Leadership Report: Critical Perspective on Leadership Approaches

This report critically analyzes leadership from various perspectives, examining how leaders approach their roles in the workplace. It explores different leadership styles, including Great Man Theory, Trait Theory, and Behavioural Theories, and their impact on organizational success. The report delves into how leaders conceptualize leadership, the importance of effective communication, and the challenges faced in a globalized work environment. It also discusses the construction of leaders and the importance of leadership development. The report concludes with recommendations for improving and sustaining leadership effectiveness, emphasizing the need for clear communication, strategic planning, and employee development. The report also includes interviews of Australian CEO's and also discusses organisational issues.

Leadership- A Critical
Perspective

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
Critical analysis of leaders approaches to their leadership in work related environmental........1
Analyse the ways in which each leader is constructed as a leader..............................................4
How leaders describe their conceptualisation of leadership.......................................................5
How each leader conceptualises success through their leadership.............................................5
Impact of leader's practice of leadership in the success of their organisation............................6
Interviews of Australian CEO's...................................................................................................7
Organisational issues...................................................................................................................8
Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................8
Recommendation.............................................................................................................................9
References......................................................................................................................................10

Executive summary
Effective leadership also possesses strong character, honesty, trustworthiness and ethics.
Strong leadership includes clear vision, mission and effective communication to enhance success
in the mark. In the business work environment there are several challenges and issues that need
to be overcome with great effectiveness and better skills, determination. It is recommended to
improve or sustain the leadership effectiveness by developing a constant plan and executing it
properly and then evaluating the pros and cons of the plan and creating alternatives to sustain a
smooth and constant leadership
INTRODUCTION
Leadership is research area and the ability of an individual to encompass the skills of an
individual to lead or guide other individuals, groups, teams or organisation. In the views of the
Bolman, and Deal, (2017) it is the ability of the individual to set targets and motivate others to
achieve them and take decisive actions. The management of the company or an individual to
outperform the competition in the competitive environment, and set examples, inspire others to
achieve challenging goals. It motivates individuals with strong leadership skills in the business
practices to outburst and rise in the competitive environment and stand out with difference in
business market. Effective leadership also possesses strong character, honesty, trustworthiness
and ethics. Strong leadership includes clear vision, mission and effective communication to
enhance success in the market. In the present report, the focus is on effective leadership skills
and the techniques a leader possess to accomplish the desired goals. It also outlines how to
sustain and improve effectiveness of leadership. How leaders practice of leadership impacts the
organisational success.
Critical analysis of leaders approaches to their leadership in work related environmental
According to the view of Northouse, (2015) in an organisation there are many
individuals, contributing together to achieve a common specified goal. The leadership in a work
related environment frames with a specified values and common objectives that are achieved in
the guidance of a charismatic leader who encompasses their roles and responsibilities and lead in
effective manner. A positive work environment comprises intellectual and enigmatic leaders who
enhances employees behaviour and motivate their participation in relation to organisations
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success. The leadership is also generated to seek the employees behavioural relation in-
accordance to organisation and motivate them to enhance their loyalty for the organisation.
As per the views of Fairhurst, and Connaughton, (2014) employees behavioural relation
or pattern is depended on their individual activities and it is important for the leaders to develop
their skills and approaches for clearing the issues of their employees in the workplace. To
achieve maximum productivity and develop challenging goals and objectives to increase team
spirit and individuals performance is the responsibilities of a leader.
Leadership role in organisational success: According to the Shamir, House, and Arthur, (1993),
in the business work environment there are several challenges and issues that need to be
overcome with great effectiveness and better skills, determination. Due to complex nature of
organisation and employees diverse nature, it becomes difficult and extremely important for the
leader to take positive initiative to overcome such problems. The work environment is
globalised in relation to today's business market as employees comes from different culture and
background, with different languages speaking and possesses different skills. Therefore, leaders
nowadays not just need to make sure of completing their activities or task but should also have
an effective leadership skills to engage employees according to their expectations to contribute in
the workforce of the organisation. In work related environment organisations endeavour growth
and focus on productivity that can be achieved by enhancing employees abilities under the
leadership of a charismatic leader. For a long term organisational success it is highly depended
on efficient leadership that requires motivating employees in effective style.
