Influences on leadership styles

Some people view leadership as a service in the sense that it seeks to meet the need of someone or of the group by performing needed functions on the other hand leadership is a processes of influencing the activities and behavior of individual or group in efforts towards goal achievement in a given situation.

Leadership involves an inter-relationship between the leader and the subordinates. Therefore the leader should consider the needs of the subordinates and the demand of the situation.The inter-relationship of the subordinates and the leader is determined by the leader's style of leadership. The best style is the is the one most appropriate in a given situation and it should also be situational such that it depends largely on the demand of the task.

Subordinates are different individuals, so the leader has to consider their differences, backgrounds, experiences, behavior and attitudes towards work and team spirit. The leader should also consider the maturity level of his or her subordinates There are certain instances where the leader will need to vary his or her style when dealing with subordinates. The leader may be forced by circumstances to tell the subordinates what to do.

Subordinates of low maturity are both unable and unwilling to perform the set tasks. These kind of subordinates need a leader's clear direction, close supervision and orientation if possible. In dealing with these subordinates, the leader should tell them what to do, provide supportive behavior to avoid unsatisfying end results. It shows that this group cannot proceed without the leader's directives and may lead to failure.

Some subordinates of low to moderate maturity are willing to do some work but are unable to take responsibility for a certain task. These subordinates need a leader who can sell them on what needs to be done. The leader here may be bound to some instances to use directive behavior, but also being very supportive. Here the group may reach effective end results with forceful efforts of the leader.

Other subordinates have moderate to high level of maturity. They have ability to perform specific tasks but lack confidence and interest. These kind of subordinates need a participative leadership style. The leader should provide motivation and reinforcement to build their personal confidence for goal achievement. Further more, there are subordinates with a high level of maturity. They have self motivation and self direction. These kind of subordinates need assistance from the leader who will be employing delegating style . With this group efficiency and good end results will be met.

For a task to be accomplished it should be well structured, objectives clearly defined and necessary activities planned. In some instances where the objectives are not well defined and task not well structured, there may be no progress. Therefore the leader will have to change style hence leadership is a dynamic process.