Introduction to Leadership

Dr. Radhika Kapur

Abstract

Leadership is a concept, which is put into operation by the individuals in their

personal and professional lives. In order to implement this concept in an effective and
worthwhile manner, the individuals need to acquire an understanding in terms of meaning
and significance of leadership. When the understand the meaning and how this concept will
prove to be useful to them in carrying out their job duties well and achieve the desired goals,
they will put it into operation. The leaders have the main objective of providing knowledge,
support and assistance to their subordinates in carrying out their job duties in a well-ordered
and regimented manner and achieving the desired goals and objectives. When the leaders are
performing their job duties or are working with other individuals, they need to inculcate the
traits of morality and ethics and lead to goodwill and well-being. Furthermore, the leaders
need to be well-aware in terms of measures and approaches to cope with changes and ensure
that they prove to be efficacious, and useful to the members as well as the organization as a
whole. Therefore, it can be stated, the individuals in leadership positions need to acquire an
efficient understand of this concept, before they perform their job duties. The main areas that
are highlighted in this research paper are, leadership and management, functions of
leadership, types of leadership, and roles of the leaders.

Keywords: Changes, Functions, Job Duties, Leaders, Leadership, Management,

Roles, Skills

The term leadership has numerous meanings. This is due to the changes in the
environmental conditions of the leaders. Within educational institutions at all levels, various
types of organizations, as well as within households, the individuals need to put into
operation leadership skills. However, the essentials of leaderships are the same to all leaders
in all positions. There are differences in the environmental conditions. The implementation of
leadership capacities is dependent upon the milieu and overall situations. It is apparent that
there are differences in the skills required, roles and job duties performed, ways in which
problems and issues are dealt with, and the development of terms and relationships between
individuals. After the individuals have acquired an efficient understanding in terms of
meaning and significance of leadership, they need to generate awareness in terms of measures
and approaches that are necessary in bringing about improvements in them. Different
individuals, who are in leadership positions in different types of organizations normally have
different perceptions in terms of leadership (Chapter – I. Leadership Concept and Theories,
n.d.).

It is apparent that there are differences in various types of organizations on the basis
of number of factors. These include, goals and objectives, personnel, departments,
infrastructure, facilities, job duties, and overall structure of the organizations. The individuals
in leadership positions need to take into account these factors, when they are putting into
operation their leadership skills. When any types of transformations need to be brought about
in any areas within the organizations, the leaders need to ensure, they are beneficial to the
members as well as the organizations as a whole. Leadership is fundamentally the ability to
form and change the perspectives and aptitudes of the individuals, whether informal or formal
situation and that management relates to the formal task of decision making and command
(Chapter – I. Leadership Concept and Theories, n.d.). In the building of the leadership
capacity, the individuals make an attempt to establish a relationship with others, in which one
influences the other towards the achievement of goals and objectives. The individuals
influences the others to develop motivation towards the implementation of job duties and the
achievement of goals and objectives.

The research studies on leadership have indicated that the leaders want their
subordinates to behave and conduct themselves in a decent and satisfactory manner. They are
well-aware in terms of methods and approaches through which functioning of the
organization can be carried out in an efficient manner. Hence, they want their subordinates to
work in accordance to the rules and policies formulated by them. The presence of a particular
relationship between two or more individuals, directing and coordinating the work of the
group members, an interpersonal relationship in which others comply because they want to
and not because they have to, transforming the followers, creating the visions of the goals
that may be attained and guiding others towards the attainment of goals (Chapter – I.
Leadership Concept and Theories, n.d.). Within the working environmental conditions, the
individuals experience number of problems in terms of various areas, i.e. job duties, goals
and objectives, lack of resources and facilities, overall working environmental conditions and
so forth. In providing solutions to these problems, they need to obtain support and assistance
from their leaders. Hence, the leaders need to ensure, they possess an approachable nature
and should take out time to listen to the problems and concerns of their employees.

Leadership and Management

Leadership and management are viewed as synonymous, but there are differences
between the two. The major emphasis of leadership is on interpersonal behavior. The
leadership is often associated with the enthusiastic behavior of the followers. Leadership does
not necessarily take place within the hierarchical structure of the organization. In other
words, there are number of individuals, who operate as leaders, without their role ever being
clearly established and defined. A leader is the person, who has sufficient influence to bring
about long-term changes in the attitudes and to make the changes more acceptable. It is
primarily associated with stimulating the mind-sets of the individuals towards the
implementation of job duties (Chapter – I. Leadership Concept and Theories, n.d.).

