Leadership emerges as a necessary toolkit that should be present in all levels of society. Leadership is a broad topic with a wide array of elements. Learning about leadership concepts requires keenness and concentration for a person to understand how the concept complement and supplement each other. The paper will focus on different concepts of leadership and how they can be utilized at an individual level in the business context.
Analytical Inquiry
The analytical inquiry is an imperative intellectual skill that enables an individual to examine, probe, and understand different areas of study and address simple or complex challenges ( Oliver-Lalana, 2011 ). The analytical inquiry is a leadership skill that is dependent on the cognitive abilities and capabilities of a person. It means that leadership effectiveness is affected when a leader has or lack this fundamental skill. In business organizations, managers encounter situations that test their analytical skills. The ability of the manager to appropriately apply the skill determines the outcome. The analytical inquiry is a concept that is based on other skills such as the ability to pay attention to details, critical reasoning, research skills and decision-making skills ( Oliver-Lalana, 2011 ). A leader must understand that details matter significantly in any situation. Analytical inquiry primarily aims at finding a solution to problems that an organization faces. As such, the rudimentary step that a leader should take is to examine the details that characterize the setback. Finding the root cause of a management challenge is vital in making a proper diagnosis and prescribing a working solution that accelerates organizational recovery. Critical thinking as a pillar of analytical thinking enables the leader to approach issues with the independent mind ( Brannen, 2017 ). Independence of thought implies that a person will approach issues with a flexible mind. In other words, the person must question the reasons for ascribing to a specific assumption or argument. Analytical inquiry demands for non-partisan or influenced thinking, bias thinking may affect the decision making phase, which eventually may result in disastrous endings. Analytical inquiry entails developing research skill. Research provides concrete data and information which facilitates making of decisions ( Sekaran & Bougie, 2016 ). For example, if the leader suspects that the organization is losing profits due to the enhanced competition in the market, then the leader must confirm the assumption by conducting comprehensive market research. The data that is obtained from the survey can be analyzed using different methodological strategies that are certified in statistic books. After data has been analyzed, the inference is made, which ultimately determines the next cause of action.
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Strategies of Comparing and Contrasting Data
Comparing and contrasting data provides the inference that determines actions and solutions. The first strategy is the correlational analysis. The correlational analysis is a statistical method that is widely used by researchers who are trying to find how two or more variables are connected. Organizational leaders can investigate the relationship between low profits and elevated competition. Through correlational analysis, the leaders or managers will determine if the assumption is true. The confidence level is another statistical lexicon that synergizes correlational analysis ( Sekaran & Bougie, 2016 ). High confidence level indicates that the variables under investigation are statistically significant. As such, after confirmation of the nature of correlation, the manager in collaboration with other stakeholders can correctly settle on mitigation measures that will ameliorate the problem or challenge of core concern.
The second strategy that organizational leaders can utilize is content analysis. It is vital to note that research techniques can be either quantitative or qualitative depending on the factors of study. Content analysis is exclusively applicable in the interpretation of qualitative data. Organizational effectiveness can be promoted through qualitative data. The leader can conduct a meta-analysis of a specific topic in relation to the prevailing issue. Through content analysis, the manager gains theoretical and practical knowledge that hones a logical decision-making process. Content analysis provides pattern and trends on a particular topic of interest ( Sekaran & Bougie, 2016 ). It means that the leader’s decision will be influenced by the trends or patterns that have been identified.
The last strategy is categorical data analysis. The use of the word “categorical” should be emphasized for the sole reason that organizations are affected by various factors. The solutions to the problems are determined after the categorization process. Analytical inquiry demands that a wide set of data are categorized ( Brannen, 2017 ). Categorization is dependent on parameters such as frequency, magnitude, or urgency.
Encouraging Analytical Inquiry in Work Place
As a leader with immense knowledge on the importance of analytical inquiry in an organization, I will be at the forefront of advocating for the development of the key intellectual skills. The analytical inquiry is a cognitive ability that can be learned. As such, I will involve consultants and experts to train employees on the skills. After training, the employees will be encouraged to apply the skills in various departmental roles. Therefore, I would propose that each employee provide a quarterly report on the assigned variable of study. The employees would also be encouraged to offer solutions or suggestion to the challenges.
