FUNCTION OR TASK OF A LEADER

FUNCTION OR TASK OF A LEADER

       The importance of function and roles of a leader may be observed in the very nature of leadership. A leader performs crucial function in organisation. Since leadership is situational, there is no single set of function that are performed by all leaders. Various thinkers have given different versions of a leader’s functions.

Chris Argyris has mentioned the following functions of a leader-

1. The leader constantly interacts and commands.

2. He makes the organisation a part of his self-image.

3. He handles the supervisors as individual.

4. He controls the transmission of important information.

5. He emphasizes the present and sets realistic goals.

1. Continuously support Team:  A leader is a manager and besides that he is a person who entertains and invites support and co-operation of subordinates. This he can do by his personality, intelligence, maturity and experience which can provide him positive result. In this regard, a leader has to invite suggestions and if possible implement them into plans and programmes of enterprise. This way, he can solicit full support of employees which results in willingness to work and thereby effectiveness in running of a concern.

2. Develop Teamwork: A good leader always attempts to gain an understanding of group dynamics and to develop and nurture voluntary co-operation. He develops trust and friendliness by bringing consistency and fairness in his action. A good leader always maintain discipline in the team.

3. As a friend, philosopher and guide- A leader must possess the three dimensional traits in him. He can be a friend by sharing the feelings, opinions and desires with the employees. He can be a philosopher by utilizing his intelligence and experience and thereby guiding the employees as and when time requires. He can be a guide by supervising and communicating the employees the plans and policies of top management and secure their co-operation to achieve the goals of a concern. At times he can also play the role of a counselor by counselling and a problem-solving approach. He can listen to the problems of the employees and try to solve them.

4. Resolve conflict:  Because teams are made up of different personalities, work traits and motivations, conflict can sometimes occur. The team leader is responsible for preventing conflict where possible and resolving it when it does arise. By setting ground rules and clearly assigning tasks, you can prevent many sources of conflict. If you notice conflict, it is best to resolve it before it escalates. Meeting with both team members can give you insight into the cause of the issue. Conferring with the members as a team can give everyone the opportunity to come up with a solution that works for both sides.

5. Represent the Institution: Representing his institution in dealing with outside groups: government officials, suppliers, customers and the public in general in another function of leader.

6. Defends the Organisation’s integrity: The leader integrates the groups with the organisation. He protects the ethical values, human ideals and working principles.

7. Set the team goals and evaluate team progress: In order to measure team success, it’s important to identify what success means. Evaluating goals and determining how the team will measure success can prevent miscommunication. This also gives team members a clear understanding of what they are expected to complete. Setting clear team goals and evaluating progress along the way allows teams to work collaboratively.

8. Required at all levels- Leadership is a function which is important at all levels of management. In the top level, it is important for getting co-operation in formulation of plans and policies. In the middle and lower level, it is required for interpretation and execution of plans and programmes framed by the top management. Leadership can be exercised through guidance and counselling of the subordinates at the time of execution of plans.

9. Inspires the team and take Action: A leader inspire individual to make their optimum contribution to organisation goals. According Urwick, the leader initiates all those measures necessary to keep the understanding healthy and progressive within a competitive economy.

10. Make strong team and improve weaknesses: It is also the responsibility of the team leader to identify the team’s strengths and weaknesses. By determining which team member excels at which task, you can delegate the required tasks to the appropriate person. It’s also helpful to determine areas of opportunity and the appropriate steps to improve on them.