Management is the process of getting things done through and with others to achieve
the desired goals and objectives. The management reacts to specific situations and develop
concern in providing solutions to short-term problems. Management is regarding relating to
individuals, working within the structured organization and with the prescribed roles. The
managers may not put into operation the leadership functions in terms of individuals external
to the organization. The differences between leadership and management are stated in terms
of various aspects, i.e. creating a schedule, developing a network for achieving the schedule,
execution and outcomes. These are stated as follows: (Chapter – I. Leadership Concept and
Theories, n.d.).

Creating a Schedule

When a schedule is to be created, the leaders develop a vision and strategies needed
for its achievement. The leaders need to conduct an analysis of the areas, which need to be
improved and work towards formulation of measures and approaches. On the other hand, the
job duty of the managers is to set up a plan and budgets. They establish the detailed steps and
timetables for attainment of the desired outcomes. The resources are needed to be allocated to
achieve the desired goals and objectives. Hence, it is the job duty of the managers to ensure
that there are sufficient resources available for the generation of the desired outcomes.

Developing a Network for achieving the Schedule

In the case of leaders, they carry out the job duty of aligning the individuals. They
impart them information in terms of measures and procedures, so they are able to develop
mutual understanding and promote teamwork. In the development of the network, the
individuals need to work in coordination and integration with each other. It is the job duty of
the leaders to encourage teamwork. Whereas, the managers are required to establish a
structure for achieving the plans, delegates authority and responsibility for implementation,
develop policies and procedures to guide and direct the employees and create the monitoring
systems.

Execution

In the case of execution, the leaders need to motivate and inspire others towards the
implementation of tasks and functions. The mind-sets of the individuals are stimulated
towards overcoming political, bureaucratic and resource barriers that are needed to meet the
needs and requirements of the individuals as well as the organization as a whole. On the other
hand, the managers are required to exercise control and provide solutions to the problems that
may take place within the course of implementation of job duties. Furthermore, they monitor
the results against the plans and then plans and organizes to close the gap.

Outcomes

In the case of outcomes, the leaders are required to be well-aware in terms of ways
that are essential to generate the desired outcomes and produce changes to an impressive
extent. The leaders need to implement the potential for producing beneficial changes. For
example, when new products are desired by the customers, then modern and pioneering
methods are put into operation for leading to changes and improvements. Whereas, the
managers should have the capability of produce the significant results that are expected by
various stockholders. These include, meeting the target date for the customers and paying
dividends to the stakeholders. Both the leaders and managers need to put emphasis towards
augmenting their skills and abilities towards generation of desired outcomes.

Functions of Leadership

The leaders are required to carry out number of job duties and responsibilities. In
acquiring an efficient understanding of the process of leadership, one needs to understand the
functions of leadership. The capabilities and aptitude, which are required to put into operation
the functions are dependent upon the nature of the groups. The position of the leaders may
undergo changes within the period of time. It is necessary to list a range of general functions,
which are served by the leaders, particularly when one is conducting research on the concept
of leadership. The functions of leadership are stated as follows:

Leader is the Representative of the Subordinates – Within the hierarchy of the

organization, the individuals are assigned different job positions in accordance to their
educational qualifications, work experience, skills, abilities and personality traits. The Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) is at the topmost position. The other members of the organization
include, general managers, managers, trainers, supervisors, workforce, and other staff
members. The individuals are assigned different job duties within the organizations, i.e.
clerical, managerial, administrative, technical and so forth. The members have supervisors or
heads, whom they have to report to in terms of their job duties. The supervisors are the
representatives of their subordinates. When the subordinates experience any problems and
challenges, they convey them to their supervisors and they in turn put them forward to the
CEO, directors or heads. Therefore, it is well-understood that leader is regarded as the
representative of the subordinates and forms a connection between the subordinates and the
CEO or directors or heads of the organizations.

