Leadership is the process of influencing others and supporting them to work with enthusiasm in order to  achieve common goals. It is understood as the ability to take initiative, manage, convene, promote, encourage, motivate and evaluate a group or team.

Leadership means being that one person (leader) who can influence and motivate others (followers). Hence, in studies on leadership there is a lot of emphasis on the power of persuasion and influence. Traditionally, the sum of these two variables is called charisma. However, current studies in psychology and sociology have concluded that charisma is not important as given historically.  There are other factors that are crucial to build leadership.

Types of leadership

According to the opinions of experts in the field of Organizational Development, there are a few definitive types of leadership.

Traditional Leader: One who inherits the power to be in charge. Somebody who belongs to a family group of elite that has had power for generations.

The only distinction is that a leader has followers: there is no leader without followers.

The word “leadership” itself can mean a collective group of leaders, or it can imply special characteristic of a famous figure (like a hero). Other uses for this word exist where the leader does not direct, but is a figure of respect (as a scientific authority, through their work, their discoveries, their contributions to the community). Along with the role of prestige that is associated with inspirational leadership, a more superficial use of the word “leadership” can designate entities innovative, which over a period of time taking the lead in some areas, like any corporation or product that takes the first position in any market.

Arieu defined the typical leader as “a person capable of inspiring and associating others with a dream.” That’s why it is important that organizations have a high mission statement, since it is a very powerful way to strengthen the leadership of its directors.

There is a fundamental rule in the leadership that is the basis for a good leader and that is required for effective leadership. Most of the authors named it as the gold standard in personal relationships, and it is easy, simple and very effective: “Do not put the employee in your place: you put yourself in the employees shoes.”

A Charismatic leader is the one that has the ability to generate enthusiasm. Is chosen as leader for his enthusiasm towards his followers.

Leadership developement

According to this classification, there are several styles of leadership:

Autocratic leader: A leader autocrat assumes full responsibility for making decisions, initiating actions, giving directions, motivation.

Entrepreneurial leader: A leadership style that adopts the participatory consultation used in practicing leadership. Does not delegate his right to make final decisions. He points out specific guidelines to his staff, but also checks out their ideas and views on many decisions which affect them.

Liberal leader: In this style of leadership, the leader delegates to his subordinates the authority to make decisions.

Proactive Leadership: This type of leader promotes the potential of individuals.

The leader is the only one in the group that makes decisions about work and organization of the group, without having to justify them at any time. The evaluation criteria used by the leader is not known by the group.
Communication is unidirectional: from the subordinate leader.

Leadership and democracy:

The leader makes decisions after enhancing the group’s discussion, welcoming the views of its followers.
The evaluation criteria and standards are explicit and clear.
When there is a problem, the leader offers several solutions, among which the group has to choose.

Leadership liberal or laissez faire:

The leader takes a passive role, leaving the power in the hands of the group. At no time judge or assess the contributions of other group members. Group members enjoy total freedom, and have the support of the leader only if requested.