what type of leader are you essay

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Essay Samples on Leadership

What type of leader i am: examining my leadership.

What type of leader are you? This question delves into the unique qualities, values, and approaches that define my leadership style. As a leader, I recognize that my actions and decisions influence others, and understanding my leadership style is crucial for effective collaboration and impact....

• Leadership Styles

How to Be an Effective Leader: Guiding with Excellence

Becoming an effective leader requires more than just holding a position of authority; it entails embodying qualities that inspire and guide individuals toward shared goals. Whether leading a team, an organization, or a community, effective leadership is marked by the ability to foster collaboration, motivate...

• Effective Leadership

How to Be a Good Leader: The Path to Effective Leadership

Leadership is a multifaceted skill that involves guiding and inspiring individuals or groups toward a common goal. While leadership styles may vary, there are essential qualities and practices that define effective leadership. In this essay, we will explore how to be a good leader, discuss...

Are Leaders Born or Made: the Nature vs Nurture Debate

Are leaders born or made? This age-old question has ignited debates, discussions, and exploration into the realms of leadership. The inquiry into whether leadership is an innate trait or a cultivated skill has intrigued scholars, practitioners, and curious minds. This essay delves into the heart...

• Leadership Development

Analysis of President Barack Obama as a Leader

Successful leaders possess distinct traits and qualities that set them apart. One such leader is Barack Obama, who exemplifies several key leadership characteristics. Inspirational communication, unwavering conviction, and a willingness to take risks are among the qualities that have contributed to Obama's success. Furthermore, Obama's...

• Barack Obama
• President of The United States

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Leadership and Management: My Personal Philosophy of Leadership

Everybody can be a leader. Nevertheless, I feel that not every individual can lead effectively. I also believe that it is not a position but a process. Leadership is an action to influence other people to move and accomplish the same goal. Leaders are ineffective...

• Leadership and Management

Leadership Development: Analysis of My Leadership Experience

This reflective essay is an analytical look into my leadership experience not only as a leader but also as a member of a group. I specifically adopted the situational approach and the path-goal theory when presented with different leadership challenges hence the adoption of changing...

My Chevening Leadership: Leadership Skills that I Developed

I acquired leadership skills from early adulthood based on my experiences in church and my family. I developed organisational, resilience and other leadership skills which have been honed over the years. My leadership skills continued in secondary school when I started volunteering and campaigning against...

What Is Leadership For You

It is a general term that can have very different meanings with broader possibilities and scales associated with it, and it goes through some evolution with constant permutations and combinations that go on forever. It starts from ancient times and then into the Middle Ages...

Important Role of Leadership Quality and Professionalism

Dedication, strength, honor, and integrity, are just a few of the descriptive words that can be used to define a leadership role. Accountability, knowledge, as well as integrity are words used to help describe professionalism. Notice how the words used to describe these roles are...

The Meaning Of Leadership To Me: Qualities That Create A Leader

For countless millennia, we had witnessed the birth of several societies and organizations that had flourished from successful leadership. Today, in modern businesses you could immediately tell how the leadership it had evolved into at present and the leadership it had decades earlier. Take for...

• Personal Qualities

The Definition Of Leadership: What Does Leadership Mean To Me

My leadership philosophy is established about the need for a leader to encourage and inspire to do what motivates them. It can be accomplished by a leader and at the same time attaining the goals and the task of the team, department, institution, or corporation...

• Personal Beliefs

Chelladurai's Model Of The Leadership

The model that is used for leadership in sports would be the Chelladurai's model of leadership. Chelladurai's model is a framework which builds on research from non-sporting settings in order to analyze effective leadership in sport. The fundamental target of the leader is to achieve...

Example Of Effective Leadership In Jeff Bezos Life Path

Since the beginning of people’s lives, everyone makes choices and decisions which gradually define a person itself. It is often difficult to identify whether the decision was good or bad because each person has a different level of awareness of the importance. Some things which...

Leadership Style Of Jeff Bezos

Jeffrey Preston Bezos is an American technology entrepreneur and the founder, CEO, and president of Amazon.com. Since high school, he has had an interest in computer science which led to him pursuing a degree in electrical engineering and computer science from Princeton University in 1986....

Management Vs Leadership: The Good And The Bad Of Being A Manager

Being a manager is a job. Being a leader is a role. Increasingly companies are seeing that you need both skills for an effective work environment. In the article, “What Leaders Really Do” by John Kotter, John highlights the differences between a leaders and managers,...

Ender's Game Character Analysis Essay

A mission that decides the destiny of humanity, its survival or obliteration, is a challenge many will succumb to. Failure is not an option. Ender’s Game, a science fiction novel written by Orson Scott Card, tells the story of Andrew “Ender” Wiggin who fights in...

• Ender's Game

The Rule of Charlemagne: The Development of Europe Under Successful Leadership

“Right action is better than knowledge; but in order to do what is right, we must know what is right.”- Charlemagne Charlemagne, also known as Charles I, Charles the Great and the Father of Europe was an important Germanic figure in medieval times and has...

• Charlemagne

The Benefits and Disadvantages of Transformational Leadership Style

Transformational Leadership deals with the motivation, inspiration, and encouragement of the personnel in order to carry out the innovative and creative change. This change directly helps the company in the growth and allows the scope for development. This leadership style is based on improving the...

• Charismatic Leadership

What Makes a Leader Charismatic

Leadership is a dense genre that had remained under debate regarding the difference in opinions of the definition and components of leadership, and either it is intrinsic quality or learned behavior. Despite all the debate, Leadership can be contributed as a personal impact that is...

The Influence of Mansa Musa's Leadership

The most important aspects of this topic would be the importance of Mansa rebuilding the Mali empire. After he helped rebuild the empire they were more powerful and had a more important standing within society. The emperor who came to make a difference within their...

My Motivation to Obtain the Darwin T. Turner Scholarship

The Darwin T. Turner Scholarship is a program of diversity and leadership initiatives. Hello, my name is Simratdeep Kaur and I believe I should be a Turner Scholar because I show great potential in the future. I have maintained great academics, participated in many school...

• Scholarship

What Does Being Inducted into National Honor Society Mean to Me

From the time I was inducted into National Junior Honor Society in seventh grade, I had always dreamed of the day when I would walk across the stage to become a part of National Honor Society. I have been continuously determined to do my very...

• National Honor Society

The Four Tenets of National Honor Society I Exemplify in My Everyday Life

Induction into the National Honor Society validates academic goals that I have worked extremely hard towards thus far. Membership would not only help maintain my academic performance, but assist me in accomplishing further goals of my school career. Getting accepted into NHS has been a...

A Brave Leader: The Success of Rosa Parks Leadership

Refusing to give up your seat on the bus; a seemingly trivial decision in the goings-on of everyday life. Maybe one would be considered rude, or irritate others – but beyond that, the effects of the refusal would seem relatively insignificant. How is it then,...

• Racial Segregation

Implementation of Leadership and Personal Development Planning in South Africa

Introduction Post-1994, the dream of the masses (previously disadvantaged groups), was a vision of self-governance, prosperity, equality, liberation and a sense of belonging and patriotism. Most of all, the yoke of Apartheid was demolished, it was a new future that held promise, a better life...

• Personal Development Planning

The History of Syrian Leadership and Its Impact on the State of a Country

Syria became one of the most discussed and controversial countries in the world in recent years due to its ongoing armed conflict. Millions of Syrians escaped from their homeland looking for a shelter and a better future abroad causing internal conflicts in highly developed countries...

The Concept of Leadership and Mother Teresa as Its Vivid Illustration

Leaders have the power and the intellect behind the organization, and they have the capability to influence the ones working for the company to accomplish and reach the company’s goal. According to Patel (2017), a strong manager or leader must reach and develop eleven traits...

• Mother Teresa

Investigating the Losses and Leadership Positions in Starbucks

The Starbucks brand started in 1971 by opening its to begin with store area in Seattle, Washington. Within the 1970s and 1980s, Starbucks Corporation experienced victory within the U.S. market. By 1987, Howard Schultz purchased Starbucks after serving for 5 years within the operation division...

The Humor Style Suitable for Leadership Positions

Throughout this report, the main topic in focus will be the Leader Humor Style. The definition of humor is not straightforward, “Over the years, researchers have been trying to arrive at one definition of humour which is both comprehensive and universal. All their efforts have...

The Results Of My S.M.A.R.T. Leadership Experience

Leadership, S.M.A.R.T. goals, and the Seven Habits profile are all interconnected in many ways. Throughout the course of this paper I will address the results of my Seven Habits profile, servant leadership, and make S.M.A.R.T. goals. They will assist me in becoming a better leader...

• Emotional Intelligence

The Definition of Leadership: Barack Obama's Presidency

Leadership can mean various things a success, power, efficiency, andintelligence. Among other qualities. However, leadership is taken into accountwhen the leader or the person who is the heads of a movement has the abilityto influence others and make a positive impact on the world around...

Leadership Is My Strong Side

Mustering the courage, penetrating the challenge, and engendering the creativity are the abilities to define myself as a visionary leader. After the head of Corporate Social Responsibility of PT Pertamina Region VII awarded me as the best presenter in Pertamina Technology Challenge, an opportunity as...

• About Myself

The Importance of Good Ethics and Leadership in Society

One of the most important, yet least understood phenomena on earth is leadership. The research was done to investigate leadership traits, activities, behaviour, and processes; yet, until Burns (1978), a few researchers were able to distinguish between leadership that is "transactional" and leadership that is...

• Human Behavior

Change Management in Organizations Dependency on Leadership

This paper seeks to establish how change can be effectively introduced to the challenging global business environment of today. However, to establish this, one has to first understand what a change management strategy is and to critically analyze the key composition of an ideal change...

• Change Management

Analysis Of Individual Aspects Of Leadership

The first factor for business success is empowering leadership. Leadership has taken companies to its peak of success. This report will look into the leadership style of Sandberg in the different companies she had worked. How her leadership skills influenced and impacted the people she...

Application Of Engineering Leadership To Improve Group's Performance

This case occurred during a practical lab session where my group and I were tasked with a graded lab report based on that session’s experiment. That week’s experimental procedure was knowledge-intensive and rigorous, requiring a good understanding of that week’s lecture content while involving many...

• Engineering

Best Way For Society To Prepare It's Youth For Leadership

The provided memo brings a lot of questions to mind. These need to properly addressed before jumping to the conclusion that increasing the advertising budget will help increase the attendance of people in movies produced by Super Screen Movie Production Company. Firstly, the memo talks...

• Modern Society

Classic Leadership And Organization Dilemmas

The main challenge of any organization is to perform tasks in the right time. If they cannot perform it within the prescribed time, their ongoing work can be interrupted. Therefore, if the job is to be executed at a given time, it is necessary to...

• Organizational Behavior

Jim Davis Case Study Analysis: The Problem Of Leadership And Power

Leadership and power have a fine line in which they were most effectively together. In that relationship it is important that a good sense of credibility is established in order to achieve and maintain a status. The problem at hand is how Jim is going...

Leadership – The Art Of Managing People

The capacity to sort out a gathering of individuals or an organization is called leadership. The individual who directs the gathering is characterized as a Leader. Despite the fact that the bigger fault and less credit come to them, a pioneer is the foundation of...

Leadership And Management In International Hospitality Business

Introduction Leadership includes giving the data, information, and techniques to understand that vision, and organizing and adjusting the clashing interests of all individuals and partners. Be that as it may, the initiative has changed after some time and has made numerous difficulties for the individuals...

• Hospitality
• Marketing Management

Leadership In Different Aspects Of Life

Introduction Leadership is defined to be the action of leading a group of people or an organization. In the coaching profession, coaches lead their teams. If you were to ask me what my personal definition and general philosophy of leadership is, I would say, “Leadership...

• Personal Life

The Challenges in the Leadership School: Stepping out of the Comfort Zone

I applied to leadership school and I was told it was going to easy but boy was I wrong. As soon we got on the bus things turned for worse. First, all phones were confiscated as we got on the bus then we to be...

Leadership Style And Influence Of Two Historical Figure

This is an extensive study of leadership styles and scope of influence of 2 historical figures of Nepal. “Siddhartha Gautama (Gautama Buddha) and Prithivi Narayan Shah. They can be seen as an effective and influential leader known to whole world. I found difference in their...

Leadership Theories And Personal Evaluation

Trait Theory Of the eight trait theories presented in the textbook I feel that I possess predominantly the desire to lead, honesty, integrity and emotional intelligence. In most jobs that I have been employed, I often find myself thinking of ways that the manager could...

Psychology Of Work: Organizational Leadership Theories

In lieu of the changing business environments globally, companies strive to be competent enough to be able to respond to customer expectations, have sound and healthy relationships with all the stakeholders, have operations that are transparent and accountable and increase their bottom line fulfilling their...

• Social Psychology

Revitalization Through New Leadership For Success In Any Field

The topic presented here makes a very valid argument that revitalization through new leadership is crucial for success in any field, be it politics, education or government. I am in concord with the claim that those in power should graciously make way at regular intervals...

An Overview of the Five Levels of Leadership

Nowadays the word ¨leadership¨ is used in all spheres of society, from the political field to the business and religious fields. One of the modern precursors of the study of leadership is John C. Maxwell, who for years has used and taught an instrument of...

The Social Influence Of Leadership On Human

For many years, many people (scholars) have had lot of interest in leadership, there have been many debates and some occasional confusion explaining the concept of leadership or what it really means. (Bass 1981) (Northouse, P 2016) Even now, defining it is not as easy...

Value Proposition Of Investing In It Leadership

Companies that invests in IT leadership perform much better than the companies that don’t. IT Leadership development is very important for creating competition and having an upper hand over other companies. A standout amongst the most important internal features to implement change is IT Leadership...