Leader is an Appropriate Counsellor – Within the course of implementation of their

job duties, the individuals are required to experience number of problems and challenges.
These may take place on a frequent basis or seldom. They usually give rise to barriers within
the course of implementation of their job duties in an effectual manner. The employees
approach their leaders, when the problems are severe and they are unable to provide solutions
to them on their own. In such cases, the leaders need to carry out the roles of the counsellors.
In the implementation of the roles of appropriate counsellors, they need to be well-aware in
terms of measures and approaches and communicate them to the employees in an appropriate
manner. Therefore, when the leaders carry out the job duties of the counsellors in an
appropriate manner, they are able to render a significant contribution in helping the
employees to overcome the barriers and carry out their job duties in a satisfactory manner.

Manages Time and Resources in an Effective Manner – The leaders need to manage
the time and resources in an effective manner. This function of the leader is regarded to be of
utmost significance in putting into operation the job duties in a satisfactory manner and
achieving the desired goals and objectives. The members of the organization at all levels need
resources to carry out their job duties. It is the job duty of the leaders to guide them to utilize
the resources suitably. These are, materials, technologies, tools, machinery, equipment and
finances. In the implementation of job duties in an efficacious manner, the members of the
organization need time. Hence, the leaders need to ensure, they are given sufficient time. All
the members need to be well-aware of the fact that time and resources are to be made use of
in an efficacious manner and wastage should be prevented. Therefore, it can be stated,
managing time and resources in an effective manner is an essential function of leadership.

Makes Provision of Security to Others – Within the working environment, the

members will be able to carry out their job duties well, when they feel safe. The members
need to feel safe physically as well as psychologically. It is the job duty of the leaders to
create a safe working environment. In hazardous occupations, such as, lock industries,
plantations, silk weaving, gem cutting and so forth, the leaders ensure that employees take
precautions to carry out their job duties safely and prevent accidents. When the individuals
are required to work with machines and tools, the supervisors need to supervise them and
ensure they are performing their job duties well. In addition, it needs to be ensured, the
machines and tools are also in a safe condition. They need to ensure that communication
takes place among the members in a decent and respectful manner, so they feel safe
psychologically. Therefore, it can be stated, making provision of security to others is a vital
function of leadership.

Makes the Working Environment Conducive to Work – The working environmental

conditions need to be conducive to work. The leaders need to take into account various
factors to make the working environment conducive to work. These are, ensuring there are
appropriate infrastructure, amenities, facilities, resources, tools, materials, technologies and
equipment, the individuals communicate with each other in an efficacious manner, there is
development of mutual understanding among members, ensuring the existence of proper
grievance redresser procedures, ensuring the individuals are well-equipped in terms of job
duties, equal rights are provided to all, there is not any discrimination on the basis of factors,
such as, caste, creed, race, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, educational qualifications,
personality traits and socio-economic background, proper rules and laws are formulated, the
members need to possess an approachable nature and an amiable attitude and one should not
be pressurized or overloaded with work. Therefore, when the leaders will implement these
factors, they will contribute effectively in making the working environment conducive to
work.
Develops the Attitude of Co-operation among Workforce – It is comprehensively
understood that the individuals cannot carry out their job duties in seclusion. They need to
work in co-operation with others. The leaders normally convey the viewpoint to the
employees that they need to communicate with others well and work in co-operation with
each other. Working in co-operation will prove to be beneficial to them to a major extent. The
individuals will be able to exchange viewpoints and perspectives, obtain help from others in
providing solutions to problems, work in collaboration and integration with each other, incur
the feeling of job satisfaction and they do not have to consult their supervisors in terms of
trivial issues. When any types of difficulties and setbacks can be overcome through
development of the attitude of co-operation among workforce, they will not have to approach
the leaders. Therefore, it is well-understood, the leaders put emphasis upon the development
of the attitude of co-operation among workforce in all types of organizations.

Communicates Policies and Procedures to the Workforce – When the workforce are
recruited within the organizations and among the present workforce as well, the leaders need
to communicate in terms of policies and procedures. The policies are in terms of the job
duties, work timings and overall working environmental conditions, whereas, procedures are
related to the ways in which job duties need to be carried out in accordance to the
expectations of the supervisors and employers. In some organizations, the policies and
procedures are manageable to understand, whereas, in others, the employees experience
problems in acquiring an efficient understanding in terms of them as well as in putting them
into operation in a useful manner. When the employees experience problems, it is the job
duty of the leaders to make provision of support and assistance to them in acquiring an
efficient understanding and putting them into operation. Therefore, it is well-understood, the
leaders need to carry out the function of communication of policies and procedures to the
workforce in all types of organizations.

