1 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

2 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

I. PROGRAM OUTCOMES:

In pursuance of the above stated mission, the students shall be able to:
1.explain an understanding of the importance of a desirable character and the skills of leadership, decision
making, management and administration in governance be it in the public or in private sector setting;
2.demonstrate an understanding of character formation, leadership framework, how it work in the workplace;
3.learn and work constructively in a group of diverse skills and knowledge;
4.appreciate different perspective on and responses to, leadership, management and administration.
5.emphasize the leadership aspect of management as a supplement to organizational behavior;
6.demonstrate and practice the professional and ethical requirements of an effective law enforcer;
7.manifest constructive decision making in all critical situations;
8.work effectively and efficiently in the workplace and be able to manage conflicts in the workplace;
9.demonstrate good values and flexible to the situations;
10.cultivate strong sense of Patriotism and Nationalism in public service.

II. COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course aims to develop the students in criminology the desirable character as a citizen, and in
due time, as a law enforcer in the government, and skills and competencies on leadership, decision
making, management and administration. Equally, the course examines how desirable characters, and
skills of leadership, decision making will have impact on public administration.

III. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

In this course, you should be able to:
1. explain the fundamentals of Patriotism and Nationalism coupled with good character formation, decision
making in pursue of being an effective and efficient law enforcer of the country;
2. explain the challenges towards Patriotism and Nationalism;
3. analyze the nature and importance of Leadership and its application to the workplace;
4. describe Contingency and Situational Leadership relating to crime prevention and crime investigation;
5. interact effectively with other people internalizing the character traits of a good law enforcer.
3 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

INTRODUCTION

Our introductory chapter begins with an explanation of what leadership is and is not. We then examine
how leaders make a difference, the various roles they play and the major satisfactions and frustrations they
experience. It also includes an explanation of we enhance our own leadership skills. It concludes with a
discussion of ―followership giving leaders good materials to work with.

MODULE LEARNING OUTCOME

In this module, you should be able to:

1. explain the meaning of leadership and how it differs from management;
2. describe how leadership influences organizational performance;
3. pinpoint several important leadership roles;
4. identify the major satisfaction and frustrations associated with the leadership role;
5. describe a framework for understanding leadership;
6. discuss how leadership skills are developed;
7. discuss several traits, behaviors, and attitudes of a successful follower.

LESSON l- THE MEANING OF LEADERSHIP

SPECIFIC LEARNING OUTCOMES

In this lesson, you should be able to:
1. define Leadership;
2. explain the importance of Leadership;
3. demonstrate the true essence of a good leader.

PRE-ASSESSMENT

Instructions: Without looking into your notes or browsing the internet answer the questions briefly:

1. What do you think is a leader?

______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________.
4 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

2. In your own opinion, is a leader born or made?

______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

LESSON MAP

LEADERSHIP

DEFINITION OF IMPORTANCE OF DESIRABLE TRAITS

LEADERSHIP LEADERSHIP OF A LEADER

This map shows the definition and importance. It also talks about the desirable traits of a leader.

CORE CONTENTS

ENGAGE: ENGAGE: CONTEMPLATING LEADERSHIP

Instruction: Write your answer below briefly.

5 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

Picture Analysis
1. What do you think is the type of leadership used by Adolf Hitler?
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________.

2. Is the type of leadership used by Adolf Hitler applicable in our country?

______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________.
6 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

EXPLORE: All ABOUT LEADERSHIP

LEADERSHIP DEFINED

Common to all definitions of leadership is the notion that leaders are individuals who, by their
actions, facilitate the movement of a group of people toward a common or shared goal. This
definition implies that leadership is an influence process.[1]

Leadership can be defined as follows:

- A process whereby an individual influence a group of individuals to achieve a common goal
[2]
- A process by which a person influences other to accomplish a mission [3]
- Leadership is inspiring others to pursue your vision within the parameters you set, to the
extent that it becomes a shared effort, a shared vision, and a shared success. [4]
- Leadership is a process of social influence, which maximizes the efforts of others, towards
the achievement of a goal. [5]
-
Note: All the definitions have a couple of processes in common:
o Leader is a person influences others through social influence, not power, to get something
accomplished.
o Leadership requires others, who are not necessarily direct reports, to get something
accomplished.
o There is a need to accomplish something.