Essay About What Leadership Means To Me

For me, leadership means not only pursue success for myself but also to motivate and empower others to do the same by setting the perfect example to follow. For me, leadership means knowing where to go, leading the right path, taking new challenges and not...

Best topics on Leadership

1. What Type of Leader I Am: Examining My Leadership

2. How to Be an Effective Leader: Guiding with Excellence

3. How to Be a Good Leader: The Path to Effective Leadership

4. Are Leaders Born or Made: the Nature vs Nurture Debate

5. Analysis of President Barack Obama as a Leader

6. Leadership and Management: My Personal Philosophy of Leadership

7. Leadership Development: Analysis of My Leadership Experience

8. My Chevening Leadership: Leadership Skills that I Developed

9. What Is Leadership For You

10. Important Role of Leadership Quality and Professionalism

11. The Meaning Of Leadership To Me: Qualities That Create A Leader

12. The Definition Of Leadership: What Does Leadership Mean To Me

13. Chelladurai’s Model Of The Leadership

14. Example Of Effective Leadership In Jeff Bezos Life Path

15. Leadership Style Of Jeff Bezos

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• Business Success
• Business Analysis

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Feb 15, 2023

Essays on Leadership for Students | 200 - 500 Word Essays

Are you writing an essay about leadership? Check out these examples!

Leadership is often defined as "the action of inspiring others to act in concert to achieve a particular goal." It signifies the harmony in actions that lead to a common objective. A genuine leader not only exudes confidence but also paves the way for their followers towards triumph. Over the years, various leadership styles have been identified and discussed by psychologists.

 Qualities such as intelligence, adaptability, extroversion, innate self-awareness, and social competence often emerge as the hallmarks of impactful leaders. There's a consensus that these traits mold an individual into an effective leader. Interestingly, some theories suggest that extraordinary situations can thrust an ordinary individual into the spotlight, bestowing upon them the mantle of leadership. It's also believed that leadership isn't a static trait but an evolving journey. It underscores the belief that with dedication and the right resources, anyone can hone their leadership abilities.

 True leadership goes beyond merely advocating for a cause. It involves taking responsibility, igniting motivation in others, and differentiating oneself from just being a 'boss'. A leader's essence lies in their ability to inspire and propel people towards grand visions, whereas a manager typically focuses on oversight and operational aspects.

What Is a Leadership Essay?

A leadership essay falls under the category of student application essays and serves to provide student admissions officers with insight into your past leadership experiences. Despite appearing to be very specific, this type of essay acknowledges that the nature and perception of leadership can vary significantly depending on the individual and the context.

 If you find yourself in need of further insights or a unique angle for your leadership essay, consider exploring an expert essay-writing tool designed to assist students in crafting compelling narratives by analyzing vast data and generating fresh ideas within minutes. In this article, we'll also delve into various leadership essay examples to offer a clearer understanding of the genre and inspire your writing journey.

4 Examples of Leadership Essays

Qualities of a good leader, introduction.

Confidence is the most important attribute first of all. One of the most important qualities in a leader is confidence in one's own abilities. A lack of self-assurance is fatal to a person's leadership potential. If you want others to follow you, you need to exude self-assurance. It's imperative for a leader to have faith in his own judgment and actions. How can people want to follow him if he doesn't even know what he's doing?

Every effective leader knows that they need to be an inspiration to their followers. A leader needs to set an example for his team. In addition, he ought to inspire them whenever feasible. A leader must also maintain optimism in trying times.

What qualities a good leader must have?

Leadership is the ability to influence and guide individuals or groups toward a common goal. A leader must possess several qualities to be effective, including:

Communication skills: A leader must be able to communicate their vision and goals clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing. This requires excellent listening skills, empathy, and the ability to adapt to different communication styles.

Emotional intelligence: A leader must be able to understand and manage their own emotions, as well as those of their team members. This includes being able to understand and respond to the emotions of others, and handling conflicts in a constructive manner.

Visionary: A leader must have a clear and inspiring vision of the future, and be able to articulate this vision in a way that motivates others to work towards it.

Strategic thinking: A leader must be able to think critically and creatively to identify and solve problems, make decisions, and develop plans and strategies to achieve their goals.

Flexibility: A leader must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and be open to new ideas and perspectives. This requires the ability to embrace change, be innovative, and continuously learn and grow.

Integrity: A leader must have strong ethics and values, and be willing to make difficult decisions that are consistent with their beliefs. This requires honesty, transparency, and accountability.

Decisiveness: A leader must be able to make tough decisions quickly, without undue hesitation or procrastination. This requires courage and the ability to take calculated risks.

Empowerment: A leader must be able to delegate responsibilities, give team members the resources they need to succeed, and foster a sense of ownership and accountability among their team.

Conclusion 

These qualities are essential for effective leadership, and when combined with hard work, determination, and a commitment to excellence, can help leaders to achieve great things.

How one can be a Great Leader?

Leadership is the act of performing the duties of a leader. In the business world, for instance, it is essential to have someone in charge of a team to ensure everything runs well. Effective leadership is essential for any group that wants to maximize its prospects of success.

Leadership Comes from Experience

As we've shown, leadership can be innate in some cases but is more often learned through practice and exposure. Sometimes the best traits of a leader must be learned over a lengthy period of time, so that one can become a notable one, proving that leadership is not always about a person's innate qualities. Leaders should continuously be on the lookout for opportunities to grow their leadership skills.

Nobody can disagree that experience is a key component of leadership. Numerous examples exist to back up this claim, such as:

Instance 1:

Our school's head boy or girl has traditionally been an older student who has been around for a while and thus has a better grasp of the ins and outs of school politics.

Instance 2:

When there is a vacancy for a team leader, it is common practice for the employee who has consistently put in the most effort and attention to the office job to receive a higher number of votes than their coworkers. 

“The best teacher for a leader is evaluated experience.” - John C. Maxwell

How one can be a Great Leader/Skills to be a Great Leader?

Effective leadership is a skill that develops through time. Developing into a leader with all the qualities that are needed takes a lot of hard work and potential. Being a prominent leader calls for a wide variety of traits. Some of these characteristics are addressed in further detail below:

One should be a Good Communicator

To be an effective leader, one must be able to convey his thoughts clearly to his/her/its subordinates.

Should have Confidence

The individual should have faith in what he says and does.

Give Credit to other Team Members too

A leader not only needs to impose his viewpoints and opinions instead he must also hear to the suggestions of other members of the team and offer them credit if their concept is appropriate.

Good Bond with the Team

A leader's ability to command respect from his team members depends on his ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with them.

Leads with Responsibility

A leader needs to be completely committed to his position. It's important that he takes on responsibility so that he can effectively deal with the various challenges he will inevitably face.

Any group or organization needs a leader above all else. Leadership development takes time and effort. One needs to have lived through a lot to be an effective leader. It's not enough to simply have years of experience in the field; one must also have the traits that make one an effective leader. You can't be a great leader unless you possess certain traits.

What makes a Good Leader?

Trying one's hand as a leader appears easy when viewed through this lens. Is that so tough? Of course not; leading is difficult, and not everyone aspires to be a leader. The vast majority of us have settled into well-established careers where we report to superiors and make a living. Still, not everyone is content to go along with the crowd. They become leaders in whatever field they pursue. A leader is an example to followers and will prioritize the needs of those around them.

Some Unique Qualities of a Leader

Many individuals resort to their leaders to vent their frustrations, therefore it's important for them to be good listeners.

A leader ought to be completely forthright; they can't play favorites or give anyone preferential treatment. One of the most essential qualities of a strong leader is the ability to make decisions with integrity.

They need to be aware of the bigger picture and understand what makes an individual stand out or become a leader. It's their expertise in addition to other distinguishing traits. Their awareness of current events and the results of recent studies is essential. In many ways, this is helpful, and it's the leader's responsibility to stay current.

Since some might not understand them, they should utilize straightforward, easily comprehended language. Leaders need to be able to communicate effectively at all times. In reality, what sets them apart is their exceptional communication skills. Adolf Hitler was such a gifted orator that his followers believed every word he said.

No matter how you're feeling or what's going on in the world, if you listen to a leader, they may make you feel energized. Since leaders are in charge of inspiring confidence in their followers, they can't afford to be wary or unsure of themselves. People tend to blindly follow their leaders.

Whether you're a leader or a doctor, you should devote yourself completely to your chosen field. Everything we do is for the benefit of others; engineers, for example, spend much of their time designing and constructing buildings for other people. So, take pride in what you do, and if you possess the aforementioned traits, you are also a leader who doesn't have to rely on others to succeed. No matter what you do, aspiring to leadership positions will always benefit others.

What is Leadership in Management and what are the weaknesses and strengths of a Leader?

Simply said, leadership is acting as a supervisor or manager of a group. Different mental pictures pop up when we hear the word "leadership" used in conversation. One might think of a political leader, team leader, corporate leader, school leader, etc. Leaders facilitate order and efficiency in the workplace. Teamwork and success are fundamental to effective leadership. Leaders utilize their managerial abilities to establish courses and guide their teams to success.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Leadership

Able to express oneself more clearly

Growth of character.

Self-awareness.

Possession of teamwork skills.

Gain assurance in yourself.

Weaknesses:

Acting favorably toward one's teammates.

Having no faith in the leader.

Thinks they're better than everyone else, but act hypocritically.

Not living up to the promised standard.

Insufficient morals.

Leadership and Management

Management and leadership are inextricably linked to one another. Leadership and management are both vital to the efficient operation of an organization; but, they accomplish very different things in the process. Leadership is a necessary skill for anyone aspiring to be an effective manager. The terms management and leadership are synonymous with one another. In this manner, we are able to draw the conclusion that a manager who demonstrates the traits of a successful leader is, in fact, a manager who is effective.

Leadership in School

Leadership is essential in nearly every group, as we've seen above. That group includes one's educational institution. Every school needs an outstanding figure to serve as its head of school. Class monitor, assembly captain, cultural leader, etc. are all examples of leadership roles that can be taken on at school, but this raises the question of what makes a person a successful school leader.

Any student hoping to be chosen as a student body leader will need to demonstrate a wide range of competencies. He or she needs to be a consistent student who pays attention in class and does well in extracurricular activities. For the simple reason that no intelligent and hardworking kid would ever be considered for leadership. Student leaders are most often selected from among those who participate fully in all activities.

Leadership in Organization

Leadership in an organization, also known as organizational leadership, is the process of establishing long-term objectives that further the company's mission and help it reach its ultimate destination. This is a classic illustration of how Bill Gates often works with his team: they agree on a strategy, and Gates implements it. To the same extent, it is the responsibility of the leader in each given organization to determine what it is that the group is trying to accomplish.

Leadership in Politics

Leadership in politics, also known as political leadership, is the process of becoming actively involved in a political party in the role of a party leader. Knowledge of political processes, their outcomes, and the political agenda is central to the idea of political leadership.

An effective leader can be developed in anyone who has the determination and drives to do so. Both the strengths and the areas for improvement should be nurtured. Whether in the classroom, the workplace, or the political arena, leadership is always necessary. Therefore, one can exercise leadership anywhere they like inside their own organization.

What are the types of Leadership?

The ability to lead is a rare trait that not everyone possesses. The ability to do so is a gift, so count your blessings if you possess it. It's recommended that you hone it even more so that you can propel your career forward and serve as an example to people around you. However, it is crucial to grasp the various leadership styles before you go ahead and polish your skills.

Types of Leadership Styles

Democratic Leadership

In this style of management, subordinates are given a voice in decision-making. Although the subordinates' efforts are highlighted, the leader is ultimately held responsible for the group's actions. Many people find this type of leadership to be effective.

Transformational Leadership

Transformational leaders motivate and inspire others to adopt new behaviors and ways of thinking in order to improve their own performance and that of their teams and organizations. A transformational leader is someone who encourages their team to strive for greater things and works to boost morale and output.

Team Leadership

A good leader fully incorporates his team into the task at hand. Members of the team are motivated to reach their goals and advance in their careers thanks to the leadership of the group.

Strategic Leadership

It requires a chief executive who doesn't restrict himself to brainstorming sessions with his superiors. He contributes on every level of the team. He is well-liked for his ability to unite the need for fresh ideas with the necessity of grounding them in reality.

Autocratic Leadership

The leader in a command and control structure is the center of attention. The chief executive has absolute power in this setting. He decides things on his own, without polling his staff. He relays this information to his staff and stresses the importance of swift action. The buck stops with him, and he alone must answer for his actions. Not much room for negotiation exists. It's no secret that this method of leading has its detractors.

Visionary Leadership

This kind of leader appreciates the abilities and requirements of his team members. He describes his ideal outcome and the teamwork that will be necessary to attain it.

Coaching Leadership

Leaders who coach their teams do so regularly in an effort to raise output. He inspires his employees to do better and works to keep them motivated. This approach to leadership has been much praised.

Facilitative Leadership

With occasional guidance, a facilitative leader ensures that the process runs smoothly for his team. As a precaution in case his team is ineffective. If the team is highly effective, the leader will take a hands-off approach.

Cross-Cultural Leadership

The leadership of this type is necessary when interacting with people from various cultural backgrounds. Because of the wide variety of cultures represented in the workforce across the United States, many managers and executives hold cross-cultural positions.

Laissez-Faire Leadership

The members of the team are given responsibility in this style of management. They are free to choose how they spend their time at work, with minimal oversight from the boss. It's not a good way to lead, according to experts.

Transactional Leadership

An interactive approach is integral to this kind of leadership. When team members successfully implement their leader's ideas and choices, they are rewarded with immediate, material benefits.

Charismatic Leadership

In order to bring out the best in his followers, this kind of leader makes the effort to change their attitudes, values, and actions.