Guides and Directs the Overall Functioning of the Organization – This function is
apparent and is comprehensively understood that the leaders need to guide and direct the
employees in the overall functioning of the organization. The employees normally not just
have one job duty, but number of job duties to perform. Hence, in the satisfactory
performance of job duties, the leaders need to guide and direct them well. Furthermore, in
leading to overall functioning of the organizations as well, the leaders need to ensure, the
human resources are well-equipped in terms of knowledge, skills, and capabilities. When the
employees experience setbacks within the course of implementation of job duties in a useful
manner, it is the job duty of the leaders to make provision of solutions to their problems.
When problems will be solved, when the individuals will develop mutual understanding and
work in collaboration and integration with each other towards the achievement of desired
goals and objectives, they will promote overall functioning of the organization in a
satisfactory manner. Therefore, guiding and directing the overall functioning of the
organization is an important function of the leaders.

Understands Problems and Feelings of Subordinates – Within the working

environment, the employees experience problems and challenges in terms of number of
factors. These include, performance of job duties, dealing with changes, being well-equipped
in terms of modern, scientific and innovative methods, making use of machines, tools, and
technologies, coping with the needs and demands of the customers, pay and reimbursements,
experiencing conflicting situations and disagreements, leaves, setbacks in acquiring an
understanding of the principles and procedures and overall working environmental
conditions. When the subordinates experience problems in terms of one or more of these
factors, they report them to their leaders. The leaders need to understand them and deal with
them in an effectual manner. Furthermore, the subordinates need to be provided with the
opportunities to express their viewpoints and perspectives. The leaders need to possess an
approachable nature, so the subordinates feel comfortable in communicating with them. In
understanding the problems and feelings of the subordinates, the leaders may even get
engaged in informal conversations with them. Therefore, understanding the problems and
feelings of the subordinates is regarded as a crucial function of leaders.

Implement Measures to eliminate Barriers – Different types of barriers do take place

within the course of implementation of job duties (Anshika, n.d.). These are related to
finances, resources, materials, tools, technologies, transportation, lack of personnel and so
forth. When these barriers take place, it is apparent that they would give rise to setbacks
within the course of implementation of tasks and activities in a satisfactory manner. In such
cases, the members would approach their leaders to make provision of solutions to the
problems. The crucial function of the leaders is to implement measures to eliminate barriers.
In some cases, these measures are difficult, whereas, in other cases, they are manageable to
put into operation. The leaders usually need to work in collaboration and integration with the
employees to eliminate the barriers. But when the participation of the employees is not
required, they may put them into operation independently. This is usually, when machines
need to be replaced by new ones. Therefore, it is understood that implementing measures to
eliminate barriers is regarded as an indispensable function of leaders.

Types of Leadership

The types of leadership are three, i.e. autocratic or dictatorial leadership, democratic
leadership and laissez-faire or free rein leadership. These are stated as follows:

Autocratic or Dictatorial Leadership

In the autocratic or dictatorial leadership, the leader is vested with complete

responsibilities of all the actions. The leaders primarily relies on the implicit obedience from
the group in following his orders. He determines the plans and policies. The decision making
process is regarded to be of utmost significance. The leaders make all the decisions on their
own and do not obtain ideas and suggestions from others. The terms and relationships of the
leaders with the subordinates are negative. In developing motivation and discipline among
subordinates, they use threats of punishment. The subordinates need to follow the decisions
of the leaders, whether, they are favorable to them or not. When the decisions as well as other
factors are not favorable to the employees, then it is apparent that the employee morale will
be low. There is no scope to create and develop managers.

This type of leadership style is effective in the organizations, where the nature of job
duties requires the implementation of decision making processes on a frequent basis. The sole
responsibility of the decision making processes are vested with the leaders. In accordance to
the research studies on this type of leadership, it has been found out that this type of
leadership can be detrimental rather than rewarding. The reason being, the members of the
organization are not provided with the rights and opportunities to express their needs and
desires. Furthermore, it may lead to low employee morale. When the employee morale is low,
it is apparent that the employees will not incur the feeling of job satisfaction and depict
interest and enthusiasm in the implementation of job duties. Hence, one of the major
disadvantages is, this is unhealthy for the overall functioning of the organizations. On the
other hand, this type of leadership is helpful in situations, when there is an occurrence of
crisis situations. In the case of crisis situations, the leaders will be able to make wise and
productive decisions, due to quick decision making abilities. Hence, crisis would get resolved
(Definition of Autocratic Leadership, 2020).
Democratic Leadership

