Leadership Styles and Their Impact

Running head: LEADERSHIP 1
Leadership
Name
Institution

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Leadership
According to Miller (2001), leadership refers to the capacity to translate vision into
reality. Global history presents great leaders who possess a zest for change, dazzling social
intelligence, and above all, a vision that guides them on various missions and works on things
that truly merit attention. Moreover, leaders have the mandate of developing a vision by
establishing what matters and push people to take that particular direction by inspiring others
(Plowman et al., 2007). This report will highlight the characteristics of world-famous leaders
with associated theories in addition to exposing how those qualities relate to me including real-
life examples. Further, the report will highlight my culture, strengths, weaknesses, and strategies
to overcome the weaknesses.
Leadership characteristics
Partnership building
Good leadership has the ability to get people to work together as there is that compelling
feeling to do so. Such leaders gain the cooperation of others, friends, and enemies, by making a
commitment to get along well with everyone. They tend to build long-lasting relationships with
friends and enemies alike (Obama, 2007). In his second term in American leadership, Barack
Obama visited Cuba to create a partnership that was long lost after the Second World War. A
good leader recognizes that every country or individual is very important in building our society.
Through partnerships, Obama endeavored to consolidate peace in the world.
Effective-communication
Effective communication has the power to keep individuals working on a project
continue with the right attitude. When a leader communicates effectively while giving advice, on

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issues and expectations, the followers will respond positively and help meet the desired goals
(Barrett, 2006). In many occasions, good orators have become leaders in our society. They speak
with a vigor which tends to persuade followers on what they believe in. For example, Barack
Obama won the heart of Americans through his marvelous speeches on the campaign podium.
As a result, he got the majority believe in his campaign line, Yes We Can. Through his
communication skills, he solved problems and even ruled with the minority in Congress without
going through an impeachment process.
Self-confidence
Self-belief is very integral in leadership (De Cremer & Van Knippenberg, 2004). It is the
driving tool on which leaders bank on in times of crisis. Having a strong vision and willingness
to persevere the storms and life challenges distinguish strong and admirable leaders. Leaders
who believe in their thought, vision, and mission and work towards them is a resource and an
inspiration to his or her followers. A leader like Nelson Mandela had the confidence of
delivering South Africans from the apartheid rule. He believed in what he was doing and his
belief inspired people. As such, even when he was in prison, South Africans continued to fight
for their liberation. They fought in the footsteps and belief of Nelson Mandela.
Courageous
According to Şen, Kabak, and Yangınlar (2013), undisputed leaders possess the tenacity
to stand alone and not to succumb to any pressure. Besides, they also possess the patience of
keeping fighting for what they believe in until they succeed. Despite facing opposition and
threats, they keep on fighting without giving up. For example, Fidel Castro kept on fighting for

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the rights of Cubans amid criticism and war from the United States. He expressed his dreams on
every stage he set his foot and stood his ground to the end.
High locus of control
Great leaders have the ability to command control of who are under them irrespective of
challenges or problems that befall them (Spears, 2010). Taking control and not giving up is key
to sustainability. Control also work hand in hand with influence. Having the gist to gain
following even if enemies strike distinguishes leaders and dictators. For example, the late Cuban
President, Fidel Castrol took control of his country despite unending fights from American
soldiers. He managed to consolidate his people to support him in the midst of propaganda
peddled by the United States Army.
Servant leadership
Servant leadership entails working for the benefit of the people (Spears, 2010). It
involves dedicating resources and time serving people's interest, needs without fear of favor.
Listening to people's problems and coming up with strategies to meet them. One of such leaders
is former Uruguay president Jose Mujica who dedicated his life and resources to serve his
people. In many societies, many people who are in power use that opportunity to grab wealth but
Jose used his power and position to serve the interest of less fortunate in Uruguay. A rare quality
in the modern day leadership (Bolden & Gosling, 2006).
My strengths and weaknesses in relation to the leadership characteristics