Introduction to Leadership

The term leadership has numerous meanings. This is due to the changes in the environmental
conditions of the leaders. Within educational institutions at all levels, various types of
organizations, as well as within households, the individuals need to put into operation
leadership skills. However, the essentials of leaderships are the same to all leaders in all
positions. There are differences in the environmental conditions. The implementation of
leadership capacities is dependent upon the milieu and overall situations. It is apparent that
there are differences in the skills required, roles and job duties performed, ways in which
problems and issues are dealt with, and the development of terms and relationships between
individuals. After the individuals have acquired an efficient understanding in terms of
meaning and significance of leadership, they need to generate awareness in terms of measures
and approaches that are necessary in bringing about improvements in them. Different
individuals, who are in leadership positions in different types of organizations normally have
different perceptions in terms of leadership (Chapter – I. Leadership Concept and Theories,
n.d.).

It is apparent that there are differences in various types of organizations on the basis of
number of factors. These include goals and objectives, personnel, departments, infrastructure,
facilities, job duties, and overall structure of the organizations. The individuals in leadership
positions need to take into account these factors, when they are putting into operation their
leadership skills. When any types of transformations need to be brought about in any areas
within the organizations, the leaders need to ensure, they are beneficial to the members as
well as the organizations as a whole. Leadership is fundamentally the ability to form and
change the perspectives and aptitudes of the individuals, whether informal or formal situation
and that management relates to the formal task of decision making and command (Chapter –
I. Leadership Concept and Theories, n.d.). In the building of the leadership capacity, the
individuals make an attempt to establish a relationship with others, in which one influences
the other towards the achievement of goals and objectives. The individuals influence the
others to develop motivation towards the implementation of job duties and the achievement
of goals and objectives.

The research studies on leadership have indicated that the leaders want their
subordinates to behave and conduct themselves in a decent and satisfactory manner. They are
well-aware in terms of methods and approaches through which functioning of the
organization can be carried out in an efficient manner. Hence, they want their subordinates to
work in accordance to the rules and policies formulated by them. The presence of a particular
relationship between two or more individuals, directing and coordinating the work of the
group members, an interpersonal relationship in which others comply because they want to
and not because they have to, transforming the followers, creating the visions of the goals
that may be attained and guiding others towards the attainment of goals (Chapter – I.
Leadership Concept and Theories, n.d.). Within the working environmental conditions, the
individuals experience number of problems in terms of various areas, i.e. job duties, goals
and objectives, lack of resources and facilities, overall working environmental conditions and
so forth. In providing solutions to these problems, they need to obtain support and assistance
from their leaders. Hence, the leaders need to ensure, they possess an approachable nature
and should take out time to listen to the problems and concerns of their employees.

Leadership and Management

Leadership and management are viewed as synonymous, but there are differences between
the two. The major emphasis of leadership is on interpersonal behavior. The leadership is
often associated with the enthusiastic behavior of the followers. Leadership does not
necessarily take place within the hierarchical structure of the organization. In other words,
there are number of individuals, who operate as leaders, without their role ever being clearly
established and defined. A leader is the person, who has sufficient influence to bring about
long-term changes in the attitudes and to make the changes more acceptable. It is primarily
associated with stimulating the mind-sets of the individuals towards the implementation of
job duties (Chapter – I. Leadership Concept and Theories, n.d.).

Management is the process of getting things done through and with others to achieve the
desired goals and objectives. The management reacts to specific situations and develop
concern in providing solutions to short-term problems. Management is regarding relating to
individuals, working within the structured organization and with the prescribed roles. The
managers may not put into operation the leadership functions in terms of individuals external
to the organization. The differences between leadership and management are stated in terms
of various aspects, i.e. creating a schedule, developing a network for achieving the schedule,
execution and outcomes. These are stated as follows: (Chapter – I. Leadership Concept and
Theories, n.d.).

Creating a Schedule
When a schedule is to be created, the leaders develop a vision and strategies needed for its
achievement. The leaders need to conduct an analysis of the areas, which need to be
improved and work towards formulation of measures and approaches. On the other hand, the
job duty of the managers is to set up a plan and budgets. They establish the detailed steps and
timetables for attainment of the desired outcomes. The resources are needed to be allocated to
achieve the desired goals and objectives. Hence, it is the job duty of the managers to ensure
that there are sufficient resources available for the generation of the desired outcomes.