In the case of democratic leadership, the leader draws ideas and suggestions from the
group of members. The other members are provided with the opportunities to express their
ideas and perspectives. In other words, the leaders consult others, when they are to make
important decisions. The members are encouraged by the leaders to augment creative skills
and carrying out their job duties with interest and enthusiasm. When the members are
allowed to participate in formulation of plans and policies and express their viewpoints, they
form pleasant and amiable terms and relationships with leaders, develop higher employee
morale, increase in the feeling of job satisfaction, and reduced dependence on the leaders.
Democratic leadership assures, there is an increase in productivity and satisfaction. The
workforce needs to be well-aware and self-disciplined. When they will be well-aware, only
then, they will be able to render a significant contribution in increasing productivity,
profitability and satisfaction. This leadership is dependent to a major extent on non-financial
incentives.

The democratic leadership is based on mutual respect. It is often combined with

participatory leadership, as it requires the individuals to work in collaboration and integration
with each other. The democratic or participatory leadership style places significant
responsibility on the leaders and the staff members. This is a fact for all the organizations, i.e.
from private enterprises and government agencies to educational institutions and non-profit
entities. Participation is regarded as the key to all successful enterprises. This usually
includes, attentive constituents in a congressional district, concerned parents of students at a
school, active members from the non-profit organization and engaged employees at the
prospering organization. In this leadership, the employees are empowered to participate in the
decision making processes and participate even in the management and administrative
functions. Therefore, it is understood that in this type of leadership, the leaders have number
of job duties and responsibilities, which they carry out in collaboration with the other
members (What is Democratic/Participative Leadership, 2018).

Laissez-faire or Free Rein Leadership

In the case of laissez-faire or free rein leadership, the leader depends entirely on the
subordinates to establish their own goals and make their own decisions. The subordinates are
provided with the opportunities to carry out the functions of planning and organizing in an
effectual manner and proceeding. In the administrative functions, the leaders do not play a
major role. The job duties of the leaders are just limited to making provision of information
and assistance in the case of occurrence of any problems and setbacks. This leadership is
usually suitable for professional members of the organization, who are trained and well-
equipped in terms of methods and procedures. The reason being, when the staff members will
be well-equipped in terms of procedures, and approaches, they will be able to carry out their
job duties independently without obtaining minimum support and assistance from the leaders.

Laissez-faire or free rein leadership is also known as delegated leadership. In this type
of leadership style, the leaders make provision of opportunities to the members of the groups
to make the necessary decisions. One of the major disadvantages of this leadership is to lower
the productivity among the members of the group. When there are occurrence of any
problems, the members of the groups are provided with the opportunities to make their own
decisions and provide solutions to problems on their own. The major characteristics of this
type of leadership are, hands-off approach, leaders provide all the training and support,
decisions are left to the employees, the leaders are vested with the responsibilities to guide
the employees in terms of mistakes and accountability is vested with the leaders. The
advantages of this type of leadership is it encourages personal growth, it leads to an increase
in the utilization of innovative methods and promotes the decision making processes in an
effectual manner. This type of leadership is acknowledged and is put into operation in various
types of organizations (Cherry, 2020).

Roles of the Leaders

The roles of the leaders is not limited to formation of an amiable and pleasant
environment within the workplace and in directing and guiding the workforce in the right
direction towards the attainment of organizational goals, but the roles of the leaders is
extended to other areas as well. Within the working environment, when the leaders and
employees form good terms and relationships with each other, they even get engaged in
pleasant informal conversations with each other. The leaders listen to the personal problems
of the employees and give them suggestions. The roles of the leaders are primarily
highlighted in terms of the areas and these are stated as follows:

Negotiator – Negotiator is the person, who has formal discussions with others to reach
an agreement (Chapter – 3. Leadership, n.d.). He is the single point of contact for the
opposite party. It is the job of the negotiator to make it clear right from the beginning that
they will be the sole point of contact for the negotiation processes. Furthermore, they state
that in the decision making processes, they are not participating solely, but there are other
individuals as well, who are expressing their viewpoints. In emerging into a good negotiator,
the individuals need to get engaged into meaningful conversations. They ensure that the
communication processes takes place in an efficacious manner and there are not occurrence
of conflicts and disagreements among individuals. Therefore, when the leaders perform the
role of negotiator in an appropriate manner, they are able to emerge into wise and productive
leaders.