This article should dispel the notion that leadership qualities can't be further subdivided. It should also assist you in pinpointing your own personal brand of leadership so you can perfect it over time.

Final Words

In conclusion, leadership is a complex and multifaceted concept that involves various qualities and skills. Effective leaders possess traits such as integrity, vision, empathy, decisiveness, and the ability to inspire and motivate others. They are able to navigate challenges, make difficult decisions, and lead their team toward success. Leadership also involves continuous learning and self-improvement, as leaders must adapt to changing circumstances and remain relevant. Effective leadership can have a positive impact on both individuals and organizations, fostering growth and creating a culture of success.

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What Kind of Leader Do You Want to Be?

• Rebecca Newton

Deciding is the missing step to leading well.

• Rebecca Newton , Ph.D., is an organizational and social psychologist , Senior Visiting Fellow at the London School of Economics and Political Science, and teaches on executive education programs at Harvard. Newton is the CEO of  CoachAdviser , consulting to leaders globally (access her case studies here ). She is the author of Authentic Gravitas: Who Stands Out and Why .

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• How to Structure a Leadership Essay (Samples to Consider)

Leadership is a complex concept, but it’s essential for boosting your career. That’s why a leadership essay focuses on applying the theoretical models and concepts of successful management to real-life situations. 

If you don’t know where to start writing such a paper, please read on for professional tips!

What Is Leadership Essay?

A leadership essay is a paper that analyzes leadership concepts and their application to real-life situations that may involve everyday business management, crisis situations, and other scenarios. 

Every essay on leadership is about defining a concept. Then, it’s either comparing it to similar management tools or proving that it’s useful (or not).

While some students enjoy writing such papers, other learners hate them. The below samples will come in handy, no matter which group is yours.

What Does Leadership Mean to You? (Essay Sample)

It is one of the most popular topics for a leadership essay. If you need to write a paper like that, ask yourself:

• Who is a good leader?  
• What style do they use?  
• What are the situations when they might switch styles?

You may take a more personal approach to such an essay if your professor allows you to. In the example below, you will see the academic approach to this topic. It analyzes three leadership styles to discover which one corresponds to the meaning of leadership if one thinks of it as guidance and support.

Why I Want to Participate in a Leadership Program (Essay Sample)

It’s another example of a popular topic. Such papers often have a meaning beyond the classroom since they may decide whether you plan to participate in a specific program. It’s critical to make them as effective and compelling as possible.

A personalized approach is the best when it comes to essays like this. In the example below, you will see the paper that relies on individual beliefs and a personal life story to explain why it’s so important for the specific student to participate in the chosen program.

How to Write a Leadership Essay

Like every other essay, this paper has an introduction, several body paragraphs, and a conclusion summarizing your thoughts. (1) The most important part of the introduction is the final sentence,  aka  a thesis statement. That’s where you state your claim to prove or develop in your leadership essay.

Each body paragraph should correspond to the purpose of your essay. To ensure you don’t stray from the aim you’ve established in the thesis statement, write the topic sentences for all your paragraphs in the outline . In simple words, write the first sentence of every paragraph to define its development in advance and see if you cover everything you need.

And now, to the conclusion:

Its most essential element is thesis restatement or the first sentence of that paragraph. It’s not just paraphrasing your thesis; it’s also considering the new information you’ve discovered while writing the essay.

Structure :

• Introduction (End it with a thesis statement.)
• Body paragraphs (Each one starts with a topic sentence.)
• Conclusion (Start it with a thesis restatement.)

Understand the purpose of a leadership essay

When starting to write, think about why you’re creating this paper. Before you sit down and type the words, think about the ideas you want to convey and their meaning in your life:

Can this essay teach you to take responsibility? Or maybe will it help you understand how to be a leader in crisis situations? When you’ve answered the “why” question, begin outlining.

Build a strong thesis

Always start with your thesis statement. It will help incorporate your answer to that notorious “why” question into your essay. Once done, you can plan out the rest of the paper and start working on the body paragraphs as soon as you finish the introduction.

There’s another important tip —don’t rush into writing the conclusion before you finish everything else!

It might seem like a good idea to create a thesis statement and thesis restatement right off the bat. However, you’ll find yourself with more refreshing ideas after completing all the research and thinking necessary for the introduction and each body paragraph.

Decide on a structure; format accordingly

Even if your essay about leadership seems not so formal, and you can use personal pronouns, you still need a clear structure.

The best way to write any academic paper is to keep your introduction and conclusion as short as possible. (But no shorter than three sentences and four lines of text). 

Another important tip is to try making all your body paragraphs equal in length. That way, you’ll give the same attention to all the vital points of your essay.

Ready to Write Your Essay on Leadership Now?

Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the most critical elements of a leadership essay. 

Remember the structure, grammar, and appropriate academic style to create a top-level paper. Please don’t forget to answer the “why” question and remember  why  you’re writing. Then you’ll impress everyone with your results!

References:

• https://lsa.umich.edu/onsf/news-events/all-news/directors-blog/writing-leadership-essays.html
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Leadership Essay

27 August, 2020

12 minutes read

Author:  Richard Pircher

As a college student, you must write essays on a regular basis since the latter is one of the most common types of home assignments. All this means is that in order to get good grades and be successful with writing the papers, you need to have a sound understanding of the structure. Additionally, what you should never neglect is the variety of essay types. Indeed, your essay will significantly differ from one type to another: description essay will most likely have a structure that is slightly different from an argumentative one.

What you may have already encountered in your academic life is the work on a leadership essay. Although it sounds pretty complicated and vague, it is mostly possible to master an essay on leadership. Below is a guide for you to get an insight into this particular essay type.

What is a good leadership essay?

A good leadership essay is the one in which the essay writer has fully covered the topic of leadership and understood its core ideas. More specifically, to end up with a flawless leadership essay, you will need to indicate what makes a person a good leader. For achieving the latter, you will most likely need to conduct research and trace how a particular person reaches his or her goals. In other words, the task is to discover which actions the person undertakes, what their followers say about him or her, and how the person organizes the work. So, a leadership essay implies providing real-life success examples and further revealing them.

Above all, a good leadership essay is the one that follows a precise, clear, comprehensive structure. Structuring your essay about leadership in the most coherent way leads to a win-win situation: you have fewer troubles and barriers to writing a brilliant essay, and your teacher is able to comprehend the essay easily. This guide is what you will need to refer to to get an insight into how the flawless structure for a leadership essay looks like and how it will let you take a benefit.

How to write a Leadership essay?

To write a leadership essay that stands out, you first need to brainstorm all the ideas that you have and come up with a topic for your essay. If you are struggling with this step, you may think of some of the most influential people, read about them, and find out what makes them unique. Or, you can pick any topic which is mentioned at the end of this article. After you have chosen an issue, it is time to structure your essay appropriately.

As you already know, an essay constitutes three essential sections: introduction, main body, and conclusion. Below is the more detailed description of each of the parts.

Introduction

Of course, your leadership essay introduction will always vary depending on the topic of the essay. However, you can always begin by stating your vision of leadership regardless of the topic. Additionally, to motivate the reader and instantly catch his or her attention, you may use a quote of a famous leader, or simply a quote which you find relevant to the topic. Be aware that you should avoid outlining the essence and the role of the leadership in your introduction; leave it for the body paragraphs.

What you may also do in your leadership essay is ask a question, which will most likely intrigue the leader. Or it will at least give your reader an overview of what you will dwell on  in your essay.

Body Paragraphs

You will need to divide the main body into 3-5 paragraphs to make the structure more comprehensive. What you have to do at this point  is  give your reader a sound understanding of your ideas. Therefore, try to fit each idea in a single body paragraph so that you do not confuse your reader. Do not hesitate to indicate your examples to strengthen your arguments. For instance, you may explain a fact that makes a particular person you are writing about a real leader.

Also, always stick to your thesis statement and don’t forget that the body paragraphs should reveal the parts of your thesis statement.

As you may already know, you need to restate your opinion and briefly summarize all the points from the main body in conclusion. For instance, if you wrote your essay on qualities of an effective leader, state the most fundamental qualities and indicate why they matter the most. Besides, try not to copy what you have already written in the body – it is better to restate your opinion using different words. And, of course, beware adding any new and extra information; indicate only those points that you have already outlined in the text. Finally, keep in mind that it is always favorable to keep your concluding remarks short.

Leadership Essay Examples

Writing a leadership essay requires some research and time. In case you feel the necessity to go through an essay example, below is a leadership essay sample you can refer to.

Is leadership an inborn or an acquired feature?

Is everyone capable of becoming a leader, or is this ability innate? A lot of researchers have been struggling to answer this question. One assumption about leadership implies that the leader is the person who possesses particular characteristics. Another assumption claims that leaders are capable of acquiring specific features over their life span. As the evidence shows, leaders own many features that distinguish them among others and make more and more people become their followers. These might be cognitive abilities, psychological traits, professional qualities, and a lot more, and all of them will be either acquired or innate. Based on the importance of leadership qualities, such as commitment, stress resistance, and the ability to make quality decisions, it is reasonable to claim that leaders are made, not born. 

One can deem commitment as one of the top fundamental qualities of the leader. In essence, such a feature indicates that a person is passionate about the common goal, strives to be a team player, and makes every effort to reach a shared goal. As the history shows, none of the successful companies was uncoordinated by an influential, committed leader: Apple, Amazon, Microsoft – all of these companies are examples of dominant teams led by a dedicated leader. A committed leader also inspires his or her team to achieve common goals and put more effort into the shared activity. Besides, commitment is unlikely to be an innate feature; it instead comes with experience. This is so, since commitment implies dedicating oneself to the shared task, and one can reach it only via learning and continuous self-improvement.

Stress resistance is another incredibly important feature that every good leader should possess. This is because only a stress-resistant leader has sufficient capabilities to overcome any complexity and not let the anxiety and stress prevent him or her from making proper decisions. Besides, such a leader will most likely have a positive influence on the team, as long as leading by example will motivate the team members to attain the same emotional stability. What is so far familiar about stress resistance as an effective leader’s feature is that it can be either innate or attained. However, although some researchers admit that emotional stability is something one is born with, it is not entirely true; many people still put a great effort into self-improvement, changing the attitude to unfortunate situations, and so on. Therefore, being resistant to stress can be mostly attributed to a personality.

An ability to make high-quality decisions most likely determines the chances for an enterprise’s success. In particular, such quality is incredibly fundamental for a company of any size and professional orientation. Additionally, it is one of the top tasks of a good leader to make final decisions. What he or she should do implies brainstorming, discussing various opinions in the group, making forecasts, analyzing all the pros and cons. However, the leader is the one to make a final decision. Thereby, he is in charge of researching the market, discovering all the hidden truths, and analyzing the organization’s potential and capabilities to result in the most effective decision. As it flows logically from the latter, an ability to make sound quality decisions is purely a professional quality. This leads to the conclusion that one has to work hard to become a genuine leader and master the skill of making effective decisions. 

Overall, the leader may possess a multitude of different skills and master them perfectly. However, what has so far become transparent is that any leader, regardless of which team he leads, must possess three essential qualities. These qualities are commitment to the common goal, ability to handle and resist stress, and, finally, an ability to make effective decisions. All of the three qualities are most likely to be acquired over a lifetime. The statement below leads to the conclusion that even though some qualities can be innate, most are not the ones that leaders are born with. Hence, this answers an essential question: leadership feature is acquired, and not necessarily inborn.  

20 leadership essay topics

When coming up with your next leadership essay topic, it is imperative to brainstorm ideas and think of what leadership might be related to. If you are struggling with a topic of the importance of leadership essay or any relevant type of essay, you may quickly take a look at some of the possible topics we prepared for you:

• What are the main qualities of the leader?
• Successful Time Management as a feature of an effective leader
• The role that rhetoric plays in leadership
• The most exceptional leader in the history of the 20-th century
• The role of female leadership
• What are the challenges of the leader of the 21-st century?
• How college helps students develop leadership skills?
• Qualities of the leader that motivate people to follow them 
• Top things to avoid doing to become a team leader
• Examples of effective and ineffective leadership in the history
• Top techniques for developing leadership skills
• The interconnection of creativity and leadership 
• Is a university’s role fundamental in developing leadership skills?
• Dictatorship as an anti-example of leadership
• Liberal vs Authoritative leadership: which one works better?
• The influence of the leader’s role model on the followers’ mindset
• Main difficulties that the new leader may face in a new team
• Leadership of today vs leadership of the past: what has changed?
• Reasons why I want to become a member if the leadership program
• The role of cognitive abilities for the leader 

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What Type Of Leader Am I? (Essay Sample)

Table of Contents

Introduction

We all have a great leader that we look up to, whether it’s because we’re inspired by their life or admire their body of work. What kind of leader are you?

Each of us has a specific skill set that makes us a certain kind of leader. The question is whether or not we leverage them to be the best leader for others.

This custom essay tackles what being a leader means, and the qualities of great leadership. This is just a sample, but if you’re interested in an article like this, contact EssayBasics for your essay writing needs.

What Kind Of Leader Am I Essay

Each of us is a unique individual. As such, we have one-of-a-kind traits that distinguish us from another person. Our DNA also dictates our leadership style.

A leadership style is a manner in which a person utilizes power to lead other individuals. There are different leadership styles depending on the situation, the followers, and the function of the leader.

My Leadership Style

In my dealings with my family, peers, and other acquaintances, I gradually got to know the real me through different situations. These events made me understand the kind of leader that I am. I have realized that I am an amalgamation of different leadership styles. Here are a few that I discovered early on.

