HBR’s 10 Must Reads on Leadership
Generally, all the articles in HBRS 10 must reads revolve around providing answers towards the qualities of a great leader as well as the ways through which an individual can acquire the qualities. To answer the questions. Specifically, the essay undertakes a precise methodological approach by addressing what a leader needs to do, the ideal personality of an effective leader, and the capacities of leadership and the ways of distributing the qualities across various individuals. The article uses the essays, “what makes an effective executive? “, ” what leaders really do? ” and “the work of leadership? “. According to (Kruse, 2013), leadership is a way of impacting others towards success. Therefore, we can analyze the article according to the leadership. In revealing, what a leader needs to do, the essay on “what makes an effective executive” lays out several performable leadership roles that guide a leader in gaining the required knowledge as well as transforming the knowledge into action (Drucker, Goleman & George,2011). The essay highlights that the importance of examining what the firm requires to do is crucial in helping the executive develop and abide by the plans set. The article “what leaders really do? ” Provides critical guidance to a leader in developing a firm’s vision and sense of direction. Further, the article also explains how a leader can lead the company successfully towards achieving its vision.
The essay, “the work of leadership” also strengthens th essay concept towards advising on what a leader needs to do. Notably, the essay centers around providing leadership solutions towards adapting to the organizational challenges such as increased competition. The essay provides a unique solution to what a leader should do. The article argues that the leader should refrain from providing solutions or define a suitable direction but should pose questions and develop an environment that allows the organizational workforce in achieving suitable solutions.
Besides, identifying what a leader needs to do, the essay also undertakes a critical approach in defining the ideal personality of a leader. (Drucker, Goleman & George,2011) By examining the article, “why should anyone be led by you? ” There are four critical personality traits presented to define how a leader can inspire and preserve their followers. The article highlights that inspirational leaders reveal their weaknesses, portray empathy, and reveal their differences. The article “level 5 leadership” applied in the essay also strengthens the author’s approach by describing personal humility and fearless professionalism as the integral personalities of a leader.
The argument on ways of distributing the leadership qualities across various individuals comes out in the article “in praise of the incomplete leader”. Notably, the author uses the article in highlighting the dangers of assuming that leaders have the obligation of doing and being everything required. The article describes that leaders should probe their strengths and weaknesses and find other people whom they can work together in the reinforcement of their incapabilities. Further, the author also incorporates the article “seven transformations of leadership “in portraying the hierarchy of leadership styles(Drucker, Goleman & George,2011). Notably, the essay differentiates between effective and ineffective leadership styles that seek to assist leaders in identifying their styles and how to advance to the next stages.
From reading the article, I observe that the article presents a set of activities and strategies required in motivating leaders towards excelling through developing the organization’s confidence, direction, and awareness. Further, the article also provokes positive change by highlighting how leaders can identify their shortcomings and undertake positive measures. However, I also observed a critical weakness of the article. Notably, the article focusses on developing leadership personalities, which in my view may not always bring harmony between leaders and the subordinate staff. Adopting behaviors such as fearless professionalism may result in conflicts thus clashing the good ideas. Therefore, I feel the article should also incorporate the solutions to the negative impacts likely to result from leadership styles.
The article posses immense contribution to leadership. Notably, there is clarity on what leaders should do in setting their organization’s direction and vision. Further, leaders require specific personality traits in running their organizations and relating to others. the article highlights how leaders can identify and apply the appropriate leadership qualities for the development of their organizations.
References
Drucker, P., Goleman, D., & George, W.. (2011 Jan 3). HBR’s 10 Must Reads on Leadership. Havard Business Review, 1-227.
Kruse, K. (2013, April 9). What Is Leadership?
.Forbes. retrieved from.https://www.forbes.com/sites/kevinkruse/2013/04/09/what-is-leadership/#147e12295b90.