Ethics
Ethics can be as moral values that are accepted and ratified by the society ( Crane & Matten, 2016 ). In other words, ethics is a scale that determines what is perceived as wrong or right. When discussing ethics, it is critical to note that societies have varying perspective on ethics. What is deemed as wrong in one community may be the exact opposite in another community ( Trevino & Nelson, 2016 ). However, universally accepted ethics affects all the societies regardless of origin or cultural affiliation. In the globalized society, ethics determine how people interrelate. The corporate world has categorically emphasized upholding ethical values. The sustainability of an organization depends on the strength of ethical focus ( Crane & Matten, 2016 ). For instance, an organization that is violating environmental regulations not only derogates the law but also they erode the ethical goals. Ethics is a concept that needs to be exemplified by the top leadership. The junior staff will only align with the ethical expectation if the senior leadership is leading by example. The repercussions of ethically- deficient organizations are unprecedented.
Cases have been reported of organizations that have ceased operations or faced strict legal ramifications for failing to abide by business ethics ( Crane & Matten, 2016 ). The customers are increasingly becoming attached to business entities that are ethically focused. Businesses that are ethically oriented avoid the shame that comes with the legal indictment. For example, providing false information to the consumer about a particular product is an ethical issue that pushes the customers to shift focus to the supplementary products of the competitors. In most of the cases that involve violation of ethical codes, the leaders of the organizations take the fall. As such, ethical leadership is critical for organizations aiming to have a good reputation and public image. Through ethical leadership, open conversation that facilitates the sharing of ideas, knowledge, and expertise is enhanced ( Crane & Matten, 2016 ). The term ethical focus is a fundamental element that leaders should have. The focus determines the degree of dedication and commitment that the organization will have toward ethical and moral attitudes. Ethical leadership implies that the leader will focus on the professional development of the rest of the employees. It is arguable to assert that job dissatisfaction that tends to result in high turnout can be avoided through ethical leadership ( Trevino & Nelson, 2016 ). Ethical leaders will ensure that all the organization follows all the dictates of legal provision including business integrity, equal employment opportunities, environmental conservation, and other factors of great interest.
Virtue Ethics
Virtue ethics is one of the many ethical theories that have been proposed by scholars and approved by the majority of the readers despite few dissensions ( Ferrell & Fraedrich, 2015 ). Virtue ethics focuses on the character of an individual when making decisions on issues. In a more simple term, a person acts or behave toward situations differently. How a person responds to the situation determines the outcomes. The society will have a particular way of responding to the prevailing circumstance. Therefore, virtue ethics illustrates societal expectation on different issues. Again, the ethical dilemma is an issue that has been raised far and wide. Some instances place people into the state of ethical disorientation. Virtue ethics come into play in cases where ethical dilemma emerges. Some of the virtues that organization leaders must have include integrity, honesty, transparency, and firmness ( Ferrell & Fraedrich, 2015 ). The junior employees will be motivated by leaders who are firm and steadfast. The acceptance of a leader in the organization is shaped by credibility. A credible leader demonstrates a strong focus on moral, virtues, principles and norms. As a leader in my group, I strived to show the importance of virtue ethics. I can manage and control my group because I have consistently shown them that I have principles and standards that are non-negotiable and I am willing to protect at all costs. As such, my team members believe in my judging from the tremendous support I have received of the period I have been at the leadership helm.
Application of Virtue Ethics in Leadership Practice
Virtue ethics is an ethical theory that must be practiced by all the employees of the organization regardless of their status. Degradation of ethical practices by one employee can affect the entire organization. Therefore, in my leadership practice, I will formulate an ethical framework that guides all the employees. The ethical framework will be based on a comprehensive investigation into the ethical issues that the business may face. In this regard, it is assumed that all the ethical challenges that other businesses have encountered in the past are similar. The ethical responses of the business will be useful in the creation of a comprehensive ethical framework.
Leadership
Leadership is the process by which a senior person in an organization guides, direct, and influences behaviors and actions of junior employees with the aim of achieving organizational goals and objectives at that particular time ( Yukl, 2013 ). The efficacy of leadership is based on the capacity of a manager to influence others in the organization. Leadership is more natural than management. Such implies that for managers to achieve organizational success, they must have leadership qualities and attributes. In various instances, executives achieve the results through authority. In other words, employees are likely performing their duties due to the authority of the leader. As such, some leaders have been described as authoritarian and dictators. However, this type of leadership style has proved to be ineffective in expediting organization goals in the contemporary business ecology.
