When asked what the four processes of management are, most will answer them correctly; planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. One of these is perhaps the hardest to define, mainly because the terms that are most commonly used to define it, are not correctly applied. Every profession, every industry, and everything in life has its own terminology. A word used in one context has a different meaning in another, if both try to use the same definition. Let us examine this today by looking at one aspect to this process, leadership. This is perhaps one of the most complex issues, because it is so very subjective. To remove some of the subjective variables, we need to understand terms in the same context. This brings more objective analysis to the discussion. Objectivity also brings more consistency, which brings more credibility.
One of the biggest issues in this discussion is when one word is used when discussing leadership, type; “what type of leadership”. Do a search on the web for “types of leaders”, and it is amazing what you discover. Dictionary.com defines the word type, “a number of things or persons sharing a particular characteristic, or set of characteristics, that causes them to be regarded as a group”. The key word in this definition is “characteristics”. Often, when searching for types of leaders, you may find many characteristic/traits rather than types, which can lead to some confusion. When looking at types of leaders there are two, positional or true. Positional means, that someone has placed an individual in a position that requires them to lead others. In other words, they are a manager; think back to the four processes of management. By this definition they are a leader; but one must ask, are they? The second type of leader is a true leader; you may have also seen other terms that are similarly used for this type of leader. If you ask a leader which type, they are, they will almost always answer a true leader. To determine which one that a specific person is, one only needs to look at the characteristics of the individual to understand which type they fall into. A positional leader will have followers that will only do what is asked, no more. A true leader will have people that will always go above and beyond what is asked. In other words, ask those that are being led, do you trust your leader? A true leader has the trust of those that they lead, a positional leader does not. Trust is not something anyone typically gives to someone else; it must be earned. How is this trust obtained, it is by the traits that the individual has when they lead. So, when you are asked what the types of leaders are, do not fall into that same big mistake that most others do. Do not think of characteristics or styles, think of trust.
This now brings us into what the true discussion is about leadership. To be more accurate, the characteristics and style of leadership. Let us look at these two terms, style is defined by Dictionary.com as, “a particular, distinctive, or characteristic mode of action or manner of acting”. As you can see here characteristics are a part of this definition. This indicates that it is a “sub” component to the style. Some of these styles of leadership are:
Transformational
Transactional
Servant
Autocratic
Laissez-faire
Democratic
Bureaucratic
Charismatic
Situational
Coach
Visionary
Pacesetter
This means that the very basis of leadership comes down to character. Yet very often we do not discuss this aspect. Maybe because in the world today, we really do not wish to look at our selves in this manner. When we do it correctly and objectively, it forces us to see our imperfections. We often see these imperfections as weaknesses, rather than strengths. But once we choose to identify these weaknesses, they are no longer a weakness. Dictionary.com defines character as, “the aggregate of features and traits that form the individual nature of some person or thing”. Because of this definition we need to look at the lowest level of who we are, what is it we believe; our character.
Aspects of Character
Words are one of the best ways to demonstrate your character. The words that we use internally, to our self, we also use to others. Words can be classified into two categories, encouraging or discouraging. Some fall into just one category and others fall into both, depending on their context. The use of encouraging words is a sign of a great leader. A leader can almost always be encouraging, even if they are correcting behavioral issues. The key to this is the focus of our communications. If it is focused on power or superiority, then you will choose to be discouraging. If the focus is on bettering “the team”, then our words can be encouraging. Make no mistake, leadership is leading others; without them there is nothing to lead. When we are positive in our nature, others trust us. Our words are the best way to demonstrate this part of our character. Being cognitive to our words will make you a trustable leader; a true leader. This is one of the greatest demonstrations of our skills.
Mind Set is another important aspect to character. A leader that has the “can do” mind set will most likely gain the trust of those they lead. We by nature, wish to be on a successful team, after all, are we not all driven to win at anything we do? Often our mind set helps to dictate the words we use. A positive mind set will mean that we will be encouraging to others.
Our Conduct is another characteristic of the type of leader we are to others. An individual that obeys the rules and understands the importance of them, will inspire others to follow them. After all, would you follow someone, willingly, if they are constantly getting you and them into trouble? This will not build trust. Understanding the importance of other’s opinions, especially with regards to our appearance both physically and professionally, builds trust. We must look the part and act like it constantly. Getting into confrontations in public, rather than in private, does not build trust. Always keep in mind this phrase, “praise in public, correct in private”. This is the conduct that will build trust in those we lead. It is not always about being right; it is about building buy in.
Limiting Emotions is another way to build trust. Think about this, have you ever had that “leader” that got so emotional all the time, that it created more of a crisis, rather than a resolution? Removing all emotions will never be possible, we are all human and created with them. How we display them will help us become a better leader. One of the best techniques for this is the “pause”, you should have heard of this technique in communications training. When something is said that pushes that button of yours, take a deep breath and pause. This characteristic also applies to those that are looking to become a leader. Many of these individuals are also likely to blame those, “people in charge” for not selecting them for these leadership positions. If you are unable to control your emotions when you are not in a leadership position, how will you convince anyone that you will, when you are in that position? Emotions are the first thing, in almost any situation, that must be dealt with before any resolution can be reached. Defusing a situation is almost always related to emotions, more than any other factor. If you approach an emotional situation with more emotions, then resolution will most likely not occur.
Honesty is a very important characteristic in a leader. As a leader, often, you will be called upon to accomplish a task that those you are leading may not know or understand. If they do not trust you, how that task is accomplished could become very difficult. The old concept of a “white lie” really does not exist. Once you lie to anyone that follows you, trust is damaged, and must be repaired. Often this is extremely difficult. The best response in some situations is not always the easiest, “I cannot speak to that” goes against our deep need to keep everyone informed. But it often is the best response in some situations. The old saying, honesty is the best policy, is what you need to live by as a leader.
What must always be kept in mind when discussing leadership, is definitions. Understanding what a type means, a style means, and what characteristics are, help to keep the discussion on the same page. This could also help you when evaluating how you apply this concept to your own leadership.