Introduction to Leadership

Description

Learning Objectives: ■ to identify some typical leadership skills and attributes ■ to recognize six different leadership styles ■ awareness that different leadership situations require different approaches ■ understanding the concept of situational leadership ■ the main traits of a good leader More about the activity: The activity has two parts and is very easy to run and participate in. 1. Each team receives brief details of six individuals: their photo and characteristics related to their leadership qualities. Teams then receive six typical leadership types or styles which they must match with the six leaders. Reaching team consensus generates lots of discussion about leadership traits and what makes a good leader. 2. Each team is now given six situations that they must try to match to the six leaders. Which leaders and leadership style is best suited for each of the six situations? Again, the process generates lots of debate about situational leadership and the idea that to meet different situations, leaders need flexibility and a range of approaches in their skill set. Further questions can be raised by asking participants if they can think of someone at work (without necessarily naming) who they think is a good leader. What six words sum up that person's main attributes? Ask teams to reflect on how they performed. Did they feel the need for a team leader? Did one emerge? What was the role of that leader? What was the style? The activity is also about encouraging participants to cultivate their own, possibly dormant, leadership skills. How would it help their role at work? It‘s also worth pointing out that, today, the myriad of communication options that await us on a minute-by-minute basis may have downsides but they can also empower us. It makes it much more possible to overturn the traditional leadership models. Anyone who has a new thought or new vision can become ‘a leader’.