Leaders carry out this process by applying their leadership knowledge and skills. This is called
Process Leadership. [6] However, bear in mind that their traits that can influence our actions. This is
called Trait Leadership (Jago, 1982), in that it was once common to believe that leaders were born
rather than made.
7 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

While leadership is learned, a leader's skills and knowledge can be influenced by his or hers
attributes or traits, such as beliefs, values, ethics, and character. Knowledge and skills contribute
directly to the process of leadership, while the other attributes give the leader certain characteristics
that make him or her unique.
Example:
A leader might have learned the skills in counseling others, but her traits will often play a great role
in determining how she counsels. A person who has empathy will make a better counselor than a
person who thinks the employees are simply there do accomplish her biddings.
Skills, knowledge, and attributes make the Leader, which is one of the factors of leadership. [7]

What is the distinction between a Leader and a Leadership?

The leader is an individual; leadership is the function or activity that this individual performs.

A. Leadership Traits
What are the Leadership Traits?
Leadership traits refer to personal qualities that define effective leaders. Leadership traits, like other
skills, can be acquired with time and practice.
Below are seven traits of an effective leader:
1. Effective Communicators
8 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

Leaders are excellent communicators, able to clearly and concisely explain problems and solutions.
Leaders know when to talk and when to listen. In addition, leaders can communicate on different
levels: one-on-one, via phone, email, etc.
2. Accountable and Responsible
Leaders hold themselves accountable and take responsibility for any mistakes. Leaders support and
encourage individuality while abiding by organizational structure, rules, and policies that need to be
followed.
What is the distinction between Accountability and Responsibility?
The main difference between responsibility and accountability is that responsibility can be shared
while accountability cannot. Being accountable not only means being responsible for something but
also ultimately being answerable for your actions. Also, accountability is something you hold a
person to only after a task is done or not done. Responsibility can be before and/or after a task.
Moreover, in ethics and governance, accountability is answerability, blameworthiness, liability, and
the expectation of account-giving. While responsibility may refer to: being in charge, being the
owner of a task or event.[8]
3. Long-term Thinkers
Leaders are visionaries. This is evidenced by the leadership trait of being able to plan through
concrete and quantifiable goals.
4. Self-motivated
Leaders are self-motivated and can keep going and attain goals despite setbacks. In addition, good
leaders try their best to exceed, not just meet, expectations.
5. Confident
Virtually all good leaders share the leadership trait of confidence. By being
confident, leaders can reassure and inspire others, establish open communications, and encourage
teamwork.
6. People-oriented
Leaders are typically people-oriented and team players. By being people- oriented, leaders can
energize and motivate others. By making each individual feel important and vital to the team‘s
success, they secure the best efforts from each member of the team.
7. Emotionally Stable
Leaders exercise good control and regulation over their own behavior and can tolerate frustration
and stress. Leaders can cope with changes in an environment without having an intense emotional
reaction.
List below are the traits that bad leaders commonly exhibit:
9 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

B. Leadership skills
What is Leadership skill and its different from Leadership traits?
Whereas traits are the characteristics of leaders, skills are the knowledge and abilities, or
competencies, of leaders. The competencies of a leader needs depend upon the situation.

These competencies depend on a variety of factors: The number of people following the
leader. The extent of the leader‘s leadership skills. The leader's basic nature and values.
The group or organization's background, such as whether it's for profit or not‐for‐profit, new or long
established, large or small. The culture (or values and associated behaviors) of whomever is being
led.
Peter Drucker, one of the best‐known contemporary management theorists, offers a
pragmatic approach to leadership in the workplace. He believes that consistency is the key to good
leadership, and that successful leaders share the following three abilities which are based on what
he refers to as good old‐fashioned hard work:

Good leaders set goals, priorities, and standards, making sure that these objectives not only are
communicated but maintained.
as a responsibility rather than a rank
Good leaders aren't afraid to surround themselves with talented, capable people; they do not blame
others when things go wrong.

Good leaders have personal integrity and inspire trust among their followers; their actions are
consistent with what they say.
In Drucker's words, ―Effective leadership is not based on being clever, it is based primarily on
being consistent.”

C. Leadership Style
What is Leadership Style?
Leadership style is the manner and approach of providing direction, implementing plans, and
motivating people. As seen by the employees, it includes the total pattern of explicit and implicit
actions performed by their leader [10]. Often, the leadership style depends on the situation,
including where the organization is in its life cycle.
10 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

The term "leadership style" refers to a leader‘s manner of behavior in a work situation.
According to Fred E. Fiedler, one‘s leadership style depends on one‘s personality and is therefore
relatively fixed. A study of leadership styles therefore deals mainly with the way the leader carries
out his/her leadership functions or roles–the use of authority and power and the approach to the
decision-making process.[11]

The following are common leadership styles:

1. Autocratic
Autocratic leadership (also referred to as authoritarian leadership) is a leadership style in
which the leader tells employees exactly how they would like tasks/projects to be performed and the
leader retains final decision-making authority.[12]
This approach generally results in passive resistance from team members and requires continual
pressure and direction from the leader in order to get things done. Generally, this approach is not a
good way to get the best performance from a team. However, this style may be appropriate when
urgent action is necessary or when subordinates prefer this style.[13]

Any subordinates‘ attempt at questioning the directives given are discouraged. There is little
or no opportunity for subordinates to develop initiative and creativity. Employee behavior is closely
controlled through such means as punishment, reward, arbitrary rules, and task orientation.[12]
2. Participative (Democratic)
The leader or manager involves the subordinates in decision making by consulting team
members (while still maintaining control), which encourages employee ownership for the
decisions.[13]
Democratic Leadership, also known as Participative Leadership, is where individuals who would
typically be considered unequal by hierarchal standards have shared power in making decisions.
Below are further elaborations of Democratic leaders:

- Democratic leaders emphasize collaboration and the free flow of ideas.

- While these leaders do allow shared participation in decision-making, they often decide who is a
part of the group or committee tasked with making decisions.
- Responsibility is shared among all members of staff with the leader present to offer guidance and
keep discussions balanced and controlled.
- Participative leadership instill mutual respect among those involved that create candid and open
conversations.
- Democratic leaders can often be seen in positions in nonprofit organizations, school boards, and
forward-thinking companies.[14]
11 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

A good participative leader encourages participation and delegates wisely, but never loses
sight of the fact that he or she bears the crucial responsibility of leadership. The leader values group
discussions and input from team members; he or she maximizes the members' strong points in
order to obtain the best performance from the entire team.
The participative leader motivates team members by empowering them to direct themselves; he or
she guides them with a loose rein. The downside, however, is that a participative leader may be
unsure, and team members may feel that everything is a matter for group discussion and decision.
[13]
3. Laissez‐faire (also called free‐rein).
It is also termed as delegative. In this hands‐off approach, the leader encourages team
members to function independently and work out their problems by themselves, although he or she
is available for advice and assistance.[13]
Although this leadership style is not usually advocated, it has its place with persons who are
highly motivated and can work totally on their volition. This type of leadership style would also be
appropriate when there is nothing significant at stake. For example, if teachers wanted to give a
party, then a laisser-faire style would be most appropriate.[11]
The leader usually has little control over team members, leaving them to sort out their roles
and tackle their work assignments without personally participating in these processes. In general,
this approach leaves the team floundering with little direction or motivation. Laissez‐faire is usually
only appropriate when the team is highly motivated and skilled and has a history of producing
excellent work.
12 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

Although good leaders use all three styles, with one of them normally dominant, bad leaders
tend to stick with one style, normally autocratic.[15]
Leaderships in Law enforcement
1. Tactical Leadership
Tactical leadership is concerned with the here and now, with short-term decisions and risk
management for immediate gains. At the tactical level, leaders must balance the needs of team
members with the needs of the mission or situation. This often involves negotiating and cajoling
followers to cooperate to achieve the aim. It also means creating an environment where they are
willing to make sacrifices or contribute to the team because of a felt loyalty to the leader and other
team members.
Tactical leadership is thus highly transactional. This is because the leader does not have
many of the tools of transformational leadership at his or her disposal.
2. Strategic Leadership
Strategic leadership is concerned with the long-term purpose and goals of an organization,
movement, or institution. A strategic leader is vying to create a viable organization that will be
capable of functioning in all circumstances, that is resilient and, even better, robust in the face of
threats and obstacles. Strategic leaders may use transactional punishments and rewards to achieve
their organizational aims, but these usually only have a short-term effect, and can even be
counterproductive in the longer term. Therefore, it is much more effective and efficient to build
strategic leadership based on transformational factors.
By having a compelling vision and mission, a strategic leader will attract the right people to
the organization, ones who are committed to its long-term goals and purpose, thus providing
intrinsic motivation in the face of hardship and setbacks. This also provides a stimulating and
challenging environment for people to grow, thereby liberating their talents and skills in the
accomplishment of organizational goals.