Cross-Cultural Leader

I consider myself a cross-cultural leader. There was an instance when I was made a group leader in our youth group at church. There were various ethnic representations in our committee. Although we shared the same beliefs that were grounded on biblical truths, there was this feeling of discomfort as most of my team members were new. Our well-intentioned Youth Coordinator mixed us together in an effort to promote diverse insights.

At the time, I didn’t agree with the decision for me to be the team leader. We were tasked to serve as the main committee for a Youth Conference. While I didn’t have a positive perspective on leadership then, I knew that I had to put in the hard work.

In order to lead my team well, I had to make the effort to understand the different cultures that were represented in the group – Mexican, Filipino, Chinese, Black American, and Caucasian. I realized that my being white could cause my team members to feel intimidated. Crossing cultures through relationships became one of my key tasks then as a leader.

Democratic Leader

I am fond of watching documentaries about leaders from different nations. I enjoy learning how nations rise and fall because of leadership. As an American, I am proud of the principles of democracy that this nation has upheld through the centuries.

I believe I am more of a democratic leader. In a high school organization where I used to be a president, I practiced delegation. I did not monopolize conversations. When there was an activity that had to be sponsored by our organization, I listened to the contributions of all the members, whether or not I agreed with their opinions.

In the world of democracy, both pros and the cons must be heard. There is a balance between both sides. If all members are on the same side, then it would not be healthy as it is possible that that side might be erroneous. It also prevents people from hearing different perspectives that could enrich each other.

When I preside, I always recognize both sides of the argument. Thus, I alternate speakers to give people from opposing views a chance to defend their perspectives and arguments.

Finally, in delegating tasks, I see to it that everything is fairly distributed to all members of the team whether or not they belonged to or supported my party.

With my different leadership skills, I was able to utilize different leadership styles based on what the situation called for. However, if you ask me what my predominant style is, I would have to say that democratic leadership is my strongest suit. I love it when people from different sides have a seat at the table. I am happy when fairness and equality are practiced.

At the end of the day, after some self-reflection, I’ve come to the realization that good leadership in any style is all about promoting a shared vision for the team. It is all about making decisions based not on one’s preference, but on keeping the greater good in mind.

For us to truly be effective leaders, we need to have a high level of self-awareness. We need to know our strengths and our blind spots so that we can lead ourselves well first. It is only then that we can support our team in aligning their goals with the big picture. Ask yourselves the ultimate question today: “How is my leadership?”

What Will I Do To Become A Good Leader (Short Essay Example)

Is being a good leader about possessing the charm to persuade all people to do what you want? Or is it about thoughtful decision-making with the greater good in mind?

I believe it’s the latter. I’m a believer in servant leadership, where the structure is not a top-down hierarchy and the one in charge is the sole representative at the top. In this scenario, the structure is actually the reverse, where the one leading exists to serve his team. His purpose is to rally them to a bigger purpose and determine how each individual can fit into that picture.

Being a leader is not a job, it’s a calling. Everyone has the potential to lead, but not everyone is willing to do so. This is because people know the cost of being a front-liner. As the person leading, you are the one who gets the first hit from competition or opposition.

It takes great emotional intelligence to lead because we cannot let our feelings get in the way of our decision-making. Despite our feelings, our priority is the welfare of people and the preservation of the shared vision.

What Makes a Leader?

Effective leaders have top-notch communication skills. They know how to relay a message in a way that is relevant for the ones listening. They also build team spirit. They don’t believe in isolation because to them, success is a community effort. They also make the effort to mentor and coach group members in order to upskill them and shape them into values-centric contributors. They are of the key issues inside and outside the aware of key issues inside and outside the company that needs troubleshooting, and they don’t waste time dealing with them. Their goal is not to control, but to empower.

What Are The 3 Most Important Characteristics of a Leader Essay?

In writing an essay on leadership style and skills, it is important to first start by reflecting on your favorite mentors and coaches. There is no universal skill set that represents one correct answer, so your response to this will be more personal. Draw from your experiences. Think of how your mentors and coaches invested in you. If you’ve experienced bad examples of leadership in your life, think about what these people could have done differently. Also, think of your future self. If you were to take charge of people ten years from now, what version of yourself do you want them to benefit from? Approaching the essay from different angles will give your readers plenty to think about. You also want to add a call to action or reflection at the end by bringing the question back to them.

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3 Common Leadership Styles & How to Identify Yours

• 22 Oct 2019

Leadership is an indispensable skill that can drive career advancement. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers , leadership is one of the top attributes sought by hiring managers on a job seeker’s resume.

Effective leadership can lead to organizational success, too. A recent report by global consulting firm DDI found that companies committed to developing employees with high leadership potential are four times more likely to financially outperform those that don’t.

To take charge of your professional development and boost performance at your organization, it’s vital to establish a personal leadership style that informs how you handle demanding situations and motivate colleagues.

Before diving into some of the ways you can identify and develop your leadership approach , it’s important to understand what the term “leadership style” means.

What Is a Leadership Style?

A leadership style entails the patterns of behavior that are consistent across how you make decisions, interact with others, and use your time. It’s also characterized by how your colleagues would describe their working relationship with you.

In the online course Leadership Principles , Harvard Business School Professors Anthony Mayo and Joshua Margolis explain that your leadership style can be examined through three frameworks:

• Imprint: The way you’re experienced by those you work with and lead
• Functions: The practices you employ to mobilize colleagues and get things done
• Motivations: The desire, stimulus, or incentive that drives you to take a certain course of action

Using these frameworks, you can hone your personal style and become more effective in your role. But first, here’s a look at three common leadership styles that can inform how you determine the approach that works best for you.

3 Common Leadership Styles

Leadership imprint, one of the key tenets of leadership style, can be mapped along seven dimensions and consolidated into three primary groups. Those groups are:

1. Approachability

Approachability is comprised of authenticity and warmth—attributes that help you forge deeper connections with teammates. Being an approachable leader means conveying openness and showing empathy in your interactions.

This leadership style requires a high degree of emotional intelligence , or the ability to understand and manage your emotions, as well as those of others. According to EQ provider TalentSmart, emotional intelligence is the highest predictor of workplace performance , underscoring how important it is for you to hone this highly valued skill.

2. Credibility

Credibility encompasses competence, humility, and resolve. This leadership style imparts knowledge and authority. A credible leader can set a plan and guide others in the right direction.

This leadership style involves a great deal of trust between you and your employees, and requires strong decision-making skills, even when faced with difficult choices . Sharpening your ability to make tough calls can not only enable you to become a more effective leader , but help your team build resilience.

3. Aspiration

Aspiration is a combination of two leadership imprints: Elevation and faith. Elevation refers to the ability to set high expectations others feel motivated to pursue, while faith is the capacity to create a sense of belief and confidence in what can be achieved.

An aspirational leader brings out the best in both themselves and others. Through empowering employees and nurturing their growth, you can cultivate a high-performing team that’s driven to achieve organizational goals.

Related: 6 Characteristics of an Effective Leader

How to Identify Your Leadership Style

Understanding common leadership styles and the imprints they’re comprised of is just one part of developing your personal approach. Here are three ways you can expand on that knowledge and identify your own.

1. Build Self-Awareness

Being an effective leader starts with knowing yourself. Through honest reflection and self-assessment—using tools like the Myers-Briggs test or similar resources—you can gain a deeper understanding of your strengths and weaknesses and build greater self-awareness .

Research shows that leaders with high degrees of self-awareness are more effective in their roles, have better work relationships, and report lower levels of stress.

Look to your colleagues for feedback. Be open to their perspectives on your leadership tendencies so you can identify areas for improvement and growth.

2. Consider Your Core Functions as a Leader

Examining your leadership functions is the second of the three frameworks for developing your personal style. In Leadership Principles , two sets of practices are explored:

• Structure and direction: The behaviors you employ to mobilize others and clearly communicate tasks that need to be done
• Support and development: The behaviors you exhibit to rally others and provide instructional guidance

It’s important to use self-assessment to determine where you tend to fall on the spectrum between these two sets of practices. This knowledge can enable you to adapt your leadership approach to different business challenges, and figure out which function you should bolster to be more effective in your role.

3. Understand Your Motivations

Motivating your team members and equipping them with the resources to succeed is one of your key functions as a leader. But it’s important to also understand what inspires you to do your best work.

In examining your motivations as a leader, consider what external rewards stimulate you, such as salary and perks. Take stock of intangible forms of motivation as well, such as a sense of belonging at your organization or the opportunity to work on new and exciting projects.

With an innate sense of what drives you to perform at your best, you can, in turn, unleash that potential in others, enabling them to develop and deliver in the face of organizational challenges.

Related: 4 Tips for Developing Your Personal Leadership Style

Developing Your Leadership Style

Identifying and refining your personal leadership style is a process. By understanding common approaches to leadership, practicing self-assessment, and garnering feedback from colleagues, you can heighten your self-awareness and build a foundation upon which you can continue to learn and grow.

Do you want to enhance your leadership skills? Download our free leadership e-book and explore our online course Leadership Principles to discover how you can become a more effective leader and unleash the potential in yourself and others.

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A Full Guide On How To Create Good Leadership Essay

Attempting a leadership essay isn’t such a daunting task, provided you have a grasp of the necessary information needed for a leadership paper. To write this special essay, you’ll need to redefine what exactly an essay on leadership is, how to choose the perfect topic, what should be in the content, and how to organize and structure the paper. Let’s delve deeper!

What Is A Leadership Essay?

A leadership essay is a well-formatted, organized and specialized type of formal writing which elaborates on a generic leadership topic or a superior human figure exercising a great influence on people and transmitting desire and optimism to achieve goals.

What Makes A Good Leader Essay?

There are some peculiarities needed to infuse in your write-up if, for example, you’re trying to learn how to write a leadership essay about yourself.

Also, if you’re just trying to produce leadership essays for college, then you’d first and foremost, learn  how to structure an essay , among other skills needed for this type of essay. Here are some qualities which can be found in a good essay about leadership.

• Choose a creative topic
• Avoid the passive voice (the active voice sounds stronger)
• Search for and study leadership essay examples
• Follow the appropriate essay style
• Focus on the essay structure
• Review the essay

How To Choose A Topic And Make A Great Title?

To choose a topic for a paper on leadership, you need to do some research on the concept of a leader (whether in the corporate industry, political society or even in the criminal world). You have to know the current leadership tendencies in organizational groups or society. You can choose to make a leader the point of your reference by explaining the consequences of their leadership abilities or inabilities.

In the body of your essay, don’t forget to mention several types of leadership styles and point out which one the subject portrays. Finally, you should not rule out making comparisons of famous leaders in the modern world or in history. An example of a great prompt for a leadership essay that deploys the comparison technique would be the leadership styles of President Trump and The Philippines’ Rodrigo Duterte as both leadership styles have been subjected to political reviews in recent times since their emergence as president of their respective countries.

Outline For A Leadership Essay

When writing a college or professional essay such as -long and short essays on leadership, planning is the key to perfection. The general outline for any essay, including leadership papers, include an introduction, the body paragraphs (which must be properly linked with transition words and/or phrases) and a recapitulating or finding-based conclusions. Here’s what your outline should look like:

Introduction

Knowing how to start a leadership essay depends on your introduction writing ability. The introduction is the gateway to the essay. Aided by punchy opening words, which are the hook, the purpose of the introduction is to draw the reader’s attention. The introduction presents the thesis statement and leaves the body paragraphs to sustain the reader’s interest.

Body Paragraphs

Having informed the readers of the topic of the essay in the introductory paragraph(s), the body paragraphs follow immediately.

Here, you can elaborate on the concept of leadership and do a meaningful interpretation of the subject – the topic or the thesis statement. Don’t forget to talk about your leadership philosophies and leadership experience in whatever capacity you might have found yourself in. Remember, people are more interested in personal experiences. They are great in helping to sustain readers’ attention.

Remember to state a thesis or hypothesis in the opening paragraphs – which is the intro. In each of the body paragraphs of the essay, try to relate your points to the thesis and use each point to prove its validity.

The conclusion is the end part of any well-structured essay. Its purpose is a no-brainer. You don’t want to leave your reader hanging by ending the essay cold turkey. Any standard essay without a conclusion is just as useless as an essay with no purpose. However, be careful not to present new ideas not mentioned in the body.

As mentioned, the conclusion serves to summarize the developed points, restate the thesis and/or present the findings. It is your last opportunity to create an impression on the reader, and this is where they take the message away. If your conclusion is weak, then we might say the essay’s objectives are not achieved.

What To Include In A Leadership Essay?

Here are some tips on what your leadership essay should include.

Your Definition Of A Good Leader And Why He Or She Is Important

Since your essay revolves around leadership and the traits of a good leader, you’ll need to define what it takes to be one. You may also take this opportunity to trash some common myths on what a leader is (i.e., a manager being confused for a leader).

For reference purposes, the concepts of leadership and being a good leader are explained:

Leadership is the quality of a leader and is that person capable of exercising a great influence on people and transmitting desire and optimism to achieve goals. A leader is a guide; someone with ideas and goals that can spread to a large group of people who still believe he or she can lead them in the right direction.

There are many types of leaders and therefore, of leadership since people generally always look for a person or group that shows them a direction to follow. You can find religious, political, social, or philosophical leadership. Leadership can be exercised in a traditional way. In many countries, there is a monarchy. The king or queen is a leader with limited political power, at least in western democracies, but still have the respect and consideration of the people. Their words continue to be heard and taken into account, especially in problematic times. There are other types of leadership that are not given by birth, such as legitimate leadership exercised by, for example, political leaders freely chosen by their people, or charismatic leaders.

In a way, charismatic leaders are what many understand as leaders since they are people who, by their way of behavior and characteristics, get many people to follow and adhere to their ideas. Some charismatic leaders can become legitimate leaders if they choose the path of politics. A traditional leader can also be charismatic. There have always been kings loved by his people more than others. But it can also be a person who prefers independent movements outside of power.

