Amber Provaznik
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November 1, 2012
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Leading and Managing (ORGL 4333)
Fall 2012
University of Central Oklahoma
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Amber Provaznik
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Effective leadership is the key to any successful organization. Even with a perfect
product or service and qualified employees, a business will fail if it does not have the right
person to lead the way. Peter Drucker once said, “Management is doing things right, leadership
is doing the right things”. This adage beams with truth about supervising and managing
employees versus leading them to the desired destination. Management and leadership are
completely different in that managing employees is merely ensuring their jobs are done correctly
and that goals are met efficiently. Leading requires vision, persistence, enthusiasm, integrity,
ability and a genuine concern for others. Let’s explore these attributes in more detail.
Vision is the most important aspect of leadership. Vision gives a leader the ability to look
ahead into the future and determine where the company would like to be. It provides direction
and a focus, so that each individual in the company can be clear as to how their contributions
will help achieve the ultimate goals.
Next, persistence is a key factor in the success of any workplace. Persistence is the drive
to keep working on a project, even when it becomes difficult or tedious. If a project is not
completed, it becomes a waste of time for everyone involved. Many times persistence is
something derived from within one’s self and must be channeled as motivation to endure
difficulties.
Third, enthusiasm is absolutely necessary for a good leader to portray. Enthusiasm is the
positive energy required to boost the spirits of other individuals on the team. When projects are
strenuous or stressful, negative attitudes can often develop among co-workers. A leader with the
proper enthusiasm can combat negative attitudes by encouraging the group to stick with the
project to the finish, reminding them that the benefits will be well deserved.
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Amber Provaznik
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Integrity is the next vital trait of any good leader. Manning defines integrity as being
“understood as honesty, strength of character, and courage” (2012). A person with integrity gains
an irreplaceable sense of trust from his or her followers. Most people enjoy knowing that their
leader is honest in their undertakings and will stand up for what they believe to be right. Integrity
builds respect among peers and eliminates doubts or uncertainty in the leader’s character.
The most fundamental attribute of a good leader is their actual ability to lead. Followers
tend to trust leaders that are aware of the tasks at hand and that are capable themselves of
performing those tasks. Followers will develop a confidence in the leader’s work ability and
knowledge of the problems or hurdles that lie ahead for each member of the team. Ability is very
necessary in leading others.
Finally, an overall genuine concern for others is the key to building good relationships.
Since most people desire to be heard and understood, they certainly appreciate someone who
shows interest and cares about their personal well-being. A person is much more willing to
sacrifice themselves or their personal interest if they feel that others involved will understand
their strain and are concerned about helping them finish as effectively as possible.
So, if the organization is looking for someone to lead others, it should focus on
candidates that possess vision, persistence, enthusiasm, integrity, ability and a genuine concern
for others. Leaders with these traits will build respect among co-workers and cohesiveness within
teams. These key skills can equip the company with a superior ability to motivate employees and
accomplish any endeavor that arises.
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Amber Provaznik
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References
BrainyQuote. (2001). Leadership Quotations. Retrieved from:
http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/leadership.html.
Manning P. (2012). The art of leadership. (12th ed.). McGraw-Hill. ISBN 9780078029080
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