Developing a Network for achieving the Schedule

In the case of leaders, they carry out the job duty of aligning the individuals. They impart
them information in terms of measures and procedures, so they are able to develop mutual
understanding and promote teamwork. In the development of the network, the individuals
need to work in coordination and integration with each other. It is the job duty of the leaders
to encourage teamwork. Whereas, the managers are required to establish a structure for
achieving the plans, delegates authority and responsibility for implementation, develop
policies and procedures to guide and direct the employees and create the monitoring systems.

Execution

In the case of execution, the leaders need to motivate and inspire others towards the
implementation of tasks and functions. The mind-sets of the individuals are stimulated
towards overcoming political, bureaucratic and resource barriers that are needed to meet the
needs and requirements of the individuals as well as the organization as a whole. On the other
hand, the managers are required to exercise control and provide solutions to the problems that
may take place within the course of implementation of job duties. Furthermore, they monitor
the results against the plans and then plans and organizes to close the gap.

Outcomes

In the case of outcomes, the leaders are required to be well-aware in terms of ways that are
essential to generate the desired outcomes and produce changes to an impressive extent. The
leaders need to implement the potential for producing beneficial changes. For example, when
new products are desired by the customers, then modern and pioneering methods are put into
operation for leading to changes and improvements. Whereas, the managers should have the
capability of produce the significant results that are expected by various stockholders. These
include meeting the target date for the customers and paying dividends to the stakeholders.
Both the leaders and managers need to put emphasis towards augmenting their skills and
abilities towards generation of desired outcomes.

Functions of Leadership

The leaders are required to carry out number of job duties and responsibilities. In acquiring
an efficient understanding of the process of leadership, one needs to understand the functions
of leadership. The capabilities and aptitude, which are required to put into operation the
functions, are dependent upon the nature of the groups. The position of the leaders may
undergo changes within the period of time. It is necessary to list a range of general functions,
which are served by the leaders, particularly when one is conducting research on the concept
of leadership. The functions of leadership are stated as follows:

Leader is the Representative of the Subordinates – Within the hierarchy of the organization,
the individuals are assigned different job positions in accordance to their educational
qualifications, work experience, skills, abilities and personality traits. The Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) is at the topmost position. The other members of the organization include,
general managers, managers, trainers, supervisors, workforce, and other staff members. The
individuals are assigned different job duties within the organizations, i.e. clerical, managerial,
administrative, and technical and so forth. The members have supervisors or heads, whom
they have to report to in terms of their job duties. The supervisors are the representatives of
their subordinates. When the subordinates experience any problems and challenges, they
convey them to their supervisors and they in turn put them forward to the CEO, directors or
heads. Therefore, it is well-understood that leader is regarded as the representative of the
subordinates and forms a connection between the subordinates and the CEO or directors or
heads of the organizations.

Leader is an Appropriate Counsellor – Within the course of implementation of their job

duties, the individuals are required to experience number of problems and challenges. These
may take place on a frequent basis or seldom. They usually give rise to barriers within the
course of implementation of their job duties in an effectual manner. The employees approach
their leaders, when the problems are severe and they are unable to provide solutions to them
on their own. In such cases, the leaders need to carry out the roles of the counsellors. In the
implementation of the roles of appropriate counsellors, they need to be well-aware in terms of
measures and approaches and communicate them to the employees in an appropriate manner.
Therefore, when the leaders carry out the job duties of the counsellors in an appropriate
manner, they are able to render a significant contribution in helping the employees to
overcome the barriers and carry out their job duties in a satisfactory manner.

Manages Time and Resources in an Effective Manner – The leaders need to manage the time
and resources in an effective manner. This function of the leader is regarded to be of utmost
significance in putting into operation the job duties in a satisfactory manner and achieving the
desired goals and objectives. The members of the organization at all levels need resources to
carry out their job duties. It is the job duty of the leaders to guide them to utilize the resources
suitably. These are, materials, technologies, tools, machinery, equipment and finances. In the
implementation of job duties in an efficacious manner, the members of the organization need
time. Hence, the leaders need to ensure, they are given sufficient time. All the members need
to be well-aware of the fact that time and resources are to be made use of in an efficacious
manner and wastage should be prevented. Therefore, it can be stated, managing time and
resources in an effective manner is an essential function of leadership.

