Define Leadership
Leadership can exist in both formal and informal groups. In a formal setting, such as within a large corporation, the leader of the group is usually someone who has been appointed to a high position of authority. In an informal setting, such as a group of friends, the leader is someone with personal traits that simply tend to inspire respect.
Regardless of the exact circumstances of a particular group, people in a leadership positions generally share the same basic character traits. They are charismatic, dedicated, and committed to the goals of the organization. They are optimistic and work well with others. In a professional setting, leaders must also have a high level of knowledge and technical skill related to the task at hand.
Although leadership is often associated with people in management positions, it should be noted that the two are not necessarily synonymous. A manager is someone who plans and administers a group’s activities. Managers often focus on the bottom line of an organization, relying on control to accomplish his/her goals. In comparison, a leader is someone demonstrates originality and a long term perspective. Effective leaders focus on building strong relationships with others and maintain their positions by inspiring trust and confidence in other members of the group.
The question of whether or not leadership skills can be learned presents an interesting dilemma for researchers. Throughout history, some of the most notable leaders have simply been people with strong personalities and good instincts that help them relate well to others. However, many people who struggle to maintain their authority claim that formalized instruction has helped them to better understand the psychological principles of effective leadership.
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