Leadership transcends the authority or privileges that a person enjoys ( Yukl, 2013 ). Conversely, leadership seeks to inspire and motivate workers to achieve goals and objectives. The level of dedication, pragmatism in solving problems, teamwork are critical elements that should be espoused in leadership forums. A person who is a leader must have impeccable record and character. Furthermore, a leader must be intelligent considering the fact that when the situation arises, the employees look up to the leader to provide directions ( Yukl, 2013 ). Organizations that have succeeded in the competitive market environment have a common point of connection, which is leadership. An example of an organization that has made a global impact is Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corporation. From a small startup, the two organizations have grown to be a world class business entity with an enviable reputation. The success of the organizations has attributed to the able and competent leadership of the founders. In the end, the leadership of the organization will determine the products that the business will offer to the consumers.
Strategies Essential to Leadership Effectiveness
A leader must have strategies if he or she aims at achieving effectiveness. The first strategy that the leader must have is to have outstanding self-awareness. For an executive to lead people, he or she must have self-awareness. Self-awareness highlights strengths and weakness. The leader can build on the strengths while finding solutions to the weakness ( Northouse, 2018 ). A person who is self-unware may have impediments to the leadership. The second strategy for effective leadership is by understanding the team. In this case, as an organizational leader, a person must understand the team well. Leadership in entities is normally hierarchical, meaning that the leadership ladder has senior managers going all the way down to the junior employees ( Schein, 2010 ). The leader must understand the immediate team before influencing them. In return, the close leadership circle will have ripple effects on the most junior employees. The last strategy for a leader is to develop effective communication skills. Communication is paramount in business ( Northouse, 2018 ). A leader who is unable to communicate with the employees effectively will likely fail. Through effective communication, the employees will understand the essence of achieving organizational visions and missions.
Application of Leadership Strategies and Skills
In my leadership practice, I will apply the strategies and skills contextually. The first strategy is about self-awareness. I will have a moment of self-evaluation where I assess my responses toward particular management issues and referencing with the expected standard response. I have a firm conviction periodic self-evaluation and appraisal will enable me to develop my personality profile. Again, I understand that self-evaluation can be biased. As such, I will seek the help of my peers to offer constructive criticism about my personality and character with the aim of capitalizing on the strengths while resolving my leadership inadequacies.
The second strategy will be achieved through individual or group interaction. Understanding the team requires a leader to have direct interaction with the members. It means that as a leader, I would prefer to spare at least ten minutes daily to interact with the different members. Personal interaction unravels ideas and insights that others would prefer not to make in group forums. Understanding the traits of my employees will be enhanced through the designation of the employees with different colors. I propose that red will represent decision makers, green represents extroverts, yellow represent introverts and blue signifies the strategic thinkers. All the mentioned character profiles are instrumental in promoting effective leadership.
The last skills that I will apply are revitalizing my communication skills. I must admit that am still grappling with my communication skills. I would learn how to communicate effectively by adopting the correct persuasive tone or an authoritative tone depending on the context and conditions of communication. Moreover, I would utilize the right technologies in communication. The technology is revolutionizing communication, especially with the introduction of internet and social media platform. As many people are nowadays using social media platforms, I would exhaust sites like Facebook and Twitter in communicating with my employees and associates.
Diversity and Multiculturalism
Diversity and multiculturalism are topics that are dominating discussions at all levels of society ( Ford, Jenkins, & Oliver, 2011 ). Diversity is quantitative as it determines who how people are judged. The most common parameters for defining diversity includes culture, gender, and race. However, other aspects of determining diversity include ability or disability, class, appearance, sexual orientation, and religion. Multiculturalism, on the other hand, is qualitative. Multiculturalism is a concept that focuses on multiple cultural norms ( Ford, Jenkins, & Oliver, 2011 ). Multiculturalism is achieved by destroying the systemic barriers promoting inequality and injustices.
Effective leadership is promoted by the appreciation of multiculturalism and diversity in the organization. Employees originating from one culture may exhibit uniform attitudes and behaviors toward specific situations. On the other hand, employees of a different culture may also react toward a particular incident different. It means that a leader is not tested enough if he or she works only with people sharing common beliefs, attitudes or norms. As such, the issue of inclusivity starts with the hiring process. The government has advocated for equal treatment of all people regardless of their differences. As such, organizational leaders, especially in diverse and multicultural countries such as the US must ensure that there is workplace diversity ( Falender, Shafranske, & Falicov, 2014 ). The diverse and multicultural society is characterized by myths, misconceptions, and stereotypic thinking. The resultant effect is the degeneration of misconceptions to conflicts ( Moran, 2011 ). However, as a leader, workplace diversity serves as the best platform for debunking and demystifying the myths and misconception. In the end, peace and tranquility that is much needed prevail in society.
