We have become used to the directionality of leadership (Bennis, 1996).
Four factors that are of particular importance for leadership to be effective are as follows:
1.A tie to the community or audience. Broadly interpreted this can mean anything from a key-note speaker to the head of a congregation. The mantle of leadership can be bestowed any individual who seems to represent the interests of a group.
2.A connection to the lifestyle being addressed, including isolation and immersion. We all are able to identify with some one who has shared some important facet of a lifestyle we are involved in.
3.A relationship with the kinds of stories that leaders tell and the traits these stories embody. In the same way a stand-up comedian can get our attention by reminding us of similar experiences we have all had, a leader must relate to those he is communicating with in some one-on-one manner.
4.Acquiring the role of leadership through paths not including force or underhanded tactics. Though this seems somewhat political in nature, none of us is prone to accept a strong man as our leader, without that leader engendering a touch of paranoia. After all if an individual will use force in one situation, why not another? (Bennis, 1996). Leadership is by a nature a role that markedly influences the behavior, thoughts and feelings of all those who encounter it.
Leadership values can be broken up into three equally important areas. Principle-centered leadership is focused on the principles rooted in the laws that govern human and organizational effectiveness. Breaching these rules causes harm to the individual and society. Staying within these rules allows for individual and organizational success (Harrison, 1997).
Character-based leadership is rooted in the belief that principles in and of themselves, are not complete enough reasoning for leading people. Often principles kept for a long time are interpreted as characte...