Charisma is the personal magnetism a person has. It is something very difficult to define but makes one capable of convincing others without too much effort, making people follow and trust the leading figure. Charisma can be used positively or negatively. The leaders of the most destructive sects are very charismatic people that are capable of convincing their followers of the eeriest ideas, including donating all their belongings or committing collective suicide.

Examples Of Your Leadership Style

In the content of your essay, you may consider giving an interpretation to your (or your chosen leader’s) leadership traits. Below are some examples of leadership qualities that separate a good leader from a bad leader.

What qualities are necessary for leadership

• Communication
• Emotional intelligence
• Strategic thinking
• Commitment and passion
• Knowledge and experience
• Leading by example
• Active listening
• Ability to enhance talent
• Setting goals and expectations
• People investment
• Discernment
• Concentration
• Positive attitude
• Problem-solving
• Self-discipline

Leadership Essay Example

To know how to do essay fast, you’ll need some ready-made essay examples for the sake of guidance and inspiration. You may find below a leadership essay written by Oliver Smith useful in your leadership paper.

Writing a leadership essay should be easy. A good essay on leadership starts from the hook, and the thesis statement in the introduction. The points developed in the body paragraphs help affirm the hypothesis. Finally, the conclusion offers the reader a summary through the restatement of the essay’s main idea.

As required for every essay type, your essay on leadership has to follow a definite style and format. Examples are MLA, APA, Chicago and AP styles. Take your time in choosing a creative but new topic and also in writing the content. By following this guide, everything should be as perfect as possible.

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Leadership has been around since tribes first emerged in primitive societies. Someone had to be the leader—likely the most assertive member of the tribe—but these early ancestors never read books on participative management. 

When Peter Drucker spoke on leadership, he often referenced the structure of the Prussian army and its highly directive, top down leadership style. Peter learned and taught from examples in history.  

Modern Times

The contemporary discussion of leadership began in 1994 with the publication of  On Becoming a Leader , a popular book written by Warren Bennis. At the time, Bennis was a highly respected professor at MIT’s Sloan School of Management. The book was well written and very accessible.

Bennis drew the distinction between being a manager and a leader. And he argued that leadership could be learned.

A Breadth of Styles

In my consulting work and writing, I have encountered a wide range of leadership styles, especially with leaders trying to bring about change in their organizations.

On one extreme is the top-down, highly directive leader: Someone who tells people what to do, while not being a good listener. This style has a hard edge. At the other extreme is the is the highly participative leader: Someone who actively seeks advice and gives others a voice as to what should happen. It’s a softer, more engaging style.

A Matter of Taste

What I learned from observing these extremes—and the many variations in between—is almost any leadership style will work under the right conditions. (What I mean by “work” is that the leader might accomplish something.) The leadership styles I like are a matter of taste. They produce a positive response to the question: Would I work for this person?

Leadership Discussions Are Ubiquitous

My personal interest in leadership was rekindled when I was asked to give a talk on the subject to an audience concerned with the development and growth of secondary school students. Leadership development has entered the curriculum of many schools, at all levels, and in many forms.

Defining Leadership

I knew I had to begin my talk by defining leadership—at least delivering a definition I liked. So I went to my “bible”—a book that came from discussions started at “Leadership: Advancing an Intellectual Discipline,” a symposium at the Harvard Business School in 2008. The book, Handbook of Leadership Theory and Practice , is 800 pages. It’s a serious treatise.  

I had the privilege of attending that symposium. All the big management thinkers were there. (I was invited as a “practitioner,” not a “thinker.”) The symposium was stimulating, but every thinker and author had his or her own definition of leadership.  

The definition I liked best described a leader “as able to fulfill vital functions that help meet their followers’ needs for meaning, social order, group identity, and goal accomplishments.” Read this twice and think about it. There are more than words here.  

Why This Works

This leadership style works for several reasons:

• A leader’s job is to get people to work together collaboratively, a point made by several of the “thinkers.”
• It debunks the “great man” or “great woman” leadership theory—that is, all great things happen because of a single mythical figure who heads an enterprise. There is no such thing as a totally “self-made” man or woman who is solely accountable for the success of an enterprise. Many others will have contributed.
• An enterprise needs more inspired followers than leaders to do good. It’s as important to focus on the values and behaviors of your followers as it is to focus on your own leadership style.  

Your Choice

In the end, your leadership style will be your choice. You may have inherited certain behavioral characteristics that suggest you might be a good leader—maybe someone once told you that “you are a born leader.” But being “born a leader” is just where real leadership development starts. There is lots to learn, so how do you do it?  

Can Leadership Be Taught or Learned?

There are plenty of books that try to teach how to become a leader. I just counted 20 of them on my own book shelves. If you want to read a book, just read one of Bennis’s books or Drucker’s collection on Becoming an Effective Executive . These books are filled with good ideas and advice.  

There are also plenty of courses—in and outside schools—trying to teach leadership skills.  

The Importance of Experience

Although there is a lot of wisdom and value in books and courses, I am a believer that leadership is better learned than taught. There is nothing more valuable than real experiences in working with people to learn effective leadership and develop your own leadership style. Does your style work? Do you like who you are as a leader?  

The unfortunate aspect of developing leadership skills is the best learning experiences are those that often present hard choices in difficult times.  

As I look back on my own experiences, here’s where opportunity for leadership development showed up.  

• A serious business challenge: All enterprises eventually get into trouble. My companies did from time to time. It takes more than the person at the top to fix the problem. Learning to engage people to turn the crisis around is critical.
• A dysfunctional team: Teams don’t always self-correct their behaviors. I’ve experienced a lot of this. Learning to lead from the side is required.
• A valuable but problematic associate: Sometimes key people act up. Handing these occurrences requires careful attention. If a key person’s behavior violates the enterprise’s values, a leader might have to make the hard call to let the person go. These decisions were always clear to me, but still painful. I knew what was right and that my credibility as a leader would be diminished if I did not act.  

You can do exercises that simulate such conditions and learn from them, but there is nothing like the real thing.  

Leadership Development Never Ends  

Your leadership style is your choice. Where it takes you isn’t. So be aware of where you are heading.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Leader — What Type of a Leader Do You Want to Be

What Type of a Leader Do You Want to Be

• Categories: Leader Leadership

About this sample

Words: 837 |

Updated: 12 December, 2023

Words: 837 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Works Cited

• Casper, D. M. (1997). The world of Toy Story: Secrets and strategies. Prima Lifestyles.
• Harris, M. (1996). A buzz in the toy box: The story behind Pixar animation studios. Hyperion.
• Price, D. (2008). The Pixar touch. Alfred A. Knopf.
• Kehr, D. (1999). When toys come alive. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1999/11/21/movies/film-when-toys-come-alive.html
• King, S. (1996). The movie business, the end of the world, and other assorte d subjects. G. P. Putnam’s Sons.
• Gabler, N. (2006). Walt Disney: The triumph of the American imagination. Vintage.
• Ebert, R. (1995). Toy Story. Chicago Sun-Times. https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/toy-story-1995
• Canemaker, J. (2005). Walt Disney's Nine Old Men and the Art of Animation. Disney Editions.
• Chaney, J. (2018). Making of Toy Story: How Pixar's Toy Story Was Born. Ballantine Books.
• Perkowitz, S. (2017). Hollywood science: movies, science, and the end of the world. Columbia University Press.

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What Type of Leader Are You? (Most Common Leadership Styles)

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In any organization or team, there must be a leader. But what type of leader are you ? And even more importantly, what is the most effective leadership style for your specific situation? This blog post will explore the ten most common leadership styles and how they can be effectively used in different cases.

So let’s get started!

What is meant by a leadership style?

A leader’s style is evident in the way they go about their work. For example, do they micromanage or give their team the space to breathe? Are they decisive, or do they take a more collaborative approach? Their personality often dictates a leader’s style, but the situation can also influence it.

For example, a leader who is usually very hands-off may need to be more involved when dealing with a crisis. Likewise, a leader typically very task-oriented may need to become more people-focused when dealing with a demoralized team.

The 10 most common leadership styles

Broadly speaking, leadership styles can be classified into ten common types. Of course, there are many more specific sub-types within each category, but we’ll focus on the main ones here. The ten most common leadership styles are:

• Laissez-faire
• Participative
• Transactional
• Transformational
• Charismatic
• Bureaucratic
• Situational

Each leadership style has its strengths and weaknesses, and each is better suited for certain situations than others. So let’s take a closer look at each one.

1 . Autocratic Leadership Style

An autocratic leader has complete authority and power over others. Autocratic leaders tend typically make decisions based solely on their own ideas and do not take input from their team or seek input from others. While this type of leadership can have some benefits, such as allowing for quick decision-making, it also has some drawbacks that should be considered.

One such drawback is that it discourages group input and creativity from subordinates. Additionally, autocratic leadership can hurt morale and lead to irritation among team members. Consequently, it is essential to carefully weigh the pros and cons of autocratic leadership before deciding if it is the right style for a given situation.

Related: Autocratic Leadership

2 . Laissez-Faire Leadership Style

A laissez-faire leader takes a hands-off approach and allows their team to direct themselves. These leaders provide little to no guidance or direction and let their team do whatever they think is best.

While this type of leadership can have some benefits, such as fostering creativity and innovation, it also has some drawbacks that should be considered.

The drawback is that it can lead to chaos and confusion among each team member. Additionally, laissez-faire leadership can hurt morale and lead to frustration among team members.

Related: Laissez-Faire Leadership

3 . Participative Leadership Style

A participative leader encourages group input and discussion before making decisions. These leaders typically solicit feedback from their team and take everyone’s ideas into account before concluding.

While this type of leadership can have some benefits, such as fostering a sense of ownership among team members, it also has some drawbacks that should be considered. One such drawback is that it can lead to decision-making gridlock if team members cannot reach a consensus. Additionally, participative leadership can be time-consuming and may not be suitable for every situation.

4 . Transactional Leadership Style

Do you see yourself as a leader mainly focused on exchanging goods or services for something of value? If so, you may have a transactional leadership style. Transactional leaders typically focus on maintaining the status quo and ensuring that their team meets deadlines and achieves specific goals. In addition, this type of leader often uses rewards and punishments to motivate their team.

If you’re a transactional leader, you may be interested in learning more about how to motivate your team without using rewards or punishments. You can also learn more about creating a vision for your team and inspiring them to achieve greatness.

Related: Examples of Transactional Leaders

5 . Transformational Leadership Style

A transformational leadership style inspires employees to strive beyond what is required to achieve a shared vision. This type of leader is focused on the future and motivating others to achieve common goals. In contrast, a transactional leader is more concerned with the present and focuses on the extrinsic motivation for the performance of specific job tasks.

While both styles have their benefits, a transformational leader is often more effective in the long term. Transformational leaders can create a shared vision that employees can buy into, inspiring them to work harder and be more dedicated to the organization.

In addition, this leadership style often results in more innovative thinking and creativity, as employees feel empowered to think outside the box. While a transactional leader may initially see better results due to focusing on short-term goals, a transformational leader is more likely to create lasting organizational change. Leaders must learn to balance these two styles to reach their full potential.

Related: Transformational Leadership

6 . Servant Leadership Style

The servant leadership style is built on the idea that the leader’s priority is to serve the team and organization. This means that they put the needs of others before their objectives. Leaders who adopt this style create an environment where employees feel their voices are heard.

This can be achieved by allowing employees to share their ideas, listen to their concerns, and make decisions that benefit the team. When employees feel valued, they are more likely to be engaged and committed to their work. As a result, the servant leadership style can lead to higher employee satisfaction and productivity levels.

Related: Servant Leadership

7 . Charismatic Leadership Style

Charismatic leaders are those who can inspire and motivate others. This type of leader is often passionate and enthusiastic, and they can connect with their team on a personal level. In addition, charismatic leaders typically have strong communication skills , and they use this to their advantage to get their point across.

This type of leader often rallies others around a common cause and can get people to buy into their vision. Charismatic leaders can effectively motivate their teams to achieve great things. However, it is important to note that this leadership style can also be considered manipulative if not used correctly.

Related: Charismatic Leadership

8. Visionary Leadership Style

A visionary leader is someone who can see the big picture and has a clear idea of where they want their company to be in the future. This type of leader can inspire others to work together towards a common goal. In order to be successful, a visionary leader must be able to communicate their vision clearly and concisely.

They must also be able to gain their employees’ trust and motivate them to achieve the company’s objectives. A strong visionary leader is an excellent communicator, motivator, and team builder. When employees feel like they are part of something larger than themselves, they are more likely to be productive and innovative. In addition, a visionary leader creates a community of collaboration and teamwork essential for a company’s success.

9. Bureaucratic Leadership Style

A bureaucratic organization has a clear chain of command and a defined hierarchy. As a result, employees know their roles and responsibilities and are held accountable for their performance. This structure helps to ensure efficient operation, as well as compliance with rules and regulations. Additionally, decisions are made based on rational analysis rather than personal whims or emotions.

As a result, a bureaucratic leader can be an effective way to run a business or organization. However, it is important to note that this leadership style can lead to inflexibility and rigidity. In some cases, this can lead to stagnation and an unwillingness to change or adapt.

Related: Bureaucratic Leadership

10. Situational Leadership Style

Situational leadership is a leadership style that involves adaptation to be more effective. This type of leadership takes into account the current work environment as well as the needs of the team to produce better results. The idea behind situational leadership is that no leader is universally skilled; good leaders know how to change their style depending on the situation.

This theory was first developed by Ken Blanchard and Paul Hersey in their book “Management of Organizational Behavior.” While situational leadership was originally designed for use in organizations, it can also be helpful for teams or any other group that relies on effective leadership. When applied correctly, situational leadership can help a leader be more successful by allowing them to adapt their style to fit the current situation better.

