What is classic leadership theory?

Classic leadership theory discussion (Traits)

 The characterization of leadership, Northouse (2007) claims, “is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal” (p. 3). This person not only inspires employees into higher levels of teamwork and collaboration, but also motivates workers to achieve an objective and leads the company in a way that creates it more cohesive and coherent with vision and strategies. He was our former general manager Ken Lee who carries out this process by applying his leadership traits and characteristics of intelligence, self-confidence, determination, integrity and sociability.

 In term of intelligence, Lee is likely to have higher intelligence (e.g., great verbal skill, perceptual talent, and excellent interpretation and analysis) than other executives in the firm. Whenever we confronted complex issues or problems in production, he often helped and showed us how to solve the matters with steps by steps. He has strong problem-solving and social- judgment abilities. Intelligence has great effect on Lee’s ability and role for effective leadership. He was our best team leader and general manager.

 In the subject of self-confidence, Northouse (2007) analyzes and claims, “is the ability to be certain about one’s competencies and skills” (p.19). In this case, Lee frequently demonstrated strong self-esteem, passion, and great self-assurance with the confidence and conviction that individual can create or make a difference and change. The question: How to be chairman or top leader of an organization? Parry (2009) examines it, and argues, “chairing the board effectively requires leadership through influence rather than command and control. It means getting good information prepared, ensuring all key points are raised and all voices are heard. Leadership is not to dictate answers but to make the team functional” (p.1). It is very true, self-confidence, influence, competency and skill are very important for leadership. At any rate, Lee initially opened two new product lines in our Marketing and Sales division, and set long-term directions and strategies for the organization.

 His third trait is determination. Determination, as Northouse (2007) examines, “is the desire to get the job done and includes characteristics such as initiative, persistence, dominance, and drive” (p.21). Lee was proactive at all times, and was willing to uphold and defend himself. He has the ability to carry on or keep trying and stick with his objectives even in difficult situations. He was a great leader and showed excellent leadership and dominance at times and in cases that his employees require to be guided or directed. In the last recession, he first redesigned the products, cut the cost of production, and then opened up more new market areas. The company kept running well and achieved higher returns than others in the same industry even in the slow economy.

  The fourth leadership trait is integrity. It is “the quality of honesty and trustworthiness. People who adhere to a strong set of principles and take responsibility for their actions are exhibiting integrity” (Northouse, p.20). As an executive and leader of the company with good records, experiences and business ethics, Lee not only inspired confidence or motivated in others (e.g., he was dependable, and could be trusted), and also made employees wanted to achieve high aims or objectives. Lamb and McKee (2004) reported, according to a research by the Hay Group, an international management consultancy, “there were 75 key components of employee satisfaction. They found that trust and confidence in top leadership was the single most reliable predictor of employee satisfaction in an organization” (p.1). Superior integrity of personality and spirit with moral management are very important in leadership attribute.

 Last but not least, the final leadership trait is the sociability. It is “a leader’s inclination to seek out pleasant social relationships. Leaders who show sociability are friendly, outgoing, courteous, tactful, and diplomatic” (Northouse, p.20). In term of sociability, Lee has great interpersonal and communication skills with remarkable relationship with his employees (e.g., concerning for their well-being or needs). He was the best manager from all employees in the company for the last eight years until he retired. Sociability is very significant and essential for leaders.  In all, increasing cost effective and efficient, improving the value of stakeholder (including employees, managers, investors, suppliers, governments, communities, and consumers), and advancing customer services and management excellence are the main goals and objectives of modern management and leadership.

References

Northouse, P. G. (2007).  Leadership theory and practice (4th     


       edition).Thousand Oaks, CA:  Sage. 

Lamb and McKee. (2004). The two most important keys to effective 


       leadership. Retrieved April 30, 2009, from

         http://www.nwlink.com/-donclark/leader/leadcon.html

Parry, R. (2009, March). How to be chairman? Retrieved April 30, 2009,


       from ProQuest database.