3. Operational Leadership
Operational leaders are the unsung heroes of organizations because they build the
structures and systems that allow the strategic leader(s) vision and objectives to be achieved, while
providing a framework for inspired action by the organization‘s tactical leaders. In other words, they
create systems to support the values of the organization and its leadership and to encourage a
culture and behavior patterns that are congruent with these.
For instance, an organization that values teamwork and group collaboration over individual
contributions needs a system of rewards that supports that aim. If a team achieves a significant
outcome through effective teamwork, then the entire team must be recognized and rewarded, not its
individual members.
13 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

This requires a lot from operational leaders. They are the ones who must lead teams in analyzing
and understanding the strategic and tactical realities of the organization.[16]

As some used other methods and terms of Leadership Styles

1. Authoritative Police Leadership
Authoritative leadership is strictly rules-based with a preference for order and a sometimes military-
like approach.
2. Transactional Police Leadership
Transactional leadership is much like authoritative leadership except that it relies on a rewards-
based system to motivate subordinates.
3. Transformational Police Leadership
Transformational leadership focuses on a ―people-centered approach‖ that aims to inspire,
empower and motivate one‘s team.[17]

Segment 2. Ethical Leadership

What is Ethical Leadership?
Ethical leadership is a form of leadership in which individuals demonstrate conduct for the
common good that is acceptable and appropriate in every area of their life.[18]
Specifically, leaders must regard ethics as a key component of the agency‘s culture in which officers
behave ethically and respect the rights of others. This can only be accomplished by leaders
demonstrating ethical actions to all members of the agency.[19]

Ethical Leadership is composed of the following three major elements:

1. Be the Example
A noble quality of a leader is leading by example.
2. Champion the importance of Ethics
One role of an ethical leader is focusing on the overall importance of ethics, including ethical
standards and other ethical issues, and how these factors can influence society.
3. Communicate
Successful ethical leaders tend to be good communicators.[20]
Zuidema and Duff (2009) believe that agency leadership can facilitate an ethical workforce in the
following ways:
corporate agency values or ideals through mission statements.
Mission statements are a tool agency that can use to explicitly state their values for all to see.

Ethical behavior should be woven throughout all training and stated in lesson plans.
14 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

The agency must reflect ethics in all policies and philosophies.

avior at the executive level.
This means that agencies should consider a policy of zero tolerance for any unethical activity by
executives.[21]
Why Ethical Leadership is important in Law Enforcement?
Effective ethical leadership is crucial for law enforcement leaders. Ultimately the presence or
absence of ethical leadership has significant implications for society. Yet Western law enforcement
agencies (LEAs) invest little by way of time, effort or understanding into how law enforcement
leaders interpret and develop a sense of ethical competence for leadership.[22]

How to Be an Ethical Leader?

1. Define Your Organization's Values
Know your organization's values, so that you can embody them in your day-to-day business
(activities).
2. Know Your Personal Values
Good leaders follow their personal values as well as their organizational values.
3. Set the Tone
When you're sure of your organizational and personal values, you can begin to create the right
environment for your team and your organization.
Being a good model is the best way to do this. People will model their behavior on yours and they
will, in turn, set an example for others to follow. The "ripple effect" can be wide reaching.
4. Recognize Ethical Dilemmas
Know and identify the problems.
5. Deal with Ethical Dilemmas
Recognizing ethical dilemmas is one thing. But, often, deciding what to do about them is quite
another.
There are several ways to respond to an ethical dilemma:
u to work through your feelings
and to decide what to do.

do, try out making a decision .

to a better-quality decision.
6. Be Courageous
Sometimes, you'll act on a decision but wonder if you did the right thing. And even when you're
certain that you were right, there can still be unpleasant consequences.[24]
15 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

Ethical leaders always know how to do the right thing. It may be difficult to define exactly what
―right‖ is, but a leader who is ethical is not afraid to do what they truly believe to be right – even if it
is unpopular, unprofitable, or inconvenient.
Here are the ten (10) ethical leadership characteristics:
1. Justice
An ethical leader is always fair and just. They have no favorites and treat everyone equally. Under
an ethical leader, no employee has any reason to fear biased treatment based on gender, ethnicity,
nationality, or any other factor.

2. Respect others
One of the most important traits of ethical leadership is the respect that is given to followers. An
ethical leader shows respect all members of the team by listening to them attentively, valuing their
contributions, being compassionate, and being generous while considering opposing viewpoints.

3. Honesty
It goes without saying that anyone who is ethical will also be honest and loyal. Honesty is
particularly important to be an effective ethical leader, because followers trust honest and
dependable leaders. Ethical leaders convey facts transparently, no matter how unpopular they may
be.

4. Humane
Being humane is one of the most revealing traits of a leader who is ethical and moral. Ethical
leaders place importance in being kind, and act in a manner that is always beneficial to the team.

5. Focus on teambuilding
Ethical leaders foster a sense of community and team spirit within the organization. When an ethical
leader strives to achieve goals, it is not just personal goals that they‘re concerned about. They make
genuine efforts to achieve goals that benefit the entire organization – not just themselves.

