Leadership philosophies not only guide the manner in which the leader interacts with the followers but also serve to determine the manner in which the followers will interact with the leader as well as with one another. In other words, in order to achieve the desired outcomes and to create a team of followers that will provide innovative thinking to benefit the overall organization, the leader must consider themselves as part of a team rather than a dynamic authoritarian in the role of dictating thoughts and behaviors. Notably, this is not to suggest that the leader must forego all responsibilities of guiding the team, but rather that the leader must be able to adapt to the potential changes as new ideas are brought to the group. Shukla and Bhagat (2013) explain that this authoritative approach to leadership maintains the organization and hierarchy of the group while allowing each member of the team to feel not only empowered to think critically but also obligated to do so.
While encouraging and expecting members of the team to bring new insight to the table, it is important for the leader to guide this innovation through his own ability to envision new solutions to current problems. By opening this flow of communication, the leader is then able to coach the team members towards speaking up about their own visions and potential solutions. It is necessary for the leader to recognize the areas of strengths and weaknesses in each team member in order to highlight their strengths and help them to overcome their weaknesses. Positive reinforcement and incentivized improvements will help to ensure that the team members not only have a sense of value but are also motivated to improve themselves to benefit the whole. In the course of building this sense of value in the team members, the leader will be able to encourage the members to do the same for one another while fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and collective goals. Forming such a team by carefully selecting each member and noting areas in which they can better one another is the essence of team building.
Returning to the organization of the group, it is critical that the leader is able to maintain control over the communication between the team members and to clearly communicate the expectations and goals of the group. The leader must be firm and fair regarding any conflicts that many arise. A respectful tone in the leader will generally promote a respectful tone within the group but the leader must be prepared for areas of conflict with a solid policy. Providing the team members the ability to speak up must not be confused with the ability to speak out against one another. The balance between authority and team building must be maintained in order to promote the most beneficial scenario for the overall organization.
In sum, a leader must be able to envision solutions as well as encourage others to do the same. The leader must not only demand respect for himself but also for others in the group. The leader must focus on the overall goals of the group and encourage the team members to also view the collective goals. The leader must show value in the strengths of the team members while encouraging improvement in areas of weaknesses. Clear expectations, effective communication, and shared respect will take a group from a collected group of individuals to a team that can bring about innovative solutions to current problems in an organization. An effective leader can promote these elements through personal portrayal and directed guidance of the group.
- Shukla, A. H., & Bhagat, S. (2013). Dynamics of Creative Leadership in Modern Context: An Analytical view. International Journal of Commerce, Business and Management (IJCBM), ISSN, 2319-2828.
