Northouse defines leadership as “a process whereby an individual influence as a group of individuals to achieve a common goal” (Northouse, 2019, pg. 6). Northouse refers to the process viewpoint (Northouse, 2019, pg. 8). He suggests that leadership is a phenomenon that resides in the context of the interaction between leaders and followers (Northouse, 2019, g. 8). He contends that leadership is, therefore, available to everyone. As a process, leadership can be observed in the leader’s behaviours and can be learned. I am, from personal experience, not convinced that leadership can be accomplished my anyone.
Northouse defines power as the “capacity or potential to influence” (Northouse, 2019, pg. 19. Of the six different types of power the author outlines, I feel the most useful form of power is “referent” power (Northouse, 2019, pg. 11). I believe that, to a large extent, a leader needs to be liked by his followers. In the same group, I would place “expert” power (Northouse, 2019, pg. 10). The leader with expert power is often perceived as a guide or helper. “Reward” power, when used judiciously as a leader, is almost always very effective (Northouse, 2019, pg. 10). Lastly, of the remaining two types of power, “legitimate” and “coercive” power, I put at the bottom of the list because I feel that over the long run, they do not stretch of build or enhance a person to the extent that the other four components of power frequently do (Northouse, 2019, pg. 10). In my opinion, referent and expert power are more effective than the other types because people with those two types of power are usually sought out, appreciated and respected by their followers.
Northouse seems to claim that everyone has a potential to be a leader (Northouse, 2019, pg. 80). My question is, does a person who is, for example, extremely introverted, nervous, insecure and fearful have the ability to be a leader?
Northouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership: Theory and practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Hai Norm Beange,
I enjoyed reading your blog and the way you briefly described about the forms of power in a leader. As you have mentioned that, referent and expert power are more effective than the other types because people with those two types of power are usually sought out, appreciated and respected by their followers, I too agree upon your idea but in contradiction to your opinion , I believe the Northouse’s view as the author suggests that leadership is a phenomenon that resides in the context of the interaction between leaders and followers. He contends that leadership is, therefore, available to everyone. To easily answer the question you put forth, I believe even an introvert , nervous person can also be a leader based on situations where he/she becomes an emergent leader. To give an example, I have a friend who was very nervous to do anything, fearful and introvert before her marriage , but after marriage her situations changed her to be more outgoing and she had to take up the responsibility to lead her family, take care of kids , manage finances and other educational needs of her kids . As I believe, leadership is not just leading a big group , a leader evolves even from a small family. Her situation changed her and now she is a secretary of the women’s wing in the community she lives. So I do think anyone can be a leader based on circumstances.
Georgeena