Leadership is a term that we hear frequently in the corporate world. It is a quality that is valued in every organization, big or small. Good leaders are essential for the success of a team, a company, or even a nation. But what is leadership, and how can we develop this important quality? In this article, we will explore three different leadership models and provide a planning template for readers to develop their own action plan for leadership development.
The Leadership Challenge by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner is a popular leadership book that has been translated into 20 languages. The authors have conducted extensive research on leadership and identified five practices that successful leaders follow. These practices are:
- Model the way: Leaders set an example by living the values they espouse.
- Inspire a shared vision: Leaders inspire others by sharing a vision that they can believe in.
- Challenge the process: Leaders encourage innovation and creativity by challenging the status quo.
- Enable others to act: Leaders empower others by giving them the tools and resources they need to succeed.
- Encourage the heart: Leaders recognize and celebrate the achievements of others.
Situational Leadership by Paul Hersey and Ken Blanchard is another popular leadership model that focuses on adapting leadership style to the situation. According to this model, effective leaders are those who can adjust their leadership style to meet the needs of their followers. The Situational Leadership model identifies four different leadership styles: Directing, Coaching, Supporting, and Delegating. The model suggests that the most effective leaders are those who can adjust their leadership style based on the maturity level of their followers.
Finally, Servant Leadership by Robert K. Greenleaf is a leadership model that emphasizes the importance of serving others. According to this model, effective leaders are those who prioritize the needs of their followers over their own needs. Servant leaders are humble, empathetic, and focused on helping others achieve their goals.
So, what can we learn from these three leadership models, and how can we apply them to our own lives? The first step is to assess your current leadership style and identify areas for improvement. The following planning template can help you develop an action plan for leadership development:
- Identify your strengths and weaknesses as a leader. Use the five practices of The Leadership Challenge, the four leadership styles of Situational Leadership, and the characteristics of a Servant Leader as a guide.
- Set goals for leadership development. What specific areas do you want to improve? What do you want to achieve as a leader?
- Develop a plan for achieving your goals. What steps do you need to take to improve your leadership skills? What resources do you need to achieve your goals?
- Take action. Implement your plan and track your progress. Reflect on what is working and what is not working. Adjust your plan as needed.
- Continuously learn and grow. Attend leadership training, read books on leadership, and seek feedback from others.
In conclusion, leadership is an important quality that can be developed with practice and dedication. The Leadership Challenge, Situational Leadership, and Servant Leadership are three different models that can help you develop your leadership skills. Use the planning template provided in this article to develop your own action plan for leadership development. Remember, effective leadership is not about having all the answers; it is about empowering others to find the answers for themselves. Good luck on your leadership journey!
Recommended Resources:
*We include affiliate links as a way to support the development of articles for this site. While we receive a small affiliate fee there is no additional cost to you for purchasing through these links
- The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner*
- The One-Minute Manager by Blanchard and Johnson*
- Servant Leadership by Robert Greenleaf*
- Everything DiSC Work of Leaders by Wiley
- Everything DiSC Management by Wiley