Makes Provision of Security to Others – Within the working environment, the members will
be able to carry out their job duties well, when they feel safe. The members need to feel safe
physically as well as psychologically. It is the job duty of the leaders to create a safe working
environment. In hazardous occupations, such as, lock industries, plantations, silk weaving,
gem cutting and so forth, the leaders ensure that employees take precautions to carry out their
job duties safely and prevent accidents. When the individuals are required to work with
machines and tools, the supervisors need to supervise them and ensure they are performing
their job duties well. In addition, it needs to be ensured, the machines and tools are also in a
safe condition. They need to ensure that communication takes place among the members in a
decent and respectful manner, so they feel safe psychologically. Therefore, it can be stated,
making provision of security to others is a vital function of leadership.

Makes the Working Environment Conducive to Work – The working environmental

conditions need to be conducive to work. The leaders need to take into account various
factors to make the working environment conducive to work. These are, ensuring there are
appropriate infrastructure, amenities, facilities, resources, tools, materials, technologies and
equipment, the individuals communicate with each other in an efficacious manner, there is
development of mutual understanding among members, ensuring the existence of proper
grievance redresser procedures, ensuring the individuals are well-equipped in terms of job
duties, equal rights are provided to all, there is not any discrimination on the basis of factors,
such as, caste, creed, race, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, educational qualifications,
personality traits and socio-economic background, proper rules and laws are formulated, the
members need to possess an approachable nature and an amiable attitude and one should not
be pressurized or overloaded with work. Therefore, when the leaders will implement these
factors, they will contribute effectively in making the working environment conducive to
work.

Develops the Attitude of Co-operation among Workforce – It is comprehensively understood

that the individuals cannot carry out their job duties in seclusion. They need to work in co-
operation with others. The leaders normally convey the viewpoint to the employees that they
need to communicate with others well and work in co-operation with each other. Working in
co-operation will prove to be beneficial to them to a major extent. The individuals will be
able to exchange viewpoints and perspectives, obtain help from others in providing solutions
to problems, work in collaboration and integration with each other, incur the feeling of job
satisfaction and they do not have to consult their supervisors in terms of trivial issues. When
any types of difficulties and setbacks can be overcome through development of the attitude of
co-operation among workforce, they will not have to approach the leaders. Therefore, it is
well-understood; the leaders put emphasis upon the development of the attitude of co-
operation among workforce in all types of organizations.

Communicates Policies and Procedures to the Workforce – When the workforce are recruited
within the organizations and among the present workforce as well, the leaders need to
communicate in terms of policies and procedures. The policies are in terms of the job duties,
work timings and overall working environmental conditions, whereas, procedures are related
to the ways in which job duties need to be carried out in accordance to the expectations of the
supervisors and employers. In some organizations, the policies and procedures are
manageable to understand, whereas, in others, the employees experience problems in
acquiring an efficient understanding in terms of them as well as in putting them into
operation in a useful manner. When the employees experience problems, it is the job duty of
the leaders to make provision of support and assistance to them in acquiring an efficient
understanding and putting them into operation. Therefore, it is well-understood; the leaders
need to carry out the function of communication of policies and procedures to the workforce
in all types of organizations.
Guides and Directs the Overall Functioning of the Organization – This function is apparent
and is comprehensively understood that the leaders need to guide and direct the employees in
the overall functioning of the organization. The employees normally not just have one job
duty, but number of job duties to perform. Hence, in the satisfactory performance of job
duties, the leaders need to guide and direct them well. Furthermore, in leading to overall
functioning of the organizations as well, the leaders need to ensure, the human resources are
well-equipped in terms of knowledge, skills, and capabilities. When the employees
experience setbacks within the course of implementation of job duties in a useful manner, it is
the job duty of the leaders to make provision of solutions to their problems. When problems
will be solved, when the individuals will develop mutual understanding and work in
collaboration and integration with each other towards the achievement of desired goals and
objectives, they will promote overall functioning of the organization in a satisfactory manner.
Therefore, guiding and directing the overall functioning of the organization is an important
function of the leaders.