Coach – Coach is referred to the trainer or teacher. The primary job duty of the coach
is to make provision of necessary knowledge to the individuals to enable them to understand
the concepts. Furthermore, they help the individuals to achieve the necessary goals and
objectives. When the leaders are enthusiastic towards their work duties, they not only aim to
impart information to the individuals to acquire an efficient understanding of the concepts
and lesson plans and achieve the essential goals, but they also prepare them well and enable
them to emerge into moral and ethical human beings and productive citizens of the country.
In order to perform one’s job duties well and enhance the overall structure of the
organizations, the leaders, who are playing the role of coaches need to possess sufficient
information in terms of concepts and factors. The leaders need to conduct research on a
regular basis and augment their knowledge and understanding to carry out the role of a coach
in an efficient manner. Therefore, when the leaders act as coaches, they are able to contribute
effectively and in a well-organized manner to enable the individuals to do well in their jobs.

Guide – The guide is the person, who has the job duty of leading the individuals
through unfamiliar locations. When the individuals are not aware in terms of which directions
to go through, they need support and assistance from the guide. This term is also applied to
the individuals, who leads others to common goals, such as, knowledge and wisdom. Within
educational institutions and employment settings, when the students and the employees are
not familiar with the concepts and other aspects, the leaders need to perform the roles of
guides and lead them towards the right direction. In achieving the desired goals and
objectives, when the individuals are perplexed and unaware, the guides are required to
remove their perplexity, generate awareness among them in terms of various areas and ensure
they are on the right path. When the work duties are complicated, it is likely possible that the
individuals will feel apprehensive, in such cases, the guides would develop confidence among
them and alleviate apprehensiveness and vulnerability. Therefore, it is well-understood, the
role of leaders as guides are acknowledged and are regarded valuable in achievement of
professional and personal goals.

Counsellor – Within the course of pursuance of education and in employment

settings, the individuals experience number of problems, which can be overwhelming. These
problems are usually related to learning, home, family, finances, health and so forth.
Overcoming problems in terms of these areas and preventing them from assuming a major
form is one of the major aims of the individuals. Hence, for this purpose, they obtain ideas
and suggestions from others, particularly when they are unable to solve them on their own. In
case of some problems, the leaders may perform the role of the counsellor. For example,
when students experience learning disabilities and are unable to acquire an understanding of
lesson plans, the teachers normally perform the role of counsellors and help them to
overcome learning disabilities. On the other hand, in employment settings as well, when
employees experience setbacks within the course of their job performance, they act as
counsellors. Therefore, when the leaders put into practice the role of counsellor in a suitable
manner, they are able to make provision of assistance to the individuals in solving their
problems and enabling them to achieve goals and objectives.

Advisor – In the implementation of the role of the advisor, the leaders usually possess
deeper knowledge in terms of the specific area, hence, they are able to implement the role of
the advisor. When the leader performs the role of the advisor, they make provision of factual
information to the individuals in terms of various areas. For example, in financial institutions,
there are financial advisors, who impart information in terms of aspects related to
management and investment of financial resources. Advisors are regarded as the part of
leadership, whereas, the consultants are the ones, who carry out functional roles. In higher
educational institutions, advisors are appointed, who carry out the job duties of guiding and
leading the students through the ways related to the pursuance of academic programs. The
leaders can put into practice the roles of the advisors in an efficacious manner, when they
possess accurate and satisfactory knowledge in terms of various areas. Therefore, it can be
stated, the roles of leaders as advisors can prove to be effectual and worthwhile to the
individuals.

Mentor – A mentor is the person, who shares with the mentee, information in terms of
his or her career path. In addition, they make provision of guidance, motivation, emotional
support and role modelling. The important areas, which need to be taken into consideration in
terms of career path are, exploring the opportunities, setting goals, developing contacts and
identifying resources. It is the job duty of the mentor to guide the less experienced individuals
by building trust and modeling positive behaviors. When the individuals are obtaining ideas
and suggestions from mentors, they need to form positive viewpoints and trust them. A
principled mentor will all the time make provision of accurate information to the individuals
and aim for their success and well-being. An efficient mentor will understand that his or her
role is to be dependable, participative, authentic and focused towards the needs and
requirements of the mentee. Hence, they will ensure that they provide truthful and
meaningful information to them, which would lead to their enrichment. Therefore, it is
necessary for the leaders to perform the role of the mentor and help the individuals to achieve
the desired goals and objectives.