6. Value driven decision-making

In ethical leadership, all decisions are first checked to ensure that they are in accordance with the
overall organizational values. Only those decisions that meet this criterion are implemented.

7. Encourages initiative
Under an ethical leader, employees thrive and flourish. Employees are rewarded for coming up with
innovative ideas and are encouraged to do what it takes to improve the way things are done.
16 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

Employees are praised for taking the first step rather than waiting for somebody else to do it for
them.

8. Leadership by example
Ethical leadership is not just about talking the talk, this type of leader also walks the walk. The high
expectations that an ethical leader has of employees are also applicable on the individual level.
Leaders expect others to do the right thing by leading from example.

9. Values awareness
An ethical leader will regularly discuss the high values and expectations that they place on
themselves, other employees, and the organization. By regularly communicating and discussing
values, they ensure that there is consistent understanding across the organization.

10. No tolerance for ethical violations

An ethical leader always expects employees to do the right thing, not just when it is convenient for
them. Don‘t expect a leader of such high values to overlook or tolerate ethical violations.[24]

Segment 3. Leader and Character

A. Leader
Who is a Leader?
A leader is a person who influences his followers to achieve a specified goal. He is a person
with a vision and inspires his followers in such a way that it becomes their vision. He helps them in
making the strategy to achieve the goal and possesses a good foresightedness along with the other
qualities like- motivating the subordinates, creating teams, innovation, developing trust among the
stakeholders, etc.[25]

A leader is someone who can see how things can be improved and who rallies people to
move toward that better vision. Leaders can work toward making their vision a reality while putting
people first. Just being able to motivate people isn‘t enough — leaders need to be empathetic and
connect with people to be successful.[26]

What is the Difference Between a Leader and a Boss?

Leaders Lead, Bosses Push
Leaders motivate their employees, which then inspires them to follow their leader‘s example.
Bosses tend to push employees instead of directing them. This type of manager tends to never
make decisions, which forces employees to work without guidance and expectations while their
manager hides behind a wall of inaction.
17 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

True leaders frequently present ideas and work alongside their employees. They clearly
communicate objectives to the team and their actions are aimed at achieving goals together. This is
the difference between inspiring team members and losing their respect. When a team has
confidence in a leader, it can help improve team culture and motivate employees to contribute.

Good leaders spend time listening to their employees rather than talking above them. They
understand the value of seeking and incorporating the opinions of others into the decision-making
process.
Bosses tend to dominate conversations. They expect employees to listen and carry out their
commands, with little or no direction. This type of attitude is not a sound approach to building a
team of engaged employees who want to be valued for their knowledge and skills.

Bosses can sometimes pick a favorite employee or two, which can result in unfair treatment, such
as devoting more time to certain employees than others, giving them more benefits and creating an
inner circle. This typically does not sit well with other employees, and often will decrease team
productivity and morale.
Good leaders treat everyone equally, giving one person‘s ideas the same weight as everyone else
on the team. Strong leaders don‘t let personal preferences get in the way of creating a dynamic
environment.

Leaders take initiative, while bosses tend to stand aside and ―supervise‖ others doing the work.
Seeing that a leader is as invested in a project as the team can inspire others to do their best work.
Bosses like to sit on the sidelines and only interact to give orders.

Leaders offer sound advice in a private setting, while bosses tend to scold and may even threaten
their employees, which can leave them feeling concerned, embarrassed and defeated. Leaders can
deliver discipline too, but their approach in doing so should be a learning experience for employees
to redirect their efforts away from what is not working.

Leaders understand that intimidating employees and attempting to control them with fear will not
work in any setting. Fear leads to doubt, poor morale and productivity loss. Smart leaders inspire
with trust, enthusiasm and empathy, and display confidence in their employees to make decisions
on their own.

Some bosses, especially those who have chosen favorites tend to ignore most of their employees.
This can give other workers the sense they are drifting with an uncertain future. Leaders don‘t
18 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

ignore. They invest time and effort into developing employees in their profession, teaching them
new skills and helping them advance in their career.[27]

The table below further distinguishes a leader and a boss.

Leader Boss
show you how and why to do it tell you what to do
emotional and people expert subject matter expert
wants you to feel successful need you to perform well
Builds your confidence for self- holds you accountable
accountability
Measure success by the passion and impact of Measure success by a title position or hierarchy
the people they influence
Independent of position and authority depends on positional power to have an
impact.
Focus on what is right. focuses on what is right now
Operate with a legacy in mind Operate with competition in mind
Driven by passion and purpose Driven by fear and reaction
Want you to do better than they did Want to always be your boss
Get joy from other’s success Get joy from their success
Build your confidence so you will tell them what Build your fear so will tell them what they want to
they need to hear hear[28]

How to be a Good Leader?