Understands Problems and Feelings of Subordinates – Within the working environment, the
employees experience problems and challenges in terms of number of factors. These include,
performance of job duties, dealing with changes, being well-equipped in terms of modern,
scientific and innovative methods, making use of machines, tools, and technologies, coping
with the needs and demands of the customers, pay and reimbursements, experiencing
conflicting situations and disagreements, leaves, setbacks in acquiring an understanding of
the principles and procedures and overall working environmental conditions. When the
subordinates experience problems in terms of one or more of these factors, they report them
to their leaders. The leaders need to understand them and deal with them in an effectual
manner. Furthermore, the subordinates need to be provided with the opportunities to express
their viewpoints and perspectives. The leaders need to possess an approachable nature, so the
subordinates feel comfortable in communicating with them. In understanding the problems
and feelings of the subordinates, the leaders may even get engaged in informal conversations
with them. Therefore, understanding the problems and feelings of the subordinates is
regarded as a crucial function of leaders.

Implement Measures to eliminate Barriers – Different types of barriers do take place within
the course of implementation of job duties (Anshika, n.d.). These are related to finances,
resources, materials, tools, technologies, transportation, lack of personnel and so forth. When
these barriers take place, it is apparent that they would give rise to setbacks within the course
of implementation of tasks and activities in a satisfactory manner. In such cases, the members
would approach their leaders to make provision of solutions to the problems. The crucial
function of the leaders is to implement measures to eliminate barriers. In some cases, these
measures are difficult, whereas, in other cases, they are manageable to put into operation. The
leaders usually need to work in collaboration and integration with the employees to eliminate
the barriers. But when the participation of the employees is not required, they may put them
into operation independently. This is usually, when machines need to be replaced by new
ones. Therefore, it is understood that implementing measures to eliminate barriers is regarded
as an indispensable function of leaders.

Types of Leadership

The types of leadership are three, i.e. autocratic or dictatorial leadership, democratic
leadership and laissez-faire or free rein leadership. These are stated as follows:

Autocratic or Dictatorial Leadership

In the autocratic or dictatorial leadership, the leader is vested with complete responsibilities
of all the actions. The leaders primarily rely on the implicit obedience from the group in
following his orders. He determines the plans and policies. The decision making process is
regarded to be of utmost significance. The leaders make all the decisions on their own and do
not obtain ideas and suggestions from others. The terms and relationships of the leaders with
the subordinates are negative. In developing motivation and discipline among subordinates,
they use threats of punishment. The subordinates need to follow the decisions of the leaders,
whether, they are favorable to them or not. When the decisions as well as other factors are not
favorable to the employees, then it is apparent that the employee morale will be low. There is
no scope to create and develop managers.

This type of leadership style is effective in the organizations, where the nature of job duties
requires the implementation of decision making processes on a frequent basis. The sole
responsibility of the decision making processes are vested with the leaders. In accordance to
the research studies on this type of leadership, it has been found out that this type of
leadership can be detrimental rather than rewarding. The reason being, the members of the
organization are not provided with the rights and opportunities to express their needs and
desires. Furthermore, it may lead to low employee morale. When the employee morale is low,
it is apparent that the employees will not incur the feeling of job satisfaction and depict
interest and enthusiasm in the implementation of job duties. Hence, one of the major
disadvantages is, this is unhealthy for the overall functioning of the organizations. On the
other hand, this type of leadership is helpful in situations, when there is an occurrence of
crisis situations. In the case of crisis situations, the leaders will be able to make wise and
productive decisions, due to quick decision making abilities. Hence, crisis would get resolved
(Definition of Autocratic Leadership, 2020).

Democratic Leadership

In the case of democratic leadership, the leader draws ideas and suggestions from the group
of members. The other members are provided with the opportunities to express their ideas
and perspectives. In other words, the leaders consult others, when they are to make important
decisions. The members are encouraged by the leaders to augment creative skills and carrying
out their job duties with interest and enthusiasm. When the members are allowed to
participate in formulation of plans and policies and express their viewpoints, they form
pleasant and amiable terms and relationships with leaders, develop higher employee morale,
increase in the feeling of job satisfaction, and reduced dependence on the leaders. Democratic
leadership assures, there is an increase in productivity and satisfaction. The workforce needs
to be well-aware and self-disciplined. When they will be well-aware, only then, they will be
able to render a significant contribution in increasing productivity, profitability and
satisfaction. This leadership is dependent to a major extent on non-financial incentives.

