Leadership in organisational development
“I suppose leadership at one time meant muscles; but today it means getting along with people.” –Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
Leadership
The concept of leadership has evolved over time, from born leader to effective leader. Opinions, theories have changed significantly with time. Leadership is best understood as a complex process wherein the leader with support of its followers achieves a common task lead by the leader. Businesses today work in teams and heads are looked up as managers rather than leaders. Its the team work that delivers results for any organisation.
Leadership is defined as “the process whereby one individual influences other group members towards the attainment of defined group or organisational goals.” Hence, effective leadership is required to ensure accomplishment of tasks, team building and personal development of each member. Leaders play the role of a mentor, guide and trainer to the subordinates and make them understand, believe and commit themselves to the mission, vision and goals of the organisation. Man power is the most vital resource of any organisation. If it is managed well, rest everything falls into place. It’s the leadership style and the leader’s abilities that steer the organisational performance towards targets. The most apt example that comes for my mind for showcasing the importance of leadership in organisational development is Mr. Narayanmurthy of Infosys Technologies Ltd.
Importance of leadership
Leadership is an exercise of influencing the perception, motivation, personality and abilities of others through effective communication and management skills. Without effective leadership and a charismatic leader, no organisation can flourish. Hence, it can be rightly said that leadership is an integral part of organisation development; it can make or mar any organisation.
References
- Quote from brainyquotes.com [online]{cited 4thOctober 2011} Available from URL: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/leadership.html
- P.Subba Rao (2009), Personnel and Human Resource Management, 4th Edition, Himalaya Publishing House.
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