A leader’s behavior reflects what they stand for and what their core nature is. If a leader behaves in
positive and constructive ways, he can earn respect and create strong connections between himself
and his employees.
a. Leaders should focus on their behavior
Leadership character is about tangible behavior. It is what leaders say and do regardless of what
inner qualities they may possess or thoughts they may cherish that determines their reputation and
good name.
b. Adjust, Don‘t Overhaul
Changing behaviors isn‘t always easy. However, most people can see when there is an advantage
to changing certain behaviors and can act. Typically, adults change their behavior to gain something
19 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

positive or to avoid something negative. The key is to go about change in terms of adjusting
behavior, rather than expecting instant change.
c. Be consistent
When a leader‘s pattern of behavior consistently reflects strong character, the result is greater
respect, trust, and stronger emotional connections between such leaders and their employees.

Also, helpful to keep in mind are what Klann deems the ―Five E‘s‖ of character development:
E #1 – Example: Leadership by example leverages the natural human tendency to emulate the
behavior of individuals held in high esteem. A leader‘s behavior sets the standard for the entire
organization.
E #2 – Education: Find ways to discuss the importance of character, the potential challenges to
character, and the short- and long-term implications of a lapse of character.
E #3 – Environment: Senior leaders should establish an environment that is open to character
development by creating a clear, detailed, practical set of organizational values and by ensuring that
everyone in the organization lives those values.
E #4 – Experience: Give employees assignments requiring them to make difficult choices, which
can help them develop character. These experiences also provide good indications of the character
strengths and weaknesses of those who might become the future leaders of the organization.
And E #5 – Evaluation: Clear expectations need to be established and communicated. Leaders can
then use feedback sessions and performance evaluations to gauge their progress, reviewing
specific instances when their character was challenged and either stood fast or cracked.[30]

B. Character
What is the importance of a character for good leadership?
Character provides the foundation of effective leadership. Successful organizations rely on essential
character attributes and behaviors that transcend cultural and ideological boundaries.
However, the key attributes of authentic leaders, or leaders with character, are problematic and in
the early stages of development. This paper identifies the underlying dimensions of leadership
character and suggests ways of further enhancing these dimensions and their constituent attributes.
Understanding Character
Character originates from the Greek word charassein, which means to scratch or engrave. Referring
to a person‘s character is a way of recognizing that person‘s idiosyncratic attributes or features.
Character as defined by Hillman is an "invisible source of personal consistency‖ and ―deep
structures of personality that are particularly resistant to change. [30]

Other definitions differ from explaining character as an individual set of attributes that deal with
―doing the right thing despite outside pressure to the contrary,‖[31] to defining character as a
socially-imbedded tri-phasic construct consisting of:
20 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

I. Moral knowing, which includes moral awareness and moral reasoning, and deciding the right
course of action;
II. Moral feeling, which is a concern about doing the right thing. Moral feeling consists of
conscience, self-esteem, empathy, and humility; and
III. Moral action, which means acting with competence and will. Without character, actions can
become routine and meaningless. Character helps identify who we really are on the inside.[33]
Integrity is the core aspect of character from this perspective. Character is defined as personal
integrity; it is the strength and conviction to stand one‘s ground and make the
morally right decision even when it is difficult.[34]

Character and leadership

Aristotle (384-322 BC) believed that character helped explain a person‘s past actions and could
predict future behavior.[35] The content of a person‘s character will significantly influence their
legacy of leadership.[36]
Leaders with character build organizations that are competitive and supportive environments in
which to work.
The most frequently cited components of character include personal drive or ambition, desire to
lead, honesty and integrity, self-confidence, cognitive ability, and knowledge of the business.[37]
When combined with vision and political capacity, character is one of three essential traits of
anyone aspiring to a leadership position.[38]

The leaders whom people respect and will follow have the characteristics of being themselves, of
being passionate about what they are doing, communicating that in a heartfelt way that touches
hearts.[39]
Leaders with character not only touch hearts but are essential building blocks to socially responsible
organizations and ethical management decision-making processes. Leaders who lack character can
create chaos and foster despair.[40]
The following are the characters need for Leadership:
a. Universalism
It is the outward expression of leadership character and is manifested through the actions of
respectfulness for others, fairness, cooperativeness, compassion, spiritual respect, and humility.
b. Respectfulness
It is the practice of leaders serving as stewards or caretakers of their organizations and the people
who work there.[41]
c. Fairness
It is treating people equitably and in a just manner
d. Cooperativeness
21 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