Friend – When the leaders and employees form pleasant and amiable terms and
relationships with each other, they would get engaged in informal conversations as well. The
employees may even discuss personal matters with the leaders, apart from work-related
matters. When they feel that personal issues are giving rise to impediments within the course
of implementation of their job duties, they may seek ideas and suggestions from leaders,
particularly when they are friendly in attitude. When the leaders listen to personal matters and
provide useful suggestions, they are performing the role of the friend. When the leaders are
friendly in attitude, the other individuals feel pleasurable and contented within the working
environment and are able to wholeheartedly concentrate upon their work duties. It is apparent
that individuals do experience challenges. Hence, when the leaders are friendly in attitude,
they will render a significant contribution in making provision of help. Therefore, it is well-
understood that the role of the leaders as friends will be beneficial to the individuals to a
major extent.

Motivator – It is comprehensively understood that all the members of the organization

need to develop motivation and enthusiasm towards the implementation of their tasks and
activities. They need to form positive viewpoints and carry out their job duties well. The
leaders are required to develop motivation and interest and enthusiasm among the members
in terms of job duties as well as organization as a whole. Motivation is referred to stimulating
the mind-sets of the individuals towards work. One of the common ways of motivating the
individuals is by giving of rewards and incentives. When the members feel rewards and
incentives will prove to be beneficial to them in enriching their career prospects, they will
work diligently and conscientiously towards the implementation of their job duties.
Therefore, the role of the leaders as motivators is acknowledged in all types of organizations.

Team-builder – Within various types of organizations, the individuals are able to

carry out their job duties well and contribute efficiently in achievement of organizational
goals, when they work in a team. The role of the leaders as team-builders is focused upon
generating awareness among the individuals that they need to work in a team and promote
mutual understanding. When the individuals are working in a team, they are able to benefit in
number of ways, i.e. obtaining support and assistance from others in performing well in their
job duties, augmenting their abilities to cope with challenges, incurring the feeling of job
satisfaction, forming pleasant and amiable terms and relationships with others and so forth.
The leaders normally are vested with the responsibilities of forming teams. Therefore, the
role of leaders as team-builders is regarded as an important role of the leaders.

Director – Director is the person, who is in charge of the department or organization

as a whole. He is vested with the authority and responsibility to manage and administer the
tasks and functions of the organizations as a whole. He supervises the subordinates and
ensures, they are carrying out the tasks and activities in a well-ordered manner and are
dedicated towards the achievement of desired goals and objectives. The role of the director is
to direct others in the right direction. The director has the primary role of making selection of
the members, production processes, designing, structuring and all other activities of the
organization. He is also vested with the authority to make decisions. He may obtain ideas and
suggestions from others or make the decisions at his own discretion. Therefore, the role of
director is a vital role that individuals in leadership positions need to pay attention towards on
a regular basis.

Conclusion

Leadership skills need to be put into operation within educational institutions at all
levels, various types of organizations, as well as within households. Hence, the individuals in
leadership positions need to pay attention towards honing of these skills on a regular basis.
The differences between leadership and management are stated in terms of various aspects,
i.e. creating a schedule, developing a network for achieving the schedule, execution and
outcomes. The functions of leadership are, leader is the representative of the subordinates,
leader is an appropriate counsellor, manages time and resources in an effective manner,
makes provision of security to others, makes the working environment conducive to work,
develops the attitude of co-operation among workforce, communicates policies and
procedures to the workforce, guides and directs the overall functioning of the organization,
understands problems and feelings of subordinates and implement measures to eliminate
barriers.

The types of leadership are three, i.e. autocratic or dictatorial leadership, democratic
leadership and laissez-faire or free rein leadership. The roles of the leaders are primarily
highlighted in terms of the areas and these are, negotiator, coach, guide, counsellor, advisor,
mentor, friend, motivator, team-builder and director. Finally, it can be stated, in order to
achieve organizational goals and ensure that employees are carrying out their job duties well,
the individuals, who are in leadership positions need to focus upon acquiring an efficient
understanding of the concept of leadership.
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