Leadership Has Been Described From Various Perspectives
Leadership Has Been Described From Various Perspectives And Defined By
Leadership has been described from various perspectives and defined by different concepts. Based on the descriptions of leadership provided in this week’s lecture and readings, present a personal definition of leadership and explain why your definition is appropriate and relevant to the practice of leadership today. Provide an example of a current leader who embodies this definition. Explain how this individual is a relevant example of your personal definition of leadership.
Paper For Above instruction
Leadership is a multifaceted concept that encompasses influence, inspiration, and the capacity to effect meaningful change within a group or community. After reviewing various scholarly perspectives and integrating my understanding, I define leadership as: "the dynamic process of inspiring, guiding, and empowering individuals toward a shared vision by fostering trust, adaptability, and ethical behavior." This definition emphasizes the relational and transformational aspects of leadership, aligning with contemporary views that leadership is not merely about authority but about influence and shared purpose.
The relevance of this definition in today’s leadership practice is grounded in the complex and rapidly changing world characterized by technological advancements, increased diversity, and heightened social responsibility. Leaders today must not only influence but also inspire trust and motivate their followers through authentic relationships. Ethical considerations are critical, as modern leadership demands accountability and integrity to foster sustainable progress. The emphasis on empowerment reflects a shift from hierarchical control to participative and servant leadership styles, encouraging collaboration and innovation.
A current exemplar of this leadership model is New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Her leadership during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Christchurch mosque shootings demonstrates the qualities encapsulated in my definition. Ardern's approach involved transparent communication, empathetic engagement, and decisive action—traits that inspire trust and empower communities. Her inclusive and compassionate style exemplifies the transformational leadership paradigm, where the leader mobilizes followers around shared values and well-being, fostering a strong sense of collective purpose.
Ardern’s leadership embodies authenticity and ethical commitment, as she consistently prioritizes the safety, rights, and dignity of her citizens. Her ability to connect emotionally with her followers underpins the trust necessary for effective leadership. Furthermore, her emphasis on collaboration and consensus-building illustrates the modern shift toward participative leadership, where influence results from mutual respect and shared vision. Her leadership during crises has not only stabilized her nation but also set a standard for empathetic and ethical leadership globally.
In sum, my personal definition of leadership underscores influence rooted in trust, ethical behavior, and empowerment—elements essential in navigating today’s complex social and political landscapes. Jacinda Ardern remains a relevant example because her actions exemplify these qualities in practice, demonstrating that effective leadership today is about inspiring collective resilience and fostering inclusive progress within society.
References
Bennis, W., & Nanus, B. (1985). Leaders: Strategies for taking charge. Harper & Row.
Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (1995). Modern approaches to leadership. Jossey-Bass.
Burns, J. M. (1978). Leadership. Harper & Row.
Gordon, M. (1955). Leadership in organizations. Harvard Business Review, 33(5), 10-17.
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (1995). The leadership challenge: How to keep getting results despite organizational change. Jossey-Bass.
Schein, E. H. (1992). Organizational culture and leadership. Jossey-Bass.
Schippmann, J. S., Ash, R. A., Battista, M., et al. (2000). The practice of competency modeling. Personnel Psychology, 53(3), 703-740.
Stogdill, R. M. (1974). Handbook of leadership: A survey of theory and research. Free Press.
McWilliams, M. A. (2007). A leadership competency model: Guiding the NAON process. Orthopaedic Nursing, 26(4).
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). (2008). Leadership competencies. Retrieved from https://www.shrm.org