Definition of Leadership in Business

Leaders require a number of qualities.

Any business, large or small, needs a number of leaders. These people serve a vital function within the company, setting an example to their peers and teams and providing a source of information and direction to colleagues and co-workers. There are many qualities that constitute a leader, and a good leader can inspire those around him or her to excel in their field.

Definition

A leader can be approached for advice and guidance.

Nwlink.com defines leadership as "a process by which a person influences others to accomplish an objective and directs the organization in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent". This process is carried out through the application by one or more people of knowledge and skills to those in their team.

Those in the team also learn from the leader as an example of how they should act and conduct themselves, identifying with the leader's values, morals and character. The process of leadership is characterised by the knowledge of the leader; it is the beliefs and ethics held by the leader that makes them unique.

Function

Leadership is the core value of any business.

There is much value placed on the role of leadership in the workplace. A good business has at its core a group of highly skilled leaders who influence those around them to function correctly, and if the team works well and produces results then the business thrives.

Leaders also provide those in higher management with a point of contact within the team, and can therefore be used to cascade knowledge and information to the business as a whole.

Benefits

A good leader can inspire a good team.

There are numerous benefits to having a good leader within a business. They have the ability-- whether 'in-built' or achieved through training and experience--to influence those around them, motivating them to achieve to their full potential.

A good leader is approachable yet firm, dispensing knowledge and training others in vital skills whilst ensuring that the team is focussed and working together to achieve the aims of the business. Leaders can promote enthusiasm within the team, compelling the team to strive to strengthen working relationships.

Qualities

A good leader should nurture a strong sense of teamwork.

There are a number of qualities and characteristics that are held by every good leader. Team Leaders must have vision, and know how to convey that vision to others, so that everybody is working towards the same aims and goals. Team leaders must not be influenced to divert their concentration elsewhere, thus losing focus, but be able to inspire those around them to work to the best of their abilities.

A good leader will reward others for good work, and thus create a bond of trust between himself and his team. As well as being a good and clear communicator, a great leader must also be honest and open with colleagues and employers.

Common Leadership Errors

A good manager is a leader first, and a friend second.

There are a number of errors and pitfalls that some leaders fall into. Communication is the key to leadership in business, and with the common use of business 'jargon' there is a danger that leaders may not convey goals and instructions clearly and coherently, thus risking confusing his or her team.

Some leaders may be so eager to be seen as helpful and knowledgeable that they spend all their time answering questions and dispensing advice, resulting in their own work not being carried out to the best of their ability. Leaders should convey their expectations and then allow their team to use initiative and creativity to achieve the results.

Some leaders also procrastinate, avoiding making difficult decisions in the hope that the problem will resolve itself. This is rarely successful, and often leads to further issues when results are not achieved due to these delays.

References

• Nwlink.com: Concepts of Leadership
• Top 7 Business: Top 7 Leadership Mistakes to Avoid
• Leadership Expert: Benefits of Leadership