LEADERSHIP

Your success as a manager can be determined
by how you interact with people. The role of
a manager as a leader is an important part
of these interactions. Leadership involves
influencing colleagues so that they follow a given
direction or goal.
It is often stated that leadership has three main
functions within a group:
»»The ‘people function’ – here leadership helps to maintain the morale, social cohesion and motivation of
a group of workers. A leader should act as an ambassador for the group. In this role the leader will ensure
the group has sufficient funds to carry out its tasks. If the leader can be seen to have influence outside the
group then there will be more influence within the group.
»»The ‘task function’ – here leadership involves deciding what the tasks of the group of employees are and
then making sure that they are carried out successfully. Don’t just criticize poor performance; remember to
praise colleagues for work well done, this shows that you are aware of the effort colleagues are putting into
their work.
»»The ‘strategic function’ – leadership here helps with the development of a sense of purpose and direction
for the group or organization. A group of workers that knows what they are trying to achieve will be more
efficient and better motivated than a group that doesn’t know what it’s supposed to be doing.
A manager’s ability to influence people depends on a range of factors:
»»how much power the manager has over the group. For example regarding pay and promotion issues;
knowledge.
»»how well the manager knows the systems present in an organization.
»»how many personal contacts the manager has within the organization (here we’re talking about ‘networking’,
the ability to make and maintain useful contacts);
»»And the manager’s ability to develop and maintain interpersonal relationships based on trust and
understanding.
A good networker has these skills.
Good communication is another crucial element to successful leadership. A good leader is aware both of
the message to be communicated and of the importance of effective communication to influence members of
the group. A manager’s behaviour – what they do in the workplace – is a vital component of the message they
communicate to colleagues. It is essential to be a role model for the policies you advocate. And remember,
always accept responsibility for your mistakes, don’t blame colleagues for things that you do badly. No one is
perfect; just remember this when you interact with colleagues because they know it and you shouldn’t forget it.
British Coucil