The democratic leadership is based on mutual respect. It is often combined with participatory
leadership, as it requires the individuals to work in collaboration and integration with each
other. The democratic or participatory leadership style places significant responsibility on the
leaders and the staff members. This is a fact for all the organizations, i.e. from private
enterprises and government agencies to educational institutions and non-profit entities.
Participation is regarded as the key to all successful enterprises. This usually includes,
attentive constituents in a congressional district, concerned parents of students at a school,
active members from the non-profit organization and engaged employees at the prospering
organization. In this leadership, the employees are empowered to participate in the decision
making processes and participate even in the management and administrative functions.
Therefore, it is understood that in this type of leadership, the leaders have number of job
duties and responsibilities, which they carry out in collaboration with the other members
(What is Democratic/Participative Leadership, 2018).
 Laissez-faire or Free Rein Leadership

In the case of laissez-faire or free rein leadership, the leader depends entirely on the
subordinates to establish their own goals and make their own decisions. The subordinates are
provided with the opportunities to carry out the functions of planning and organizing in an
effectual manner and proceeding. In the administrative functions, the leaders do not play a
major role. The job duties of the leaders are just limited to making provision of information
and assistance in the case of occurrence of any problems and setbacks. This leadership is
usually suitable for professional members of the organization, who are trained and well-
equipped in terms of methods and procedures. The reason being, when the staff members will
be well-equipped in terms of procedures, and approaches, they will be able to carry out their
job duties independently without obtaining minimum support and assistance from the leaders.

Laissez-faire or free rein leadership is also known as delegated leadership. In this type of
leadership style, the leaders make provision of opportunities to the members of the groups to
make the necessary decisions. One of the major disadvantages of this leadership is to lower
the productivity among the members of the group. When there are occurrence of any
problems, the members of the groups are provided with the opportunities to make their own
decisions and provide solutions to problems on their own. The major characteristics of this
type of leadership are, hands-off approach, leaders provide all the training and support,
decisions are left to the employees, the leaders are vested with the responsibilities to guide
the employees in terms of mistakes and accountability is vested with the leaders. The
advantages of this type of leadership is it encourages personal growth, it leads to an increase
in the utilization of innovative methods and promotes the decision making processes in an
effectual manner. This type of leadership is acknowledged and is put into operation in various
types of organizations (Cherry, 2020).

Roles of the Leaders

The roles of the leaders is not limited to formation of an amiable and pleasant environment
within the workplace and in directing and guiding the workforce in the right direction
towards the attainment of organizational goals, but the roles of the leaders is extended to
other areas as well. Within the working environment, when the leaders and employees form
good terms and relationships with each other, they even get engaged in pleasant informal
conversations with each other. The leaders listen to the personal problems of the employees
and give them suggestions. The roles of the leaders are primarily highlighted in terms of the
areas and these are stated as follows:

Negotiator – Negotiator is the person, who has formal discussions with others to reach an
agreement (Chapter – 3. Leadership, n.d.). He is the single point of contact for the opposite
party. It is the job of the negotiator to make it clear right from the beginning that they will be
the sole point of contact for the negotiation processes. Furthermore, they state that in the
decision making processes, they are not participating solely, but there are other individuals as
well, who are expressing their viewpoints. In emerging into a good negotiator, the individuals
need to get engaged into meaningful conversations. They ensure that the communication
processes takes place in an efficacious manner and there are not occurrence of conflicts and
disagreements among individuals. Therefore, when the leaders perform the role of negotiator
in an appropriate manner, they are able to emerge into wise and productive leaders.

