Learning Activity 3: Blog Post 1

 

Defining leadership

“Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.” (Northouse, 2016, p. 6). It is based on this definition that I hereby describe the following leadership components;

 

Process

Process refers to the interactions that exist between the leader and the followers, the leader just as the followers, could be affected by these interactions (Northouse, 2016, p. 6). One of the consequences of this interaction or process is that traits or characteristics of a leader could be learnt or imparted.

 

Power

Northouse defined power as the capacity to exert influences by affecting the beliefs, attitudes, or actions of others (Northouse, 2016, p. 10). It is common for leaders to exert power on the followers either as a result of the position they occupy or as a result of their personality traits (Northouse, 2016, p. 11).

 

Influence

Influence refers to the effects which a leader exerts on followers (Northouse, 2016, p. 6).
Group context

Just as a teaching cannot occur without students being taught, I believe leadership cannot exist without followers being led. Hence, a group of individuals provides the context within which leadership occurs (Northouse, 2016, p. 6).

 

Goal attainment

Goal attainment refers to the shared interests or objectives which binds the leader and followers together, by giving them a sense of purpose (Northouse, 2016, p. 6).

 

Conclusion

How does the concept of self-directed leadership fit into leadership practices?

 

References

Northouse, P.G. (2016). Leadership: Theory and Practice. (7th ed.). SAGE Publications.