Unit 1 Learning Activity 3: Blog Post 1 – Definition of Leadership
In his book Leadership (2019) Peter Northouse gives us his definition of leadership, “Leadership is the process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal” (p. 5). I really enjoy the way Northouse describes leadership as a process and not a trait. As a process, leadership can be observed in leader behaviours and can be learned (Northouse, 2019, p. 7). This means that one can grow in their leadership abilities and that you’re just not born with everything you need to know.
In regards to power, influence, group context and goal attainment, really the leader sets the pace in that. Power is the capacity or potential to influence (Northouse, 2019, p. 9). When there is an environment created based around the needs and desires of the employees and the company as a whole, then the leader will decide whether positional power in necessary in circumstances or personal power. However, these only work if you have influence over your staff – and I don’t mean positional influence. Once this is figured out then leadership, within the context of the organization, has a place to flourish and when it flourishes then common goals will be identified and met. It really does start at the top and then trickle down.
In my personal experience as a pastor in The Salvation Army I used to have the mindset of “Leave me alone in my little church and we’ll do what we can. I don’t really want your vision of the organization.” Now, realizing that when the leader of the organization, actively has the growth of individuals and the saving of souls in their mind, it does trickle down to us on the ground. The same can be said for any organization, I think, if their boss, the head of the organization, isn’t just playing “leader” but is a leader.
Question: How can we shift the mindset of those in our organizations from viewing us as being in “positions of power” to “leaders”?
Northouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership: theory and practice (Eighth ed.). Los Angeles: Sage Publications
One Reply to “Unit 1 Learning Activity 3: Blog Post 1 – Definition of Leadership”
Daniel,
You raise an excellent question! I expect that as you continue in your readings in the Northouse (2016) text, you will uncover different theoretical perspectives on leadership that will help you refine your thinking in this area. In a way, I think your question highlights the difference between “assigned” and “emergent” leaders. While many of us hold “assigned” leadership positions in various areas of our lives and at various times in life, maximizing that opportunity for leadership means that we must not just cast a vision and engage in leadership activities, but must also win the trust and followership of those we lead. I think you’ll find that transformational leadership discusses this in some detail.
Enjoy the learning!
— Leadership Prof