Coach – Coach is referred to the trainer or teacher. The primary job duty of the coach is to
make provision of necessary knowledge to the individuals to enable them to understand the
concepts. Furthermore, they help the individuals to achieve the necessary goals and
objectives. When the leaders are enthusiastic towards their work duties, they not only aim to
impart information to the individuals to acquire an efficient understanding of the concepts
and lesson plans and achieve the essential goals, but they also prepare them well and enable
them to emerge into moral and ethical human beings and productive citizens of the country.
In order to perform one’s job duties well and enhance the overall structure of the
organizations, the leaders, who are playing the role of coaches need to possess sufficient
information in terms of concepts and factors. The leaders need to conduct research on a
regular basis and augment their knowledge and understanding to carry out the role of a coach
in an efficient manner. Therefore, when the leaders act as coaches, they are able to contribute
effectively and in a well-organized manner to enable the individuals to do well in their jobs.

Guide – The guide is the person, who has the job duty of leading the individuals through
unfamiliar locations. When the individuals are not aware in terms of which directions to go
through, they need support and assistance from the guide. This term is also applied to the
individuals, who leads others to common goals, such as, knowledge and wisdom. Within
educational institutions and employment settings, when the students and the employees are
not familiar with the concepts and other aspects, the leaders need to perform the roles of
guides and lead them towards the right direction. In achieving the desired goals and
objectives, when the individuals are perplexed and unaware, the guides are required to
remove their perplexity, generate awareness among them in terms of various areas and ensure
they are on the right path. When the work duties are complicated, it is likely possible that the
individuals will feel apprehensive, in such cases, the guides would develop confidence among
them and alleviate apprehensiveness and vulnerability. Therefore, it is well-understood, the
role of leaders as guides are acknowledged and are regarded valuable in achievement of
professional and personal goals.

Counsellor – Within the course of pursuance of education and in employment settings, the
individuals experience number of problems, which can be overwhelming. These problems are
usually related to learning, home, family, finances, health and so forth. Overcoming problems
in terms of these areas and preventing them from assuming a major form is one of the major
aims of the individuals. Hence, for this purpose, they obtain ideas and suggestions from
others, particularly when they are unable to solve them on their own. In case of some
problems, the leaders may perform the role of the counsellor. For example, when students
experience learning disabilities and are unable to acquire an understanding of lesson plans,
the teachers normally perform the role of counsellors and help them to overcome learning
disabilities. On the other hand, in employment settings as well, when employees experience
setbacks within the course of their job performance, they act as counsellors. Therefore, when
the leaders put into practice the role of counsellor in a suitable manner, they are able to make
provision of assistance to the individuals in solving their problems and enabling them to
achieve goals and objectives.

Advisor – In the implementation of the role of the advisor, the leaders usually possess deeper
knowledge in terms of the specific area, hence, they are able to implement the role of the
advisor. When the leader performs the role of the advisor, they make provision of factual
information to the individuals in terms of various areas. For example, in financial institutions,
there are financial advisors, who impart information in terms of aspects related to
management and investment of financial resources. Advisors are regarded as the part of
leadership, whereas, the consultants are the ones, who carry out functional roles. In higher
educational institutions, advisors are appointed, who carry out the job duties of guiding and
leading the students through the ways related to the pursuance of academic programs. The
leaders can put into practice the roles of the advisors in an efficacious manner, when they
possess accurate and satisfactory knowledge in terms of various areas. Therefore, it can be
stated, the roles of leaders as advisors can prove to be effectual and worthwhile to the
individuals.

Mentor – A mentor is the person, who shares with the mentee, information in terms of his or
her career path. In addition, they make provision of guidance, motivation, emotional support
and role modelling. The important areas, which need to be taken into consideration in terms
of career path, are, exploring the opportunities, setting goals, developing contacts and
identifying resources. It is the job duty of the mentor to guide the less experienced individuals
by building trust and modeling positive behaviors. When the individuals are obtaining ideas
and suggestions from mentors, they need to form positive viewpoints and trust them. A
principled mentor will all the time make provision of accurate information to the individuals
and aim for their success and well-being. An efficient mentor will understand that his or her
role is to be dependable, participative, authentic and focused towards the needs and
requirements of the mentee. Hence, they will ensure that they provide truthful and
meaningful information to them, which would lead to their enrichment. Therefore, it is
necessary for the leaders to perform the role of the mentor and help the individuals to achieve
the desired goals and objectives.

