Reflection on Leadership
A review on leadership theories reveals that despite belonging to various schools of thought, they can be characterized from more traditional and static theories (trait, power, transactional theories) with a shift towards more accommodative, flexible theories (situational and transformational theories) recognizing interdependence and the changing environment with the need to adequately respond to these changes by adjusting the facets of leadership.
I feel the leadership crisis is based on how leaders carry out managerial functions due to failure of role clarity. According to Bennis (22), leaders fail to define their work. The uncertainty of the future is a challenge for leadership because as much as objectives are clear, the environment is highly dynamic. The success of leadership is, therefore based on how many futuristic structures have been inculcated into employees through building a culture in readiness for a higher vision. These will include empowerment, autonomy, participative management, entrepreneurship, and developing future leaders. Bennis (26) states despite leaders influencing the masses, they have to be result-oriented in consideration of employee retention, organizational design and succession planning.
There are various practical ways a Public Administrator could implement the information in their job in 2020. In my opinion, integrating both transformational leadership and the situational theory is highly critical in the modern-day. Firstly they should emphasize on institutional values that foster innovation and creativity. Bennis (24) explains how competent leaders bring risk-tolerance alongside resourcefulness as a leadership advantage for required for the 21st century. Secondly, I advise focusing on employee participation to enhance their commitment towards the achievement of a common vision. According to Kellis and Bing (132), transformational leadership engages federal employees during change initiatives and improves on autonomy which is crucial for efficiency and effectiveness. I believe enhancing stakeholder collaboration through situational leadership is critical in 2020 based on volatility and heightening demands of public accountability. Kellis and Bing (133) state that public institutions have extensive links between internal and external stakeholders making structures characterized by teams, outsourcing and alliances. Shared leadership will result in a more transparent and ethical delivery.
Works Cited
Bennis, Warren. “The leadership advantage.” Leader to leader 12.2 (1999): 18-23.
Kellis, Dana S., and Bing Ran. “Modern leadership principles for public administration: Time to move forward.” Journal of Public Affairs 13.1 (2013): 130-141.