As per the views of Antonakis, and House, (2014), to achieve long-term organisational
success, leaders must possess to gain trust and believes of employees and motivate them by
various leadership styles. It is the ability of the leader to empathise, empower and envision to
determine the effectiveness of a charismatic leader. These behaviours of a leader influences other
members of the organisation to attribute the needs to accomplish and facilitate the followers to
polish their skills based on ideological affiliations.
Analysing theories of leadership:
According to the Landis, Hill, and Harvey, (2014) leaders are the symbol of many ideas
and sustain a different position, they are followed by others in organisations so to acquire huge
growth and success by charismatic leadership style within their work environment. Interaction of
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leaders with their followers helps in developing a better and highly positive and motivated work
environment that helps in organisational success. Some leadership theories that enhances
organisational growth are as follows:
 Great Man Theory- It was based on beliefs that the leadership is defined only to
aristocratic people who are heading to guard the rest. Formerly it was believed that
people belonging to upper-class are destined to be a leader and treated differently, and
only a limited number of people are believed to be unique and gifted with abilities and
skills. As per the views of Sethuraman, and Suresh, (2014), the most critical element of
theory was its blind belief in the leadership of aristocratic people and that leadership
skills can never be taught, developed, learnt or acquired this limited the scope of
leadership.
 Trait Theory- This theory is developed with a purpose to determine the important
characteristics of leaders that focuses in the contribution for success of organisation. This
theory helps in the work environment to identify the key qualities, abilities and skills of a
leader so to recruit and give responsibility to the correct person into the leadership
petition of the organisation. In the views of Scott-Jackson, and Michie,
(2017), it is observed that there is no procedure or means to identify the leadership
characteristics, and there is no consistent qualities that can support the procedure of a true
leader. All human beings possess many positive and negative traits which are responsible
for giving the overall picture of the personality of an individual.
 Behavioural Theories- In the contradiction of Trait theory, it forces the researcher to take
into consideration the behavioural aspect of the organisational leaders, that results in
formulating Behavioural theories that believes in primarily studying the varying
leadership styles. The McGregor's X and Y theory gives the best examples of behavioural
aspects of leadership that has wide range which states the human nature and extent to
leaders assumptions that influences overall organisational leadership strategies. As per
the McGreoger's theory X states the individual's willingness towards his obligations and
responsibilities that circumvents their desire to work unless persuaded. Theory X posses
to work consistently and direct and control their workforce to achieve their set
organisational objectives or goals. On the other-hand, Theory Y believes that a healthy
and correct work atmosphere mergers with employee commitment that encourages people
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in developing self-direction and self-control that enhances them to accomplish the pre set
organisational objectives and goals.
 Situational and Contingency Theory- It is believed that constant change in developing
work environment and inconsistent circumstances, it is considered that there is a need of
flexibility in leadership styles to manage the issues underlying in organisation. The
Fiedler's Contingency Model was mentioned or brought forward to address the issues at
workplace which are highly depended upon the situational factors making it more
mechanistic in organisational environment. In the opinion of Vann, Coleman, and
Simpson, (2014), this may progress well with autocratic leadership style in relation to it
participative approach is available to dynamic work environment that has a flexible
approach. It is divided in two groups such as task and relationship oriented and
environment as favourable or unfavourable. It helps the organisation to maximise its
environmental variables to match with their leadership styles.
Recommendations:
It is recommended to improve or sustain the leadership effectiveness by developing a
constant plan and executing it properly and then evaluating the pros and cons of the plan and
creating alternatives to sustain a smooth and constant leadership. The effective leadership can be
achieved by making an example for the followers and be a role model by developing the skills
and abilities of the individual and a group as a whole. The leader need to clearly communicate
the expectation and make strategies according to them. Provide learning by ensuring the need
and stages of development for the employees and executing the plan with reference to the
requirement of organisational work environment. Leader must possess knowledge about the
employee performance in the work environment and provide feedback wherever necessary.
Analyse the ways in which each leader is constructed as a leader
According to the Maak, Pless, and Voegtlin, (2016) there is a misunderstanding when it
comes to developing leaders. He states that the approach for developing leadership too closely is
as same as way rare gems such as diamonds, go to market. Diamonds are precious because of
their adequate supply in the market and they are difficult to find, polish and are expensive. This
process accounts for the same how companies search for a leader. Leadership ability is not rare,
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it can be found in many places, it can be improved by adopting a better understanding for
leadership development.
