Mkt Uofp

Leadership Approach

Rakeshia Rhodes

LDR/531

November 7th, 2011

Earl Chinn

Leadership Approach

Influence plays a major role in leadership and is also used heavily to help define the term. In a more broad definition, influence is the action (used by a leader) that compels a group of people to do, say, act, or be. This definition implies that the intentions of the leader may be trustworthy. When a common goal needs to be achieved, the focus of the group is for a greater purpose than the personal wants and needs of the leader. One theory introduced by Yukl (2010), uses war as an example to suggest that influence based on emotions can result in a desired outcome. War is not a delightful thing, but with the right type of inspiration, followers will be compelled to engage in military action.

In a military situation, soldiers may not agree with their president’s vision, but the love and passion they have for their freedom and their country empower them to fight. It is these traits that are needed among followers to reach a desired outcome. It is the Power-Influence research approach “that seeks to explain leadership effectiveness in terms of the amount and type of power possessed by a leader and how power is exercised” (Yukl, 2010, p.14). Empowering followers is the strongest aspect of this leadership approach. Instilling a sense of capability and honor within the group gives them strength. A strong following is based on a group of people who believe in themselves and have the support of their leader.

Another aspect of the power-influence approach is participative leadership: power sharing and delegation. Not only is it important to uplift the group, but also it allows them to participate in the leadership process. An example of this delegation of power can be seen within the U.S. Army. In the chain of command, a private is in the lowest rank and a general is among the highest. Between these two positions are several ranks, each possessing more...