Related: 5 Qualities of a Good Leader

Final Thoughts

As we see, there are many different types of leaders, and the most effective ones are often those who can adapt their style to fit the current situation. No matter what type of leader you are, it is important always to be aware of your strengths and weaknesses.

Additionally, it is crucial to communicate your vision clearly and concisely to gain the trust of your employees. By understanding the different leadership styles, you can become a more effective leader in any situation.

What type of leaders are there?

There are many different types of leaders, but some common ones include autocratic leaders, democratic leaders, bureaucratic leaders, Situational leaders, Visionary Leaders, and laissez-faire leaders.

What is the best type of leader?

This depends on the situation and what type of team or organization you are leading. Generally, a good leader can adapt their style to the needs of their team or organization.

How do I work out what type of leader I am?

There are many quizzes and assessments available online that can help you to work out what type of leader you are. Alternatively, you could ask a friend or colleague for their opinion.

What kind of leaders do we want?

This again depends on the situation and what type of team or organization you are leading. Generally, a good leader can adapt their style to the needs of their team or organization.

What is mean by a healthy team dynamic?

A healthy team dynamic is when all team members work well together and support each other. This can often be achieved through effective communication, mutual respect, and a shared sense of purpose.

What is a good leader to you and why?

This is a personal question, and there is no right or wrong answer. For example, some people might say they want a decisive and assertive leader, while others might say they want a compassionate and understanding leader. It all depends on your individual preferences.

What is a good answer for why do you want to be a leader?

There are many different reasons why people might want to be leaders. Still, some common ones include wanting to make a difference, wanting to help others, developing new skills, or feeling like it is a natural fit for their personality.

What are some leadership skills or qualities?

There are many different leadership qualities, but some common ones include the power to inspire others, the ability to make decisions, the ability to delegate effectively, and the ability to communicate clearly.

What is the definition of a leader?

A leader motivates and inspires others to achieve a common goal. Leaders can be found in all walks of life, from politics to business to sports.

What is democratic leadership?

It’s a type of coach-style leadership. A democratic leader makes decisions by consulting with their team or organization. They take into account the opinions of others before making a decision.

What is strategic leadership?

Strategic leadership is a type of leadership that involves setting direction and making decisions that will affect the long-term success of an organization. It also consists in developing a vision for the future and inspiring others to achieve it.

What are the 4 types of leadership?

The four types of leadership are: 1. Autocratic Leadership 2. Democratic Leadership 3. Laissez-Faire Leadership 4. Transactional Leadership

What are the 5 types of leaders?

The five types of leaders are: 1. Visionary Leaders 2. Strategic Leaders 3. Transformational Leaders 4. Servant Leaders 5. Authentic Leaders

What are the characteristics of a good leader?

Some of the most important characteristics of a good leader are: 1. Integrity 2. Honesty 3. Transparency 4. Confidence 5. Competence 6. Fairness 7. Humility 8. Charisma 9. Passion 10. Inspiring 11. Decisive 12. Reliable 13. Good Communication Skills 14. Emotional Intelligence 15. Good Interpersonal Skills 16. Forward-Thinking 17. Innovative 19. Open-Mindedness 20. Organized 21. Perseverance 22. Self-Awareness 23. Visionary 24. Risk Taker 25. Motivational 27. People-Oriented 28. Task-Oriented 31. Strong Work Ethic 32. Flexible 33. Decisive 34. Strategic Thinker 35. Passionate 36. Loyal 39. Proactive 40. Resourceful

What type of leader are you interview question?

What type of leader are you? This question can be challenging to answer, but it’s essential to consider what kind of leader you are before you interview for a leadership role. For example, are you the type of leader always looking for ways to improve things, or are you a traditionalist who likes to stick to tried-and-true methods? The answer to this question will give the interviewer a good sense of your leadership style and how you would approach a leadership role. No matter what type of leader you are, be sure to highlight your strengths and explain how you would use them to benefit the organization.

Related posts:

• Democratic Leadership: How to Drive Better Decisions by Including Everyone
• What is Buddha Leadership? (Everything You Need to Know)
• Effective Development Plan for Leaders: Guide to Success
• Understanding the Strengths and Weaknesses of a Leader

What To Say at An Interview? (12 Things You Need to Know)

How to know a job is right for you (10 simple ways), related posts.

Key Strategies: How to Manage Your Team as a Leader 

Developing Leadership Skills for Student Career Success: Why and How

Insightful Questions to Ask Your CEO in a Town Hall

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The 8 Types of Leadership Styles Explained – With Examples

Approx reading time:

Last updated on 4th June 2024

At the head of every successful project is a great leader. But not all great leaders are the same. 

There are many different ways to lead a team. And different leaders have different traits that make their specific brand of leadership work. 

In this article we’re going to take a look at 8 leadership styles (with examples), so you can discover which one is the right leadership style for you, your business, and your team. 

1. Transformational Leadership

Transformational leadership is a leadership style that requires the leader to inspire employees and motivate them towards achieving their collective goal . 

Transformational leaders often embody their vision and believe in it so strongly that they can empower others to do the same.  

Transformational leadership: advantages and disadvantages

Millennials are a demographic that respond really well to transformational leadership because of the focus on aligned values.

However, even the most inspired and motivated people have a breaking point. Think of the start ups that work 80 hour weeks in a bid to disrupt their industry – yes, it’s exciting. But in the long run it can also be incredibly tiring. 

If you want to be a successful transformational leader, it’s important to strike the perfect balance.

Example of a transformational leader

There are many examples of transformational leaders throughout history, because these are exactly the type of people to go down in history. They have bold visions and they make them a reality. 

Think of Churchill’s “we shall fight on the beaches” speech. Churchill is a great example of a transformational leader that inspired an entire nation of people to work towards a common goal. 

In today’s world, Elon Musk is another example of a transformational leader. His company SpaceX was the first ever private spaceflight company to send a crewed spacecraft to space. And he is famously quoted as saying:

Richard Branson is also an excellent example of a transformational leader. His Virgin Group owns several companies across a range of industries, from broadband to international travel.

Branson himself isn’t an expert in all of these industries, but his charismatic personality gives him the power to inspire others to get excited about these ideas and make them work.

2. Autocratic Leadership

An autocratic or authoritarian leadership style imposes policies and procedures, sets expectations and defines outcomes. 

Authoritarian leaders are individuals who take full control of their team and makes all of the decisions with little input from anyone else. 

Autocratic leadership: advantages and disadvantages

On the face of it, this leadership style can sound a little tyrannical, but if the leader is the most knowledgeable person on the team – and if they act with fairness and kindness – then this leadership style can work well.

Example of an autocratic leader

Martha Stewart has her autocratic leadership style to thank for her self-made empire. She has been described as a meticulous boss that’s very demanding of her employees. 

And that’s because Stewart has a very clear vision to share with her staff and her customers. It’s this same attention-to-detail that’s boosted her to be a household name, with almost every home in America using her merchandise at one point or another. 

3. Participative (Democratic) Leadership

Also known as democratic leadership, participative leadership allows everyone on the team to get involved and work together to make important decisions.

While everyone’s input is encouraged, it’s the leader who will have the final say in the decision-making process. 

Participative leadership: advantages and disadvantages

The participative leadership style is a great way to create a culture of inclusion and it can really help employees feel more aligned with the company, which is a big focus of democratic leaders. However, we all know the saying about too many cooks!

Example of a participative leader

Southwest Airlines has had many different leaders over the years, and all of them seemed to embody the participative leadership approach.

It’s likely that this is the trait that has taken the business from a small Texas airline to a major US carrier.

Ex-CEO, James Parker referred to participative leadership in his book, Do the Right Thing :

4. Transactional Leadership

Transactional leadership uses a model of rewards and punishments to motivate employees. 

Clear goals are set at the start of a project, with everyone informed on the reward if those goals are met and the consequences if they are not. 

Transactional leadership: advantages and disadvantages

This “give and take” leadership style can motivate employees and increase productivity and satisfaction, so long as the goals outlined are clear and achievable. 

However, not everyone will be motivated by a ‘carrot and stick’ method like this, and the implementation of rigid rules makes it difficult for the business to adapt quickly if needed.

Example of a transactional leader

A classic example of a transactional leader is the ex-football manager, Sir Alex Ferguson. When he was managing Manchester United, he got a lot out of his team using this leadership style. 

Players were rewarded financially if they played well consistently. However, those that were seen as underachieving felt the wrath of Ferguson’s notorious temper. 

This is touched upon in his book, Leading , in which he states:

5. Delegative Leadership

Also known as “laissez-faire leadership”, delegative leadership is a hands-off approach that allows every team member to use their own initiative to make decisions.

There are similarities to participative leadership here, in that employees are valued for their opinions and decisions are made somewhat collectively. 

Delegative leadership: advantages and disadvantages

Delegative leadership allows employees the autonomy to make their own decisions and be rewarded for their innovation. This provides many opportunities for skills development, but can also result in accountability issues if roles and responsibilities aren’t clearly communicated .

Example of a delegative leader

The American investor, Warren Buffet has been the CEO of the holding company Berkshire Hathaway since 1970. He’s currently 93 years old and quite comfortably holds the record for longest reigning CEO of an S&P 500 company.

He’s noted as a delegative leader because of his method of empowering his employees to make their own decisions and solve their own problems. 

6. Bureaucratic Leadership

The bureaucratic leadership style puts the needs of the company first and relies on stringent rules being in place for all team members to follow. 

This is common in long-established industries where rules have been laid out by predecessors.

Bureaucratic leadership: advantages and disadvantages

The bureaucratic leadership style can be advantageous in industries where there’s little room for error, such as healthcare organisations. However, doing things just “as they’ve always been” can lead a team – and a company – to go stale and possibly fall behind. 

Example of a bureaucratic leader

Bureaucratic leaders, because of the nature of this leadership style, are typically forged by the businesses that they work for. 

An example of a business that does things as they’ve always done is McDonalds. Despite their leadership team changing over time, McDonalds has always been run in the same way because their barometer for success is profit. 

As long as the business is profitable, the shareholders are happy and the company is classed as successful – and ultimately, customers get the same experience every time. 

This is why entrepreneurs that opt to buy a McDonalds franchise are expected to adhere to strict rules and regulations when running their branch. 

7. Servant Leadership

Servant leadership places the value of the team ahead of the individual. As such, a servant leader is someone who can shed personal agendas and whose main goal is for their team (and the company) to thrive. 

Servant leaders do everything they can to serve their team and ensure that everyone is happy and fulfilled.

Servant leadership: advantages and disadvantages

Servant leaders – because of their selfless nature – see potential in their team and enjoy raising them to new heights.

However, because of this focus on serving the team, servant leaders can sometimes be undermined if they are seen as lacking authority. Plus, balancing the needs of individual employees with overall organisational success can be difficult.

Example of a servant leader

Leadership expert and author of Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t , Simon Sinek strongly believes in this leadership style. 

He explains this in more detail here: 

8. Coaching leadership

The coaching leadership style is a great way to develop your team members and get the best out of them. It involves giving employees guidance and frequent feedback to help them grow and develop.

Coaching leadership: advantages and disadvantages

Coaching is a highly nurturing leadership style, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and enhanced employee morale.

On the other hand, it’s high-maintenance and requires a lot of time and energy input. Coaching leaders need to be consistent in their feedback and guidance, which can be difficult in large teams. Plus some employees could be resistant to feedback or coaching and become demotivated as a result.

An example of a terrific leader that embodied this style was Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs. He encouraged creativity in his team members and was known for giving them helpful criticism when necessary. His vision and use of the coaching leadership style helped to propel Apple to be the billion-dollar success it is today.

Final thoughts

There are many ways to lead your team to success. Effective leadership styles come in all shapes and sizes – and, quite simply, the most effective leadership style is the one that best suits you and your team.

However, one thing that all leaders need – regardless of style – is the correct tools at their disposal.

A project management tool can help you successfully manage your projects by keeping everything – communication, files, tasks – in one place, so that you have complete visibility of your team’s work. 

To find out more and get started for free, head to Project.co . 

Written by Samantha Ferguson

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What Makes A Good Leader: Essay Hints

Table of Contents

In this essay, you need to discuss the essential qualities needed for becoming an effective leader. In fact, different situations require different types of leadership styles, so it may be hard to choose the qualities that define good leaders admired by people from bad ones.

Besides, there are common misconceptions about their role. In this article, we will try to answer the question of “what makes a good leader essay” and give you some recommendations about the aspects you should focus on.

Essay structure and key points to cover

Wondering what the best way to approach an essay on leadership qualities is? Leadership essays can be written in the expository style and structured to include different subtopics:

• Discussion of major leadership theories.
• Personality traits defining great leaders.
• Leadership styles and how they work.
• Leadership principles and core values.
• Examples of leaders in different spheres of society.
• People you consider to be leaders in your life.
• Leadership skills you have.

It’s important to demonstrate an original personal understanding of leadership concept and provide impressive illustrative examples taken from today’s real life or history. That’s the best thing to do when reviewing various leadership qualities.

What are the qualities of a good leader: essay ideas

When we take an in-depth look at history, we see countless leadership qualities that were adopted by both good and bad leaders. When writing what are the qualities of a good leader essay, you should focus on the characteristics and strengths of a leader, and how they help influence and motivate other people along with achieving own goals.