The ability to work as a team has been praised as a strategic advantage. The more a leader assists
worker in defining their work identities, the greater the chance of encouraging worker commitment,
and building a cooperative workplace.
e. Compassion
Compassion has deep religious connotations, for it refers to showing concern for the suffering or
welfare of others and shows mercy to others.
f. Spiritual Respect
Today‘s organizations are multidimensional; they provide services and products at an ever-
increasing rate and superior quality and achieve these outcomes through a multicultural and diverse
workforce. Leaders who respect these differences in workers‘ backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs
help build vibrant and relevant workplaces. Respect for individual beliefs and customs has a long
pedigree.
The reference to soul suggests that leaders engage the full person [42] and help make them a
productive and morally strong member of society through their contributions in the workplace.

a. Humility
Humility as the capacity to keep yourself from putting self before others and argued that in doing so,
―you can become a leader among men‖.[43]
b. Transformation
Transformation is how leaders achieve universal and benevolent outcomes. Transformational
leaders with character have courage, passion, wisdom, competency, and self-discipline in their
leadership repertoire.
c. Courage
It is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without
fear, bravery.[44]
d. Passion
It is about energy and deeply committed enthusiasm to producing the best one
can.
e. Wisdom
It is the ability to draw on one‘s knowledge and experience to make well-formed judgments. It also
involves the use of one‘s power and personal authority to implement an effective course of action.
L. Competence
Those actively pursuing a career as a leader need to be competent in order to maintain the
confidence of others. They need to be expert in something to the extent that their expertise
commands the respect of peers and followers.[45]
M. Self-discipline
Leaders with self-discipline exercise appropriate personal control over their thoughts and actions
and can manage and express emotions in constructive ways. They are well organized and able to
22 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

persist in the face of difficulties.[46] Through self-discipline, leaders engender confidence in their
followers that they can be relied upon to make rational and logical decisions. Therefore, their
capacity to influence others often increases.
Self-discipline requires the maturity to do what is needed, not always what is desired in the present
moment.
N. Benevolence
It is an internal facet of leadership character. It is associated with organization loyalty, selflessness,
integrity, and honesty.
L. Organization loyalty
Leaders who demonstrate organizational loyalty show a deep commitment to building organizational
sustainability. Such leaders have been described as having the resolve to do whatever it takes to
make a company great irrespective how hard the decisions or how difficult the task.
M. Integrity
The word integrity comes from the Latin word ‗integritas‘, meaning wholeness, coherence,
rightness, or purity. Integrity has been defined as consistency between word and deed or the
perceived degree of congruence between the values expressed by words and those expressed
through action.[47] Integrity is the most often cited element of corporate mission statements.
N. Honesty
Honesty is essential to leadership.[48] People value working for leaders they can trust. Future of
leadership with character Integrity is a key character attribute.[49] Executives cite it as a basic
component to ethical leadership.[50]
The essential nature of integrity cannot be overlooked. As a test of moral good and ethical behavior,
integrity is the cornerstone of good citizenship, social responsibility, and psychologically healthy
organizations and societies. ―Personal integrity provides the inner strength of character that
enables an executive to make difficult decisions and contribute to the common good in a timeless
manner.‖[51]The implication here is that ethical decisions based on integrity instead of politically
expedient decisions based on economics should be associated with more sustainable and
defensible organizational outcomes.[52]

ROLE OF A LEADER
What are the roles of a Leader?
The following are the main roles of a leader in an organization:
1. Required at all levels
Leadership is a function which is important at all levels of management. In the top level, it is
important for getting co-operation in formulation of plans and policies. In the middle and lower level,
it is required for interpretation and execution of plans and programmed framed by the top
management. Leadership can be exercised through guidance and counseling of the subordinates at
the time of execution of plans.
23 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

1. Representative of the organization

Leader must represent the concern at seminars, conferences, general meetings, etc. Leader is also
the representative of their own department which he leads.

