Evaluating Leadership Styles

Evaluating Leadership Styles

Leadership Styles

A leadership style could be defined as “the approach and manner and approach with which a leader attempts to motivate, provide direction and implement the speculated plans with its followers” (Martindale, 2011, pp. 32). Or, it could also be defined as the distinct style in which a leader attempts to lead his/her group. Different leadership styles were put forward by Kurt Lewin (1939). The three major styles of leadership are democratic, autocratic and delegative. A variety of improvised leadership styles are adopted by leaders in their fields i.e. administration, business, politics etc.

Difference between Leadership and Management

The terms management and leadership are often confused and used interchangeably. In fact, both hold entirely different meanings and perspectives. They tend to serve completely different functions (Rowland et. al, 2009, pp. 35). For instance, in leadership, leaders tend to influence their followers for the pursuance of mutually shared goals. On the other hand, management refers to the opted process for the accomplishment of such goals- as visualized by the leadership. Similarly, managers are the persons responsible for the organization, planning, directives and controlling of the specified tasks that lead to the fulfilment of goals. They serve as key functions in the completion of tasks (Foster, 2002, pp. 4).

According to Woods (2010), another difference is that leaders tend to inspire and motivate their followers. They do it by using their personal characteristics i.e. charisma. Leaders also use negative reinforcement for attaining the desired goals. In management, many consider “leading” to be a part of management. But, it falls under the directions provided by the management for completing their tasks. The rewards provided by the leader of a group are vital for the encouragement and motivation of the followers. Leaders often reward their followers on a continuous basis to achieve the desired goals. Hence, leadership and management are two different things that serve different but related functions (pp. 4).

My Role as a Practice Manager in Leading and Managing my Team

In dental practice, management involves working with personnel, finances, physical and other resources to achieve the speculated organizational goals and objectives. A dental practice manager is required to run a smooth flow of operations and to induce productivity and quality from the dental technicians and other personnel with different job specifications. Hence, my role as a dental practice manager involves managing my subordinates with different job responsibilities. I often have to play a leading role in decision making and implementing changes that would enhance my dental management and operations.

Managerial skills are required in every job. No organization can exist without decent management. Similarly, my role as a Dental Practice manager asks for certain requirements to run an effective practice. As a dental practice manager, my initial responsibility is to aid and facilitate my staff i.e. the dental technicians, receptionist, human resource personnel, administrative staff etc. I also need to remind them consistently that we all share a same goal and work in our capacities towards the self perceived ...