Unit 1 Learning Activity 3

According to Northouse (2016), “Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal” (p. 6).

The word process explains the fluid nature of the leader-follower dynamic. As kitchen manager (KM) I lead a team underneath me. My followers include my prep and line-cooks, supervisors, and dishwashers. I’m also a follower. My general manager (GM) holds the vision for our restaurant and I follow her.

Power and influence both affect how much a leader can change the belief and culture of followers. I have more positional power than a cook. However, if the cook is more liked and has greater personal power than me, they might have more influence over the team than I do!

Boston Pizza provides a great example of how leadership occurs in groups. They are franchisee owned, meaning Boston Pizza corporate owns the recipes and ideas but the franchisee owns the store and runs the restaurant. Corporate leaders work together with franchisee leaders in order for both to be successful.

Common goals in a team is important. Leaders promote their goals in a way that keeps followers engaged and motivated to achieve them.

After reading Chapter 1, I think the definition of leadership by Northouse is very well rounded considering the 4 central components of leadership. Are there definitions of leadership that you think are more accurate that Northouses?

 

References

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