2. Integrates and reconciles the personal goals with organizational goals

A leader through leadership traits helps in reconciling/ integrating the personal goals of the
employees with the organizational goals. He is trying to co- ordinate the efforts of people towards a
common purpose and thereby achieves objectives. This can be done only if he can influence and
get willing co-operation and urge to accomplish the objectives.
3. He solicits support
A leader is a manager and besides that he is a person who entertains and invites support and co-
operation of subordinates. This he can do by his personality, intelligence, maturity and experience
which can provide him positive result. In this regard, a leader must invite suggestions and if
possible, implement them into plans and programmed of enterprise. This way, he can solicit full
support of employees which results in willingness to work and thereby effectiveness in running of a
concern.
4. As a friend, philosopher and guide
A leader must possess the three-dimensional traits in him. He can be a friend by sharing the
feelings, opinions and desires with the employees. He can be a philosopher by utilizing his
intelligence and experience and thereby guiding the employees as and when time requires. He can
be a guide by supervising and communicating the employees the plans and policies of top
management and secure their co-operation to achieve the goals of a concern. At times he can also
play the role of a counselor by counseling and a problem-solving approach. He can listen to the
problems of the employees and try to solve them.[53]

WHAT ARE THE QUALITIES OF A LEADER?

A leader has got multidimensional traits in him which makes him appealing and effective in
behavior. The following are the requisites to be present in a good leader:
1. Physical appearance
A leader must have a pleasing appearance. Physique and health are very important for a good
leader.
1. Vision and foresight
A leader cannot maintain influence unless he exhibits that he is forward looking. He must visualize
situations and thereby has to frame logical programmed.
2. Intelligence
A leader should be intelligent enough to examine problems and difficult situations. He should be
analytical who weighs pros and cons and then summarizes the situation. Therefore, a positive bent
of mind and mature outlook is very important.
24 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

3. Communicative skills
A leader must be able to communicate the policies and procedures clearly, precisely and effectively.
This can be helpful in persuasion and stimulation.
4. Objective
A leader must be having a fair outlook which is free from bias and which does not reflect his
willingness towards an individual. He should develop his own opinion and should base his judgment
on facts and logic.
5. Knowledge of work
A leader should be very precisely knowing the nature of work of his subordinates because it is then
he can win the trust and confidence of his subordinates.

6. Sense of responsibility
Responsibility and accountability towards an individual‘s work are very important to bring a sense of
influence. A leader must have a sense of responsibility towards organizational goals because only
then he can get maximum of capabilities exploited in a real sense. For this, he must motivate
himself and arouse and urge to give best of his abilities. Only then he can motivate the subordinates
to the best.
7. Self-confidence and will-power
Confidence in himself is important to earn the confidence of the subordinates. He should be
trustworthy and should handle the situations with full will power.
8. Humanist
This trait to be presented in a leader is essential because he deals with human beings and is in
personal contact with them. He must handle the personal problems of his subordinates with great
care and attention. Therefore, treating the human beings on humanitarian grounds is essential for
building a congenial environment.
1. Empathy
It is an adage ―Stepping into the shoes of others‖. This is very important because fair judgment
and objectivity comes only then. A leader should understand the problems and complaints of
employees and should also have a complete view of the needs and aspirations of the employees.
This helps in improving human relations and personal contacts with the employees.[54]
What Makes a Law Enforcement Leader Effective?
There are two leadership styles that emerged as critical in law enforcement. These
are:
1. Situational Leadership

This leadership style requires leaders to quickly assess a situation and recognize the appropriate
personnel and resources needed for a specific mission. Because the nature of police work is both
high-risk and dynamic, it is important for a leader to navigate through evolving and often dangerous
25 Module 1 | The Nature and Importance of Leadership

circumstances. Possessing the ability to digest information quickly and make decisions under
pressure is paramount. Situational leadership is often reactive and should not be the primary style
of law enforcement leaders.

2. Transformational Leadership
This focuses on encouraging the success of others. A transformational leader develops a vision of
the future intended to excite and inspire followers. Ideally, transformation leaders create valuable
and positive change in their followers with the end goal of teaching them to become leaders.
Transformational leaders can foster a positive change in their agencies and communities by
addressing the low morale of officers who are policing in an anti-police society. The animosity,
mistrust, and criticism of law enforcement is present on the news, social media, and in our streets. A
transformational leader must foster collaboration by mending wounds both internally and externally.
Leaders can inspire officers by highlighting their achievements, recognizing their strengths,
providing opportunities for growth, and honing their skills.[55]

EXPLAIN: REVISITING THE LEADERSHIP: ITS DEFINITON, ITS IMPORTANCE AND ITS DESIRABLE TRAITS.

INSTRUCTION: Write your answer briefly below.

1. In your own words, explain what is leadership to you.
2. In your own opinion, how important leadership is to an organization?
3. Assuming that you are a leader, what should be your desirable traits to manifest good
leadership?

 REFERENCES

MARLON M. WANKEY,PHD, 2020. CHARACTER FORMATION, LEADERSHIP, AND

MANAGEMENT 2. QUEZON CITY. CHAPTER HOUSE PUBLISHING.