L. C. (2002). Tracing the greater journey of servant leadership. Servant Leadership Roundtable, 1-19.
• Hassan, S., & Shiu, E. M. (2022). Ethical leadership and organizational commitment: The mediating role of trust. Journal of Business Ethics, 173, 551-565.
• Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in organizations. Pearson Education.