full range of leadership

The Full Range of Leadership Theory Leadership can be described differently by many different idols but what sets us apart from other leaders is how well we understand leadership and the difference we make as a leader. With a better understanding of different leadership theories, we can better understand leadership. “The full-range leadership theory is perhaps the most widely used comprehensive theory of leadership that encompasses a range of leader behaviors” (Kanste, Kaariainen, Kyngas, 2009, p. 775). By understanding transformational Leadership, transactional leadership, and laissez-faire leadership styles, we will have a better understanding of what it takes to become a good leader. We should know the difference between a manager and a leader. With manager’s role, it’s about getting the work done. The key to good management would involve communicating, motivating, negotiating and influencing. Managers are about stability, making the rules, planning the details, avoiding conflict, going down existing roads, and take credit for the work that is done. They have a more transactional style of leadership. Employees need their managers to assign tasks and define purpose. Managers must organize workers to maximize efficiency so they can nurture skills, develop talent and inspire results. They are judged upon their performance and the results they achieve. The leader’s role is the architect or the designer. They are more about change and setting the direction. When they arrive upon a conflict, they use it to their advantage. They take new roads or pave new roads for their organization. They give credit to others instead of taking credit for themselves. They are about selling their visions to their organization. Their style of leadership is more transformational. “As leaders are transformed, so is their work and those with whom they work” (Pearson, 2012, p. 2). Leaders change the world for the better.