CHAPTER NINE:Leadership and Leaders

What is Leadership?

The use of communication to modify others’ attitudes & behaviors to meet goals Accomplished through

communication Involves persuasion and

discussion

Types of Power & Influence

Influence: use of interpersonal power to modify actions/attitudes

Legitimate power: based on title or position

Reward power: derived from ability to give members what they want/need

Punishment power: derived from ability to take away what members want/value

Coercion: Use of threats or force to ensure compliance

Types of Power & Influence

Expert power: based on person’s perceived knowledge/skills

Referent power: based on a person’s ability to be liked/admired

Information power: degree of control a person has over flow of information

Ecological power: derived from ability to control how work is organized & physical environment

What is a Leader?

Individual who uses interpersonal influence to help group achieve its goals Designated leader: Appointed or

elected; title identifies him/her as leader

Emergent leader: Begins at same status as others, but gradually emerges as informal leader in eyes of other members

Characteristics of Leaders

Communication regarding task is significant predictor of leadership emergence

Other traits include: Effective listening

Self-monitoring

Extraversion & sociability

Intelligence

Leadership Myths

Leadership is an inherent personality traitBut…no single trait differentiates leaders from members

…not all situations require same trait

…leadership traits are behaviors that can be learned

There is one ideal leadership styleBUT…different situations call for different styles

Leadership Styles Autocratic Leaders: task-oriented; make all

decisions for group NEGATIVE: Can stifle creativity & enthusiasm

POSITIVE: Can make for very productive groups

Democratic leaders: want participation from all members Members tend to be more satisfied &

participate more

Members are more committed to group’s decision

Laissez-Faire leaders: extremely hands-off Because there is no structure, groups tend to

waste time

Other Leadership Styles

Transformative Leadership: ability to inspire others to a greater good beyond self-interest

Charismatic leadership: focused on the extraordinary qualities of leader that move others to act

Leadership Dynamics

Functional Concept of Group Leadership: says that all group members can & should perform all group functions

• Requires leader to figure out what functions are needed & supply them

• Assumes that all members can learn a variety of behaviors & can be leaders

Contingency Concept of Group Leadership: the situation determines the best leadership approach

• Requires leader consider type of task, how well members work together, and how well they work with leader

• Different situations call for different leadership styles

Leadership Dynamics

Distributed Concept of Group Leadership: leadership is spread among members, with each member expected to perform the communication behaviors needed to move the group toward goal

Leader acts as guide & completer monitor the group’s process

identify what functions are missing

supply missing functions or ask a member to do so

Leadership Duties

Meeting planning

Define purpose, communicate it to members

Communicate logistics (time, place, etc.)

Acquire resource people/experts

Make physical arrangements for meeting

Meeting Followup

Keep track of assignments

Serve as liaison with other groups

Managing Written Communication

Leadership Duties

Leading Group Discussions Initiating Discussion

Reduce primary tension

Review meeting purpose, outcomes

Provide handouts

Establish special roles as needed

Suggest procedures

Structuring Discussions Stay goal-focused; watch for digression

Summarize each major step or decision

Structure time

Bring discussion to close

Leadership Duties

Leading Group Discussions Equalizing Opportunity to Participate

Address comments to group, not individuals

Control dominating members

Encourage quiet members

Avoid commenting after members’ remarks

Bounce back questions of interpretation

Remain neutral during arguments

Stimulating Creative Thinking Suggest techniques that will tap into creativity

Encourage continual flow of ideas

Discuss problem components individually

Force alternative perspectives

Leadership Duties

Leading Group Discussions Stimulating Critical Thinking

Encourage members to evaluate information & reasoning

Ensure all members understand criteria used in making judgments

Test all solutions

Appoint “devil’s advocate” to poke holes

Fostering Improvement See how previous meeting could have

been improved

Establish goals for improvement for next meeting

Group Development

Establish climate of trust• Establish norms that build trust

• Function as coordinator, not dictator

• Encourage interaction between members

Develop teamwork & promote cooperation• Use “us” & “we,” not “I” & “you”

• Develop group name, logo, or symbol

• Watch for hidden agendas that conflict with group goals

• Use appropriate conflict management tactics

• Share rewards with the group

• Lighten up!

Encouraging Distributed Leadership

Analyze group needs Adapt your behavior to fit group

needs Focus on task rather than social

relationships Balance participation with listening Express yourself clearly Be knowledgeable about group

processes & techniques

Ethical Guidelines for Leaders

Never lie or send deceptive/harmful messages Place concern for the group ahead of your own

personal gain Be respectful & sensitive to others Stand behind others when they carry out tasks

approved by group Treat members with equal respect regardless of

gender, ethnicity, social background, lifestyle, sexual orientation, etc.

Establish clear policies that all members are expected to follow

Follow the group rules yourself