LEADERSHIP ROLES In the previous edition of this newspaper, I wrote about the qualities of a leader. I hinted on quite a number of attributes or rather qualities of a leader. It is my fervent wish and prayer that those already in leadership and other people aspiring for leadership found the article very captivating. Hence, giving them insights on leadership as they contemplate becoming leaders themselves. This time around I wish to take you through the article I have entitled: “Leadership Roles.” It is a very well-known fact that every leader has some leadership roles to play. Leadership roles are synonymous with the duties which any leader performs during his or her tenure of office and to the satisfaction of the people. These roles are cardinal in that they are time manifestation of one’s leadership in serving people and ultimately meeting their numerous pressing needs. It is true to mention here that people’s needs cannot be addressed at once, but they can gradually or in a given space of time. The following are some of the leadership roles which every leader should play: 1. Accommodative Role:The leader in this instance should be free to accommodate divergent views arising from criticism. This means that the leader must accept his or her mistakes made in the course of performing leadership roles. This is important in that it reduces tension with the people being led. As eluded earlier, criticism calls for accommodation provided the former is justifiable. 2. Visionary Role: Vision demands a broader perspective of issues that is looking beyond the present. For the leader to lead well, she or he must play a visionary role by not only focusing on the present but equally focusing in the future. This role is critical and calls for proper planning because failure to plan is planning to fail. 3. Advisory Role:This role requires the leader to provide the advice to his or her people on some pertinent issues such as development for instance. It is common knowledge that the people might be facing some challenges which they can’t resolve on their own. In this context, there is need to consult their leader who in turn provides the necessary counsel so that things work in tandem with their expectation. 4. Communicative Role: The leader should always be in constant touch with his or her people. This is very important in that it enables the leader to know what is happening on the ground. In this way, the leader and the people will achieve a common developmental goal. 5. Evaluative Role: The leader as a co-partner in development must play an important role in evaluating progress regarding developmental issues in a particular area where people dwell and from time to time. 6. Educative Role: The leader in this particular instance should take it upon himself or herself to educate people on the need for them to participate in developmental issues as stakeholders. In this way, people will be very responsible to jealously guard whatever success they have achieved with their leader. 7. Practical Role: The leader must play a practical role by implementing whatever development she or he has been advocated for. This would certainly impact positively in people’s lives as a matter of fact. The global icon and first black president of South Africa once said, “Actions and not words shall change the world and people in particular for the better.” 8. Motivational Role: For any developmental goal to be attained, it is imperative that the leader and the people should mutually work together. In this respect the leader must motivate his or her people to work extra hard by virtue of leading by practical example. This kind of leadership role is the one that brings about remarkable change in any given society. In conclusion, there are some leadership roles which the leader must play in order to serve people in a dignified manner. The ones highlighted above are but just a few. Assume leadership roles and apply them. These will harmonize the relationship between the leader and the people towards attainment of the common objective which is development. Leadership Corner by Elemiya Phiri For comments: contact the author at elemiyaphiri@gmail or call 0977 188020 and 0968 257620
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 09:39:44 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015