These are emotional and behavioral characteristics of well-known leaders that helped them succeed:

• Vision – effective leaders have exciting ideas, they usually are forward-looking, and have excellent strategic planning skills.
• Communication – communicating ideas clearly and concisely is essential to ensure teamwork towards the same goal.
• Integrity – they are honest and can always tell the truth in any situation.
• Confidence – they dare to take risks to achieve their goals and never give up.
• Responsiveness – good leaders value their team, listen to people they lead, and quickly change their behavior to match different situations.
• Determination – good leaders are passionate about what they do and can motivate people by demonstrating their own commitment.
• Empathy is the most important skill which allows to create strong bonds of trust and build successful teams.

Tips on writing a winning essay on leadership

When working on what makes a good leader essay, students should follow certain basic steps.

• Research relevant sources on the internet to get a better understanding of the concept, read a lot, and make notes of interesting ideas which can be used in your paper.
• Brainstorm ideas to write about, formulate a strong thesis statement and create a detailed working outline. Organize information in a logical order.
• Start writing a draft with an introduction. Engage readers with a hook – provocative question, anecdote, stunning fact, convincing statistics. Introduce a subject, providing relevant background information. End introductory paragraph with a specific thesis that sums up your ideas.
• Devote separate body paragraphs to specific points supporting the main argument. Begin paragraphs with topic sentences, presenting key points, give detailed explanations, and provide additional evidence and examples. Include appropriate citations with proper referencing. Sum up and demonstrate how each paragraph contributes to the logical argument.
• Create a convincing conclusion to wrap up the paper’s key points.
• Revise the first draft , make improvements in content, logic, and sentence structure. Edit to improve word choice and clarity.
• Proofread the final version – fix minor errors and typos. Create references list and check the formatting of the entire paper.

The use of a leadership essay sample

Still not sure that you can write a good leader essay that will impress your readers? Read biographies of famous people who played crucial roles in human history, created big successful businesses, managed large corporations to learn which qualities contributed to their success.

Besides, you may want to check out some good paper examples.

Find out how powerful papers on this topic are structured and what interesting points they cover. Use essay samples as templates or models to follow.

See this short sample paragraph which discusses one of the leadership qualities for inspiration.

Empathy, an ability to recognize other’s feelings and perspectives and understand other people’s needs is crucial in leadership. Being empathetic means you can step into another person’s world and this character trait is essential for success due to several reasons. It’s impossible to effectively lead people you don’t understand. You can effectively motivate and influence someone if you know their feelings. Empathy is one of the keys to successful leadership because it helps build relationships with people they lead and create an environment of open communication. Luckily, empathy is natural for humans and we can even learn to be more empathetic and demonstrate this ability to people around us.

No time to write your essay on leadership? We’ve got plenty of time here! Our writers strive to help you out. Click the button faster and get yourself a perfect essay with no struggle!

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12 Example Answers to “What Is Your Leadership Style?” Interview Question

Answering the “What is your leadership style?” interview question can be a make-or-break moment in your job interview. It’s essential to understand what the hiring manager is looking for regarding leadership experience, management skillset, and communication skills. As a leading executive search firm, MatchBuilt knows that being a good leader is not just about taking on a leadership position; it’s about having a vision, the ability to motivate and inspire team members, and the skill set to implement new ideas effectively.

When answering this question, one of the first things to consider is understanding the different leadership styles. The most common leadership styles include autocratic, democratic, participative, transformational, transactional, and coaching. Knowing the differences and how you align with each will help you answer the question more effectively. The best thing you can do is be honest and true to yourself, as the goal is to showcase your leadership strengths.

At MatchBuilt, we know that a successful leader creates a shared vision and empowers their team members to take ownership and make decisions. A great leader is also someone willing to step out of their comfort zone, listen to their staff members, and provide constructive feedback. Our team of visionary leaders understands the importance of identifying the best leadership style for the role and company culture.

“What is your leadership style?” sample answer:

My leadership style is transformational, and I believe in inspiring and motivating my team to achieve our common goals. An example is when I led a sales team and increased their performance by 20% by setting clear targets and empowering them to take ownership of their sales processes. By creating a positive and supportive work environment, I was able to drive the team to reach new heights.

This blog post will provide 12 “What is your leadership style?” sample answers to help you prepare for your next job interview . These sample answers are designed to provide you with a starting point to create your unique response. Our team of experts has created these answers based on previous work experiences, different styles of leadership, and the best ways to become a more effective leader.

So, whether you are a project manager or seeking a management position, this blog post is for you. We will cover the most common leadership styles and provide you with a sample answer for each. By the end of this blog post, you will better understand your leadership style and how to articulate it effectively during your next job interview.

Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others. —Jack Welch

Why Employers Ask About Your Leadership Style

Employers ask about a candidate’s leadership style for several reasons, and it is essential to answer this question in the best way possible. A candidate’s style of leadership can reveal their approach to managing a team and handling tasks. Effective communication, conflict resolution, and decision-making are crucial to being a strong leader in any type of leadership role.

For instance, a democratic leadership style may work well for a sports team where all group members have a say in decision-making. In contrast, a servant leader may be more effective in creating a positive work environment and achieving the best version of a small team.

Providing examples from previous jobs is essential when answering the question about leadership style. For instance, participative leaders may describe how they effectively involved team members in projects in achieving success. True leaders can provide examples of how they have helped colleagues and their company grow and adapted their leadership styles over time to serve their career path better.

Employers also want to know if a candidate’s leadership style fits the company culture. For example, a company that values work-life balance may highly value an affiliative leadership style that prioritizes a positive work environment. Additionally, the decision-making process can be an essential aspect of leadership style for some companies. An autocratic leadership style may be better suited for a company where quick decisions are critical and time is of the essence.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of leadership styles and providing examples of how you have implemented them in the past is the best way to answer the question of your leadership style. By doing so, you can show potential employers your potential for growth and advancement within the company.

An Overview of Different Leadership Approaches

As a job seeker, it’s essential to be familiar with the different types of leadership styles and to understand your own approach to leadership. This will help you effectively communicate your skills and experience to potential employers and make you a more competitive candidate for leadership roles.

Here’s an overview of some of the most common leadership approaches:

• Transformational: This type of leader inspires and motivates their team to strive for a common goal. They focus on creating a shared vision and work to build a culture of trust and collaboration.
• Situational: This type of leader adjusts their approach based on their team’s situation and needs. They are flexible and adaptable, able to switch between different styles as needed.
• Servant: This type of leader prioritizes their team’s needs and places their employees’ well-being above their own interests. They focus on creating a supportive work environment and empowering their team to succeed.
• Democratic: This type of leader encourages collaboration and seeks input from their team in decision-making. They believe in building consensus and promoting shared ownership among their team.
• Laissez-Faire: This type of leader allows their team to take the lead and make decisions without much input or direction from the leader. They focus on delegating tasks and allowing their team to operate autonomously.
• Visionary: This type of leader has a clear and compelling vision for the future and works to inspire and motivate their team to achieve it. They are often creative and innovative and focus on driving change and growth.
• Charismatic: This type of leader has a magnetic personality and inspires others through passion and enthusiasm. They can motivate their team and build a strong sense of loyalty and commitment.
• Transactional: This type of leader focuses on achieving specific goals and results. They use a system of rewards and consequences to motivate their team and hold them accountable.
• Collaborative: This type of leader values teamwork and seeks to build solid relationships and partnerships with their team. They focus on building consensus and fostering a sense of community among their team.
• Coaching: This type of leader focuses on developing their team members and helping them reach their full potential. They provide guidance, support, and feedback to help their team grow and succeed.
• Direct: This type of leader is decisive and confident in their decision-making . They give clear direction and expectations to their team and hold them accountable for meeting their goals.
• Progressive: This type of leader is focused on continuous improvement and innovation . They are open to new ideas and encourage their team to take risks and explore new solutions.

Each leadership approach has its own strengths and weaknesses, and the best method for a given situation will depend on the team’s specific needs and the organization’s goals. As a job seeker, it’s important to understand the different leadership styles and to have a good sense of your own approach to leadership. This will help you effectively communicate your skills and experience to potential employers and stand out as a candidate for leadership roles.

How to Effectively Discuss Your Leadership Approach

As a job seeker, being asked about your leadership style in an interview can be daunting. However, it’s also an opportunity to showcase your strengths and demonstrate your fit for the role. The key to effectively discussing your leadership approach is to be prepared, confident, and able to articulate your personal and professional qualities. In this section, we will provide tips to help you describe your leadership style in an interview.

Here are some practical tips for discussing your leadership approach:

• Understand your leadership style: Take the time to understand your own leadership style, including your strengths and areas for improvement.
• Prepare examples : Before the interview, prepare specific examples of situations where you demonstrated your leadership skills. Be ready to discuss the challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
• Be confident: Speak with confidence and be clear about your leadership style. This will demonstrate your personal and professional qualities to the hiring manager.
• Be specific: Be specific about your leadership approach and avoid generalizing. Explain how your leadership style has been effective in past roles.
• Emphasize the benefits: Emphasize the benefits of your leadership style, including how it has helped you achieve success and how it can benefit the company.
• Be flexible: Be open to discussing how you may adapt your leadership style to fit the company or team’s needs.

Following these tips, you can effectively discuss your leadership approach in an interview and showcase your strengths to potential employers.

12 Sample Answers to “What Is Your Leadership Style?” Interview Question

Example answer #1: transformational leadership style.

My leadership style is transformational. I believe in inspiring and motivating my team to achieve our common goals. An example of this is when I led a sales team and increased their performance by 20% by setting clear targets and empowering them to take ownership of their sales processes. By creating a positive and supportive work environment , I was able to drive the team to reach new heights.

Example Answer #2: Situational Leadership Approach

My leadership style is situational. I believe in adapting my leadership approach based on my team’s situation and needs. An example is when I led a customer service team and faced a high volume of customer complaints. I quickly adapted my leadership style to become more hands-on, working closely with the team to resolve issues and improve our processes. This approach helped to improve customer satisfaction and maintain our reputation as a reliable and customer-focused company.

Example Answer #3: Servant Leadership Style

My leadership style is best described as a servant. I believe in putting the needs of my team first and creating a supportive and empowering work environment. An example of this is when I was leading a project team, and one of my team members was struggling with a personal issue. I made sure to give them the support and flexibility they needed, including allowing them to work from home when necessary. I fostered a strong and motivated team that delivered outstanding results by focusing on serving my team and creating a positive work culture.

Example Answer #4: Democratic Leadership Approach

My leadership style is democratic. I believe in encouraging participation and collaboration from my team and making decisions through consensus. An example of this is when I was leading a product development team, and we were facing a difficult design decision. I brought the team together to discuss the options, and we made the decision together based on the input and ideas of each team member. By creating a collaborative work environment, we could make informed and effective decisions that resulted in a successful product launch.

Example Answer #5: Laissez-Faire Leadership Style

My leadership style is laissez-faire. I believe in giving my team members the freedom and autonomy to do their jobs to the best of their ability. An example of this is when I led a creative team and allowed them to explore their ideas and approaches to projects. This resulted in a more innovative and creative output and improved the team’s morale and motivation. We achieved exceptional results by trusting my team and giving them the freedom to innovate.

Example Answer #6: Visionary Leadership Approach

My leadership style is visionary. I believe in setting a clear vision and inspiring my team to achieve a common goal. An example of this is when I was leading a start-up and could articulate a compelling vision that inspired my team to work tirelessly to bring it to life. As a visionary leader, I could focus the team on the bigger picture and drive success through our shared vision and purpose.

Example Answer #7: Charismatic Leadership Style

My leadership style is charismatic. I believe in using my energy and enthusiasm to inspire and motivate my team. An example of this is when I was leading a sales team and was able to increase their performance through my motivational speeches and one-on-one coaching sessions. Being a charismatic leader, I boosted morale and drove success for the team and the company.

Example Answer #8: Transactional Leadership Approach

My leadership style is transactional. I believe in setting clear goals, providing structure, and using rewards and consequences to motivate my team. An example of this is when I led a production team and improved efficiency by setting clear performance expectations and rewarding those who exceeded expectations. Using a transactional approach, I could drive results and maintain a well-run and productive team.

Example Answer #9: Collaborative Leadership Style

My leadership style is collaborative. I believe in working closely with my team to achieve shared goals and make decisions together. An example of this is when I was leading a cross-functional team and was able to bring together diverse perspectives to create a more effective solution. By being a collaborative leader, I was able to foster a sense of teamwork and improve the overall output of the team.

Example Answer #10: Coaching Leadership Approach

My leadership style is coaching. I believe in empowering my team members to develop their skills, grow professionally, and reach their full potential. An example is when I led a customer service team and provided regular coaching sessions and performance feedback to help them improve their skills. By using a coaching approach, I could not only drive performance but also help my team members grow and develop professionally, which helped increase overall job satisfaction and retention.

Example Answer #11: Direct Leadership Style

My leadership style is direct. I believe in providing clear guidance, setting expectations, and giving concise instructions to my team. An example of this is when I led a project team and provided clear direction on timelines, budgets, and deliverables to ensure the project was completed successfully. By using a direct approach, I ensured that the team was focused and on track, which helped to improve efficiency and productivity.

Example Answer #12: Progressive Leadership Approach

My leadership style is progressive. I believe in embracing change, experimenting with new ideas, and encouraging innovation within my team. An example is when I led a marketing team and encouraged them to test new approaches and techniques to drive more effective marketing campaigns. Using a progressive approach, I fostered a culture of innovation and creativity, which helped drive better results for the team and the company.

Frequently Asked Questions: Navigating the Leadership Style Interview Question

In this FAQ, we will answer some common questions related to leadership styles, including what they are, why they matter, and how to identify your own style. Whether you are a seasoned leader or just starting out, this guide will provide you with valuable insights to help you lead your team to success.

If you haven't had the opportunity to lead a team before, focus on discussing your ability to take charge and make decisions and your willingness to learn and grow as a leader.

