Leadership is defined as a process of influencing others to accomplish the mission, inspiring their commitment, and improving the ogranisation.
|
 |
|
|
The above definition of leadership says three important things about the meaning of leadership in the SAF:
- "A process..." Leadership refers to the verb "to influence others" rather than the noun, i.e., the category of leaders in the organization. This emphasizes that a person can be appointed as a leader, hold the rank and authority of a leader, and yet have poor leadership ability (i.e., is unable to influence people effectively)
- "of influencing others..." "Influencing" is a general term deliberately chosen to include various methods of influence e.g.: inspirational, emotional or values-based influence, ideas, thoughts, or knowledge-based influence, exemplary or idealized influence, individualized consideration, exchange or transition-based influence. It emphasizes that while leadership always involves influence of other persons, and it is not specific to any particular style - "Inspirational leadership" is but one style of influencing task accomplishment. Such a definition allows us to train SAF leaders use a wide range of leadership styles depending on the nature of the situation.
- "to accomplish the mission, inspiring their commitment, and improving the organization". These refer to the three major desired outcomes of leadership in the SAF that together present a balanced view of leadership that Is not only mission or task-focused, but also concerned with the commitment of the followers, and the improvement of the organization, i.e., organizational change and learning. Such a definition emphasizes that leaders must not only focus on immediate task performance, but also long-term commitment and change.
|
|
Last updated on 29 Sep 2006
|
|
