Effective Leadership Essay

Leaders in the workplace play a unique and vital role in the success or failure of a business. Their responsibilities are great in number and are continuously evolving to meet the growing needs of the employees and the communities they serve. In order to be effective, leaders must constantly strive to create a work environment conducive for team unity and collaboration (Llopis, 2012). Good leaders pride themselves on being visionaries with the ability to lead by example. They have a charismatic gift to inspire and encourage others to work together to meet a common goal (Bateman and Snell, 2009). Contrary to what some believe, leadership is a shared vision. It involves accepting feedback from all involved and the competence to put all the pieces together so that they align with the vision. It is believed that motivation is one of the most powerful emotions that employees bring to the table in the workplace (Heathfiled, 2012). Directly associated with that is the leaders role in cultivating that motivation through joint vision and communication. Good leaders must therefore be great motivators. Some would have individuals to believe that emotions have absolutely no place in the workplace. However, others are inclined to believe that removing emotions from the workplace is a huge mistake. For example, if a work environment is plagued by fear and anxiety, leaders must counteract those emotions with more powerful emotions like faith and optimism. Here is where the leader’s motivational skills must be put into action. Motivation is often referred to as a force that energizes or moves persons to action (Bateman and Snell, 2009). Nehemiah 2:16-18 (NIV) tells a story of how others were moved to action by motivation. Nehemiah challenged Jewish leaders by providing a detailed description of the problem at hand. He painted a vivid picture of how buildings and walls had fallen down and how the gates had been burned. He went on to share with them how outsiders now viewed them as a defeated, fallen and defenseless nation. The people were quite aware of the destruction that had taken place; but Nehemiah’s reminder served as motivation to get them up and moving. Additionally, he motivated them by providing them with a goal to works towards. The city had been destroyed because of sin. Restoration of the wall would be an indication of restoration of favor. Nehemiah had excellent motivational skills – he was honest about the negative and positive effects of the destruction, while giving them a reason to believe that they couldrecover from the destruction. Leaders have the awesome task of keeping employees motivated effectively and efficiently so that productivity does not suffer. One of the most successful ways of doing so is encouraging teamwork among employees. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-12, â€Å"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; but how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken† (NIV). This passage is a clear indication that teamwork is imperative for organizational structure It increases productivity, quality, cost savings, speed, change, and innovation (Bateman & Snell, 2009). Teamwork allows each member to reap the benefits of contributing to a goal; however leaders must be aware of the fact that conflict will arise. It is during these times that leaders must take a Christian worldview approach and seek guidance from a higher being to effectively resolve the conflict. Additionally, leaders must be able to communicate effectively when dealing with conflict as it relates to teamwork or any other situation in the workplace. Communication improves relationships and creates an effective environment that further promotes teamwork. Great leaders take the time to communicate with everyone directly and indirectly involved with the business because they are the ones who ultimately influence outcomes and decisions (Llopis, 2012). Knowing the essentials of how and when to communicate is of utmost importance. Leaders must acknowledge that communication is a two-way conversation – there is sender and a receiver and all parties involved are playing the roles of both the sender and receiver (Bateman and Snell 2009). Being a great communicator builds trust among employees. Great leaders strive to master the art of being a sender and receiver and must be willing to give the same respect he would like to receive. Ephesians 6:5-10 gives an account on how different entities should treat each other regardless of their roles. Christian bosses, company presidents, managers, crew chiefs, government officials and supervisors are to have the same attitude. The secular work of a supervisor, just like the work of his or her employee, is to be accomplished from a completely different perspective than the world understands. Matthew 7:12 sums up what daily life should consist of and that is â€Å"do for others what you would like them to do for you† (NIV). A good leader lives by this passage and consistently promotes success and sustainability. Leadership success begins and ends with vision and is heavily dependent on the leader’s ability to effectively motivate. References Bateman, T.S., & Senll, S.A. (2009). (pp. 461, 470, 508, 564) Management: Learning and Collaborating in the Competitive World (8th ed.). Chicago, IL: Irwin. Heathfiled, S. (2012). Management Matters Most in Motivation. Retrieved from About: http://humanresources.about.com/od/motivationsuccess/a/Management-Matters-Most-In- Motivation.htm Llopis, G. (2012, July). Effective Managers. Retrieved from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/glennllopis/2012/07/10/effective-managers-earn-trust-quickly-by- doing-5-things-well/ The Holy Bible (NIV)