That's okay! Many leaders have a blend of different styles, and it's okay to acknowledge that and discuss the other elements of your leadership approach.

If you're new to the workforce, you can discuss leadership qualities you have displayed in other areas of your life, such as school or volunteer work.

Be honest and talk about what you learned from the experience and how you plan to improve as a leader in the future.

Yes, specific examples are great for illustrating your leadership style and how you've effectively applied it in the past.

Focus on how your leadership style has helped your team and the company succeed, and avoid talking about yourself boastfully.

Acknowledge your areas of improvement and discuss what steps you're taking to improve in those areas.

Discuss your leadership style and how you have applied it in previous management positions . Describe how your leadership style has helped improve your team's performance.

Discuss your leadership style and how you have effectively led small teams to achieve their goals. Emphasize your ability to motivate, delegate, and manage a team effectively.

Focus on your own leadership style and avoid talking negatively about a past boss. Discuss the lessons you learned and how you plan to apply them in your next leadership role.

Lead the Way: Concluding Thoughts on Showcasing Your Leadership Ability

Answering the question “What is your leadership style?” can be challenging for many job seekers. However, with the proper preparation, you can showcase your leadership abilities and set yourself apart from other candidates. Understanding the different types of leadership styles is critical to effectively discussing your approach in an interview. Remember to be specific, use real-life examples, and focus on the benefits of your leadership ability.

At MatchBuilt Executive Search, we have helped thousands of job seekers and hundreds of hiring employers, and we understand the importance of preparing for this question. Our team of experts is here to offer guidance and support in your job search journey. Be sure to visit our blog for more tips on interviewing , resume building, LinkedIn optimization , and career development. With the proper preparation and understanding of your leadership skillset, you can showcase your abilities and impress potential employers in your next interview.

Expert Insights: Video Tutorials on Answering the Leadership Style Question

About Mark Matyanowski

As the founder of MatchBuilt, with over 18 years of recruiting and coaching experience and 8+ years in executive roles at a leading Fortune 100 company, I am deeply committed to guiding professionals in their career paths.

Our team at MatchBuilt offers expert support in enhancing resumes, optimizing LinkedIn profiles, and preparing for interviews. Our blog, drawing on our rich experience and industry insights, is a valuable resource for job seekers.

We take pride in successfully guiding job candidates to top-tier company roles while empowering individuals to achieve their career ambitions, irrespective of their background or educational level.

Essay Sample on What Does Leadership Mean to You

Leadership – what it means to me.

Leadership is an essential quality to have in any facet of life. Whether you’re in the workplace, a team setting, or even at home, having leadership skills can make all the difference.

It is a complex concept, and there are many different definitions and aspects of leadership. By the way, each person has their own way of doing things. If you have some difficulties with writing an essay about this, don’t be scared to ask for help. An online custom essay writing service can help you with this. For sure, it’s good for your leadership skills – ask for help when you understand that something is beyond your control.

So, to some, leadership is about being the front-runner in a group and taking charge when needed. To others, it’s about inspiring others around them and helping them reach their potential. It could also be about leading by example or being the moral compass for an organization or team.

No matter what your definition of leadership is, it requires hard work and dedication. It takes courage to step up in difficult situations and take responsibility for your own actions as well as those of your team or organization.

Let’s explore the concept of leadership from various perspectives and discuss tips for writing an essay on this subject together.

What Does Leadership Mean To Me? (Free Essay Sample)

Leadership is a topic that I have always been interested in. I think it’s because of the fact that I am a leader myself. My role as a leader has changed over the years and will continue to change as time goes on.

To me, leadership means taking charge of my life and making decisions on my own behalf. It also means having confidence in what I say and do, even if other people disagree with me. Leadership also means being able to take criticism from others without getting upset or angry about it!

To be a mentor

Also, having the power to influence people and help them achieve common goals. It’s about having the ability to create a positive atmosphere where everyone can thrive and work together toward achieving success. Leaders should be those who know how to bring out the best in their team and encourages them to reach their full potential. They should have a strong sense of empathy, be able to think strategically, and have great communication skills.

Be responsible

Leaders must as well be willing to accept responsibility for their actions, both good or bad. This includes acknowledging mistakes when they happen, as well as owning up to successes when they occur. Being accountable helps build trust between leaders and their teams, which is essential for any successful organization or group of people. This allows leaders to foster relationships with their team members, which can create a stronger sense of unity among everyone involved.

Be a role model

People with this skill should always strive to set an example for their team members with their own behavior and attitude. Setting the tone for others by displaying positive behavior can go a long way in creating an atmosphere of respect and cooperation within the group dynamic. A strong leader will also ensure that everyone is held accountable for their actions while maintaining morale among all members of the group or organization.

Be honest with yourself

Leadership means to me, being able to recognize your own strengths and weaknesses and be willing to ask for help when you need it. It means knowing when to delegate authority to others and when to take charge of yourself.

I believe there are many different types of leaders out there today; some are good leaders while others are not so good at what they do. It all depends on how much time you spend studying leadership techniques and finding out what works best for you as an individual leader.

To be a leader is all of these things and more. To me, leadership is the art of getting things done through others. It is the ability to inspire and motivate others to work towards common goals. It is being able to effectively organize a group of people toward a single objective and then effectively directing their efforts toward that objective.

I think that management is something that comes naturally to some people but can be learned by others. This is a skill that anyone can learn and apply to their own lives, whether they are in a position of authority or not.

Famous Leaders Who Inspire Me

There are many famous people throughout history that have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills. One leader that I find particularly inspiring is Nelson Mandela. His commitment to justice and equality was unwavering even when faced with extreme adversity. He used his platform as president of South Africa to promote peace and harmony among all people regardless of race or religion. His legacy serves as an important reminder that with hard work, dedication, and perseverance anything is possible!

Another leader that has inspired me is Mahatma Gandhi. He was a master at nonviolent resistance which he used in India during its fight for independence from the British Empire. His peaceful tactics gained worldwide attention which eventually helped India achieve its freedom from colonial rule without violence or bloodshed. He showed us how powerful nonviolence can be when used for good!

Finally, my definition of leadership wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Martin Luther King Jr., who famously said “I have a dream…” He used his platform as a civil rights activist to promote racial equality in America through peaceful protest and civil disobedience which ultimately led to the advancement of civil rights legislation in the United States. His words still resonate with millions around the world today.

In conclusion, I want to say that leadership is an essential quality that everyone should strive towards possessing in some form or another. For me, it means taking the initiative, being accountable for your actions, and leading by example in order to foster a positive environment within any given group setting or organization. It takes hard work but can be incredibly rewarding! With these qualities combined together as part of a leadership style, I’m sure everyone will be able to succeed no matter what challenges they face!

Tips for Writing an Essay About Leadership

When you are writing an essay on leadership, you can analyze personal statement essay examples . This can help you highlight writing tips by yourself. But if you are searching for easy ways, there are some important tips you should keep in mind.

Choose a specific example or story that illustrates your point about leadership

This could be either a personal experience or something you witnessed first-hand. Make sure that you focus on one particular event or situation so that your essay remains focused and concise.

Explain why your example is relevant

Once you’ve chosen an example or story, make sure you explain why it is relevant to what leadership means to you. What lessons did you learn from this experience that informs your current understanding of leadership? How has it shaped your beliefs?

Use concrete examples

When writing about any concept or idea, it’s important to use concrete examples that illustrate your points rather than abstract language or generalizations. Doing so will make your essay more engaging for readers, as well as more convincing in terms of demonstrating your understanding of the concept at hand.

Avoid cliches

While cliches can provide easy ways for expressing yourself in an essay, they can also make it sound generic and unoriginal — which is exactly what you don’t want! Instead of relying on cliches when discussing topics such as leadership, try to come up with unique ideas and phrases that capture what you are trying to say without sounding too similar to other essays written on this same topic.

That’s it! Go ahead and tell the world about your leadership!

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Leaders and directors in an organisation are normally older people – IELTS Writing Task 2 Argumentative Essays

January 17, 2024

In IELTS Writing Task 2, students are asked to write a formal essay of at least 250 words, in 4-5 paragraphs based on the given writing task 2 essay topics. The task is similar for both Academic and General Training with regards to the type of questions and the scoring, but the topics given for General Training will be slightly easier than Academic. Given below is an argumentative essay with sample answers that will help you to practise and get a good score.

Academic IELTS Writing Task 2 Topic (in January, 2015):

Leaders and directors in an organisation are normally older people. Some people think having a younger leader would be better. Do you agree or disagree?

Band 8.0 Model Essay 1:

It is true that higher positions are usually held by older members in many organizations these days. While some people believe younger people would demonstrate better leadership, it is in my opinion that senior managers possess more advantages over their younger counterparts in leading a company.

To begin with, it is usually difficult for the young to compete with the old in terms of experience. those who have gained adequate experience can more effectively manage to lead the individuals of an organization than those who do not. The reason for this is that business matters often require the people in charge to have not only the knowledge of coping with problematic situations but also strong nerves to calmly find a feasible solution. As a result, years of experience in a relevant position tend to make the elderly better candidates than those who are relatively young and new to the tasks.

Another advantage belonging to aged people is that they are likely to receive more support from the people in an organization. As the time spent working with the staff of the senior is often longer, they can understand their colleagues better, achieving more popularity. It is interpersonal communication skills and approval of other people that can tremendously affect the success of a leader. Younger members, on the other hand, will need more time to make contributions over time to prove themselves worthy.

In conclusion, I believe that critical positions of authority should be given to senior staff members for the certain reasons mentioned rather than the young.

Useful Vocabulary & Expressions:

• Prevalent (adj): existing very commonly or happening often ==>Health problems such as obesity and diabetes are prevalent amongst young people in developing countries today. • To demonstrate sth(v): to show or make something clear ==>The problems of unsatisfactory productivity which Canadian workers are facing demonstrate the importance of enhancing the quality of learning and teaching in tertiary education. • Senior (adj) : older ==>Senior family members are expected to set an example to the younger children in order that these junior members can adopt good manners in their adulthood. • Leadership (n) : the set of characteristics that make a good leader ==>The lack of leadership in young and inexperienced directors can sometimes put the company in jeopardy. • Problematic (adj) : difficult to deal with or to understand; full of problems; not certain to be successful ==>Despite acknowledging the dangers of fast food, many consumers find it problematic to switch to a healthier food choice. • Feasible (adj) : that is possible and likely to be achieved ==>With the public support of abandoning polluting vehicles, the prospect of the improved air quality seems more feasible.

People have different views about whether older or younger people are more suitable for important positions in organisations. While I accept that old individuals have significantly important qualities, I believe younger ones are more likely to become good leaders.

On the one hand, elderly people can be good leaders for some reasons. Firstly, as old people have worked for many years, they have accumulated much more work experience compared to younger workers. This might allow them to make wiser decisions and bring success to the company they work for. Secondly, older people are often more respected by others. Therefore, they can have a more powerful voice within the company, and people are more likely to listen to them. If leaders are young, they might find it hard to influence other employees.

On the other hand, I believe it will be better if young people take up important positions. The first reason is that since young individuals tend to be physically stronger, they can handle big responsibilities and much work. Being a leader requires people to work with much pressure, and old people are often not capable of doing that. Additionally, younger people are usually more creative, so they are more likely to find newer and better improvements which benefit the entire organisation. For example, a young manager can come up with a new advertising strategy for a product, which contributes to the increasing sales of the company.

In conclusion, while I accept that old individuals can be good leaders of an organisation, I believe these important positions should be given to younger people.

• accumulate: to gradually get more and more of something over a period of time ==>Children gradually accumulate knowledge as they grow up.
• wise: sensible (example: a wise decision)
• handle: to deal with a situation, a person, an area of work or a strong emotion ==>A new man was appointed to handle the crisis.
• capable of doing something: having the ability or qualities necessary for doing something ==>He was barely capable of writing his own name.

Practice writing topic: It is better for young people to get advice from older people than young people. Do you agree or disagree?

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Nafia Zuhana is an experienced content writer and IELTS Trainer. Currently, she is guiding students who are appearing for IELTS General and Academic exams through ieltsmaterial.com. With an 8.5 score herself, she trains and provides test takers with strategies, tips, and nuances on how to crack the IELTS Exam. She holds a degree in Master of Arts – Creative Writing, Oxford Brookes University, UK. She has worked with The Hindu for over a year as an English language trainer.

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Where Tim Walz Stands on the Issues

As governor of Minnesota, he has enacted policies to secure abortion protections, provide free meals for schoolchildren, allow recreational marijuana and set renewable energy goals.

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By Maggie Astor

• Aug. 6, 2024

Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota, the newly announced running mate to Vice President Kamala Harris, has worked with his state’s Democratic-controlled Legislature to enact an ambitious agenda of liberal policies: free college tuition for low-income students, free meals for schoolchildren, legal recreational marijuana and protections for transgender people.

“You don’t win elections to bank political capital,” Mr. Walz wrote last year about his approach to governing. “You win elections to burn political capital and improve lives.”

Republicans have slammed these policies as big-government liberalism and accused Mr. Walz of taking a hard left turn since he represented a politically divided district in Congress years ago.

Here is an overview of where Mr. Walz stands on some key issues.

Mr. Walz signed a bill last year that guaranteed Minnesotans a “fundamental right to make autonomous decisions” about reproductive health care on issues such as abortion, contraception and fertility treatments.

Abortion was already protected by a Minnesota Supreme Court decision, but the new law guarded against a future court reversing that precedent as the U.S. Supreme Court did with Roe v. Wade, and Mr. Walz said this year that he was also open to an amendment to the state’s Constitution that would codify abortion rights.

Another bill he signed legally shields patients, and their medical providers, if they receive an abortion in Minnesota after traveling from a state where abortion is banned.

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