Communicating Inclusivity in Culturally Diverse Work Place
The first strategy of communicating inclusivity in the diverse workplace is evaluating attitude. People have attitudes and feelings toward particular issues, objects or person ( Moran, 2011 ). As such, as a leader attitude speaks a lot about perception. It means that attitude towards diverse employees should be the same. The employees are keen on sensing a change of attitude or biases of any nature from the employers.
The second strategy of communication is body language. Workplace diversity entails different cultures and genders. Leaders are attuned to body language in different ways. For example, while some leaders are stone-faced, others show jovial face to all employees. Body language is particularly critical in a gender context. Leaders must exhibit appropriate body language to all employees considering age, gender or race.
The last strategy of communicating inclusivity is through the establishment of internal forums. The forums discuss the issues affecting the employees in the context of their diverse culture within the organization. The move will be instrumental in motivating the employees to feel comfortable as they become convinced that their welfares are taken care of by the management and leadership of the organization.
As a leader, I can promote an organizational culture that values diversity and multiculturalism by enacting internal policies that makes diversity and multiculturalism mandatory. In this context, I am assuming that the organization operates in a culturally diverse environment. For example, the policy will state that any parameter of defining diversity should be within the limits of two –thirds. In other words, if the organization is talking about race, then not more than two-thirds of the employees should have the same racial origin.
Reflection
The progress of any organization or society is shaped and influenced by different factors. The degree and impacts of the factors vary from one context to another. Each organization or community has goals to achieve within a given timeline. The society is affected by social, economic and political forces. The forces may be strong enough to disorient the society from achieving its goals and objectives. In the contemporary world, people are striving to achieve success and prosperity in their endeavors. Attaining the tangible level of success depends on the ability of the stakeholders to harmonize and incorporate all the elements that define the resulting discourse. For instance, society wants to reduce illiteracy level, revitalize healthcare system, reduce abject poverty, and enhance security. All these objectives have known to the public domain. The proponents are the political class who promise the constituents on the delivery of the auspicious promises. However, in the end, fulfillment of the campaign promises is contingent on the dedication and commitment of the political player and policymakers. As much as the political players have been instrumental in shaping the welfare of the society, some communities are grappling with a myriad of challenges which is attributed to the incompetence of the elected leaders.
The example provides a perfect scenario for relating how leadership can enhance fortunes or misfortunes of a community. The case is a generalized context of application and impact of leadership on the society from a political perspective. However, discussion about leadership cuts across all societal dimensions. The BAOL program has provided me with adequate knowledge on how ethics, diversity, and multiculturalism plays an important role in shaping the leadership landscape. The four important insights that I have gained in the program include the power of transparency, teamwork, communication skills, and organizational goals. The society judges a leader based on his or her action. As such, the critical elements that define leadership must be espoused for organizations and societies to achieve the targets.
Action Plan
The insights that I have learned from the program can enhance my leadership capacities through a viable action plan. The first insight is transparency. Transparency is a key attribute that leaders must learn to develop and nurture. As such, I want to start practicing transparency in my leadership by establishing a framework for self-evaluation. As a leader, I encounter cases where my level of transparency is put to the test. The structure will enable me to determine if I am transparent and honest in all the incidences that I face on a daily basis. The best way to achieve this insight is by having a special notebook where I record how I respond to actions or situations. The second insight that is vital is the essence of teamwork. Evidently, effective leadership can only be attained when the rest of the employees are supportive. Teamwork creates an environment where all the members are required to contribute to the achievement of goals and objectives. As a leader, I will promote teamwork by setting short-term goals for different teams and leading in the forefront in the quest for the goals through dogged determination and dedication.
The third insight that I hold on to is communication skills. As a leader, I can form a formidable relationship with the employees only if I can communicate effectively. The insight will be attained by reading about organizational communication and practicing the theories and research in real situations. As it has been said that practice makes perfect, then I do not doubt that my communication skills will remain as they are currently.
Lastly, the last insight that I have learned is organization goals. As much as leadership has been discussed in lengths, touching on various aspects, one thing that is outstanding is organizational goals. Leadership must show results. As such, I would always remind myself that leadership is not for self-gratification but the betterment of the society. I would ensure that after each day I analyze whether my actions resonate with the organizational goals.
References
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