Chapter 3: Concepts of Leadership

For centuries, academics and professionals have studied the nature of leadership and produced enough material to fill a library. Executive management degree programs dedicate courses to the practice of leadership, and writers endlessly publish articles about leadership in journals and magazines. How can this Workbook distill all of that for a Team Leader?

Fortunately, there are some basic shared concepts of effective leadership. This article will introduce some basic leadership concepts and identify resources for more information. Team Leaders are encouraged to use these concepts to understand their own approaches to leadership, examine how their leadership qualities may differ from those of other leaders, and acknowledge that there is no single path to becoming a leader.

Chapter 3 learning objectives

• Explore where leadership "comes from".
• Learn what followers need.
• Describe the differences between management and leadership.
• Describe the differences between tactics and strategy.
• Identify the kind of social power most relevant for PBEM volunteer leaders.
• Understand the balance between group process and action.
• Recognize the value of delegation.