A leader can be constructed from many individual, it just takes to understand and know the
eligible candidate and the requirement that one possesses to be a leader. Trim very few
individuals from the eligible for development, make them grind enough to be able to strengthen
in the conditions and focus on them who remain and survive in the situations. Understand the
areas in which the career of an individual grows, develop events that can test the capabilities of a
leader to produce at great depth and character to enhance his ability. Patience is very important
for getting a good outcome at critical situation. The person who surpasses the situation is known
to be a great leader in the near future. Companies need to develop the ability to understand the
leadership development with their trustworthiness leadership challenges and expert
understanding. It is said that diamonds are forever, but leaders are not, whatever the situation it is
required to enhance the situations and develop their abilities to find and construct good leaders.
How leaders describe their conceptualisation of leadership
In the views of Nanjundeswaraswamy, and Swamy, (2014) the leaders describe their
conceptualisation of leadership by developing the skills and abilities of an individual or a group,
organisation as a whole. The idea is to develop the behavioural aspect of each of the employee
by motivating them to complete the given work at the given time period. It is the function of the
individual where they work and enhances the level of the employees in terms of their abilities
and skills. The leaders have the tendency to increase the work environment by effectively
developing the working conditions of the company. Leader describe their conceptualisation of
leadership by adopting the different styles of leadership, whichever required to enhance the
capabilities of each individual and organisation as a whole. The effective utilisation of the
theories for development of the individual and contradicting their capabilities is the best source
of conceptualising the leadership. The theories include: trait theories, skills theory, situational
theory, contingency theory, transformational theory, servant leadership theory etc. The leaders
are born with certain qualities and need to be developed or taught with certain qualities. Leaders
have the potential to make followers and enhance them to complete the actions generated by
them in terms of effective leadership strategies from the leader.
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How each leader conceptualises success through their leadership
While achieving business success, the situation arises in everyone's mind is that it is
because of strategy that the business possesses. Strategy is considered as one part of the whole
reason but it is not the only reason for success. There are many reasons for the success of the
business and leadership is one of the main reason for this success. Many leaders conceptualise
the workplace as the battle ground and take tough risks and act in favour of the employees. They
pronounce that mistakes are a part of an individual growth, and for organisations as well. As per
the opinion of Nanjundeswaraswamy, and Swamy, (2014), it is known that a great leader is not
someone who actually leads, it is someone whom all others want to follow. To have a successful
leadership a leader has these following qualities:
1. Character- A good leader need to have an exemplary character. He should possess his
work honestly and all other must trust him. A good leader talks with his followers and in
doing so he earns respect and the right responsibility for others.
2. Communicate- They communicate effectively and with interesting ideas, where every
one wants to hear them and follow their style. They also hear their employees and that
results in building trust within employees.
3. Direction- They set targets, develops vision for employees where they get quality results.
It is an essential characteristic of a good leadership and managing the goals and giving
directions to how to reach or achieve these goals.
4. Optimistic- The best leaders are with positive energy and genuinely concerned with
peoples welfare. They always work for others benefits and provide them with solutions to
their problems and inspire them to work effectively. They avoid criticism and develop
thinking to get people to work together efficiently and effectively in a team.
5. Honesty- Strong leaders have the decency to treat others as the same way they want to be
treated. They believe in ethical working and honestly and are reliable for the
organisational success. They emboss these qualities so that every employee also consider
it and have no doubts in their integrity for any instance. They are open in sharing
information truly and honestly which enhances their control over others and build
followers for themselves.
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Impact of leader's practice of leadership in the success of their organisation
According to the Aydin, Sarier, and Uysal, (2013) Leadership has a direct effect on the
relationship of the organisation and its success. Leaders shows values, culture, change tolerance
and employee motivation. Here are the examination of leader's practice of leadership for the
success of their organisation:
Autocratic- These leaders are do as I say types. They are inexperienced in terms of leadership
strategy and form a new position or assignment where the management of people is also
involved. They can damage the organisational activities as they force their followers to execute
strategies and services in a very small aspect. They do not posses any type of commitment,
creativity and innovation in the leadership strategy.
