Leadership is an amazing subject that impacts the human experience. The idea that leaders can only add influence by being charismatic is fading. Leadership has an impact on social influence, and based on this influence everyone has a chance to lead. The reason why leadership is so important, is becuase through ideas and deeds, leaders impact the behavior of others.
The question for everyone is determining what type of leader you want to be. Through my continual research of this topic, I have come across many terms that describe leaders, and I have often written about transformational, transactional, and autocratic leaders. Transformational leaders, inspire others to act. Transactional leaders focus more on the interactions they have with their followers, and finally, autocratic leaders who maintain a tight control over their members or subordinates.
Today, I want to present three different types of leaders and they are, teachers, heroes, and rulers. Teachers, often rule breakers, are some of our best value creators. Heroes lead us to great causes and are responsible for noble works. Finally, we have rulers, who are motivated by their need for power and the domination of others.
As individuals we can all learn the good and bad qualities from these types of leadership styles. My point in sharing this message today, is to remind everyone that we need leaders who understand their social influence and their ability to empower the current generation and the generations to follow. Therefore, think about the leaders who have influenced you and determine if you are headed in the right direction. Remember, as leaders, it is important for us to encourage everyone with potential to make a difference in whatever environment they choose to lead in.
Dr. Regina Banks-Hall
Dr. Regina Banks-Hall, DBA, SHRM-CP 