ching and training can develop the initiative, self-confidence and charisma necessary to become an effective leader. In other words, leadership can be learned from studying and observing leaders who are effective, and by putting into practice what is learned (Sung, 2003, 14). Jill Goski, Gail Blackstone, and Jules Laing of Public Personnel Management agree completely. They describe an innovative and effective leadership-training program established in Ramsey County, Minnesota. They explain that the Leadership Academy incorporates several learning methods. Some of the approaches utilized include group activities and experiential learning; reading, reflection, and writing on leadership topics -- in addition to interactive presentations with experts. The goals involve helping supervisors would benefit by polishing existing strengths and developing new competencies so that they will continue to contribute to their employer and to their community (Goski, Blackstone, Laing, 2002, 517).
The increasing rate of change in the business environment is a major factor in this new emphasis on leadership. To a significant extent, a manager's value to their employer is measured in terms of the performance of those who work for them. To be a truly effective manager, one must be an effective leader. Leadership is the process of influencing subordinates to accomplish specific goals and objectives by providing advice, direction, encouragement, feedback, motivation, support and training. Ronald Heifetz writes in Nieman Reports that leadership should not be confused with authority. Heifetz writes that often, great leaders go unrecognized because they delegate to others (Heifetz, 20).
According to Susie Stephenson writing in FoodService Director, some of the characteristics of effective leadership include:
The ability to provide a clear vision of their goals and the company's goals
Emotional stability, and a willingness to share credit w...