Bureaucratic- They set policies and create strategies and rely on them for the success of
organisation and achieve its goals. The set strategies in accomplishment of the organisational
objectives and goals help the organisation to be successful. The leaders have a complete picture
of what to produce for the future and deliver their capabilities to make followers to compete and
work as assigned and generate outcomes. The already set targets and strategies helps in
understanding the needs and wants of the organisation and abilities required for completing the
same.
Democratic- According to the Aydin, Sarier, and Uysal, (2013)., It conducts as the name suggest
here the leader leads within the group and whole group acts for the success of the organisation.
Democratic leaders need to work efficiently and combine all the group members to complete the
given task and make decision for the successful completion of business activities.
Charismatic- It is the most successful leadership style, here the leader have a vision, and they
have a personality which affects others to follow them to execute their vision. This results in
success of the business and all the other activities are carried out easily in the organisation. This
leadership style suggest for creativity and innovation and is highly motivational for others. With
charismatic leaders in trend, other members of the organisation wants to follow them and be like
them. This encourages others to work effectively and deliver outcomes in the organisation and
that results in the success of the organisation.
Transformation- This leadership style leaders seek to change those they lead, by this activity they
represent sustainability and self-controlling leadership. They do not force followers to persuade,
these leaders utilise knowledge, expertise and vision where they can change those around them.
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Organisation is influenced by the practices this type of leaders posses and develop strategies
according to the success of the business activities and set examples to lead and generate
outcomes.
Transactional- These types of leader are always in a state of giving something in return for
following them. They conclude in reviewing performance, promotion and responsibilities or the
desired change in duties. They have expectations to complete the given task to their employees
and this also leads to successfully completion of the activities to enhance organisational success.
Interviews of Australian CEO's
Interviews of Australian CEO's and the questions they always ask:
 Tania Austin, CEO of Decjucba- One amazing thing you will do to create a difference, in
your department at Decjuba?
Interviewing candidates who have potential can be a tedious process, but it is the one thing that
one you want to get right. To determine who will be right fit for the role, and the company.
 Gary Elphick, CEO and founder of Disrupt- If call your current employee right now what
they are going to say about your leadership style.
I care more for the truth, can handle flaws and imperfection, but need to know what they are and
their potential. In this complex business working is as such our means to empathise with
creativity, new ideas.
 Beau Bertoli, CEO of Propsa- What are your individual values and what work culture
you want to be part of?
Want to picture out the applicants values and cultural aspirations do match with companies, this
is all about cultural equality and fit. Hope to hear someone with clear vision and describe the
environment they want to work in.
Organisational issues
According to the Scott-Jackson, and Michie, (2017), these are the issues that are faced by
in every organisation related to their business culture, ethics, work environment etc. The
organisational issues that are faced by Beau Bertoli, CEO of Prospa is related to his work culture
where employees have the freedom to choose their work culture and the problem of improper
submission of work and unpunctuality of work arises. It is suggested for the company to develop
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a healthy and proper work culture where all are treated equally and given equal rights with
regards to work culture. It is also suggested generating a healthy work environment in the
organisation and maintain strategies according to the required potential and ethical usage of work
culture.
Conclusion
It is concluded from the above study that a good leadership and a great leader is always
not born, some leaders are also made by polishing their skills and abilities required to generate a
healthy work environment. Leadership is a technique where many are advised to make corrective
measures in relation to their required potential and abilities. A good leader does not force
followers, they are attracted by their abilities and their way of leading and effective styles of
attracting followers. The much leadership styles shows the different aspect of the leaders where
they choose their styles to enhance the abilities and skills of the individuals.
Recommendation
It is recommended for the leaders to develop skills that attract different type of people
and at the same time develop strategies in the organisation that are effective for the success of
the organisation. To enhance the leadership style they must follow the leadership techniques,
where it becomes easier for them to attract as much as possible with their abilities and
capabilities. A good leader is always born but a better leadership is developed by polishing the
individual skills and abilities in the work environment. It is essential for every leader to have
follower, but for that they should be trustworthy and willing to enhance their potential and attract
others ethically.
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References
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