Friend – When the leaders and employees form pleasant and amiable terms and relationships
with each other, they would get engaged in informal conversations as well. The employees
may even discuss personal matters with the leaders, apart from work-related matters. When
they feel that personal issues are giving rise to impediments within the course of
implementation of their job duties, they may seek ideas and suggestions from leaders,
particularly when they are friendly in attitude. When the leaders listen to personal matters and
provide useful suggestions, they are performing the role of the friend. When the leaders are
friendly in attitude, the other individuals feel pleasurable and contented within the working
environment and are able to wholeheartedly concentrate upon their work duties. It is apparent
that individuals do experience challenges. Hence, when the leaders are friendly in attitude,
they will render a significant contribution in making provision of help. Therefore, it is well-
understood that the role of the leaders as friends will be beneficial to the individuals to a
major extent.

Motivator – It is comprehensively understood that all the members of the organization need
to develop motivation and enthusiasm towards the implementation of their tasks and
activities. They need to form positive viewpoints and carry out their job duties well. The
leaders are required to develop motivation and interest and enthusiasm among the members
in terms of job duties as well as organization as a whole. Motivation is referred to stimulating
the mind-sets of the individuals towards work. One of the common ways of motivating the
individuals is by giving of rewards and incentives. When the members feel rewards and
incentives will prove to be beneficial to them in enriching their career prospects, they will
work diligently and conscientiously towards the implementation of their job duties.
Therefore, the role of the leaders as motivators is acknowledged in all types of organizations.

Team-builder – Within various types of organizations, the individuals are able to carry out
their job duties well and contribute efficiently in achievement of organizational goals, when
they work in a team. The role of the leaders as team-builders is focused upon generating
awareness among the individuals that they need to work in a team and promote mutual
understanding. When the individuals are working in a team, they are able to benefit in
number of ways, i.e. obtaining support and assistance from others in performing well in their
job duties, augmenting their abilities to cope with challenges, incurring the feeling of job
satisfaction, forming pleasant and amiable terms and relationships with others and so forth.
The leaders normally are vested with the responsibilities of forming teams. Therefore, the
role of leaders as team-builders is regarded as an important role of the leaders.

Director – Director is the person, who is in charge of the department or organization as a

whole. He is vested with the authority and responsibility to manage and administer the tasks
and functions of the organizations as a whole. He supervises the subordinates and ensures,
they are carrying out the tasks and activities in a well-ordered manner and are dedicated
towards the achievement of desired goals and objectives. The role of the director is to direct
others in the right direction. The director has the primary role of making selection of the
members, production processes, designing, structuring and all other activities of the
organization. He is also vested with the authority to make decisions. He may obtain ideas and
suggestions from others or make the decisions at his own discretion. Therefore, the role of
director is a vital role that individuals in leadership positions need to pay attention towards on
a regular basis.

Conclusion

Leadership skills need to be put into operation within educational institutions at all levels,
various types of organizations, as well as within households. Hence, the individuals in
leadership positions need to pay attention towards honing of these skills on a regular basis.
The differences between leadership and management are stated in terms of various aspects,
i.e. creating a schedule, developing a network for achieving the schedule, execution and
outcomes. The functions of leadership are, leader is the representative of the subordinates,
leader is an appropriate counsellor, manages time and resources in an effective manner,
makes provision of security to others, makes the working environment conducive to work,
develops the attitude of co-operation among workforce, communicates policies and
procedures to the workforce, guides and directs the overall functioning of the organization,
understands problems and feelings of subordinates and implement measures to eliminate
barriers.

The types of leadership are three, i.e. autocratic or dictatorial leadership, democratic
leadership and laissez-faire or free rein leadership. The roles of the leaders are primarily
highlighted in terms of the areas and these are, negotiator, coach, guide, counsellor, advisor,
mentor, friend, motivator, team-builder and director. Finally, it can be stated, in order to
achieve organizational goals and ensure that employees are carrying out their job duties well,
the individuals, who are in leadership positions need to focus upon acquiring an efficient
understanding of the concept of leadership.
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shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in

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Cherry, K. (2020). Pros and Cons of Laissez-Faire Leadership. Retrieved August 20, 2020

from verywellmind.com

Definition of Autocratic Leadership. (2020). Retrieved August 19, 2020 from

economicstimes.indiatimes.com

What is Democratic/Participative Leadership? How Collaboration Can Boost Morale. (2018).

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