Question

Explain the following as the elements of leadership: Give examples in your explanation under each element

1.Authority

2.Power

3.Influence

4.Delegation

5.Responsibility and accountability

Answer 1

1. Authority
Authority is defined as the power to give orders and make decisions. The leader has the power to give orders and make decisions. The leader is an authoritative figure. He guides his teammates towards the path of success. To achieve the collective team goals, the leader defines tactical and strategical plans for the teammates to follow. The teammates must follow the plan laid out by the leader. This gives the leader 'authority'.
Example - In an organization, a team is given the task of creating a sales plan on how a product is to be marketed and promoted. The appointed leader has the authority to make decisions as to what strategies are to be considered while finishing this project. He is the one who ultimately decides the final promotion strategy.

2. Power
Power is the ability of a person to influence the conduct of other individuals. The leader exerts power on his teammates according to the task at hand. The leader influences power in such a way that they stay motivated at all times and hence stay productive. Power is the capacity of the leader to get work done effectively and efficiently through his teammates.
Example - The leader has the power to tell his teammates if something is being done wrong. He has the power to reduce the tendency and frequency of workplace politics amongst his team if their behaviour is inappropriate during work hours.

3. Influence
Influence means the impact an individual has on others' attitude, behaviour, opinion, etc. The leader of a team influences his teammates in such a way that they learn from the leader himself by leading through 'role model'. The leader influences teammates by building trust and loyalty. The leader's personality plays a huge role in influence.
Example - The leader always leads by role model. He is taken as an inspiration by his teammates. He influences everyone with his charisma and gets work done.

4. Delegation
Delegation means assigning specific tasks to specific people. The leader of a team knows the strengths and weaknesses of his teammates. He allots tasks based on the individual's strengths. The achievement of these tasks collectively helps attain the team goal. Delegation is one of the key concepts of leadership.
Example - The leader is the one who breaks down the task into smaller tasks and delegates them to his teammates. In the task of creating a promotion strategy for a newly launched product, the leader might assess his teammates and delegate the work accordingly, according to their core strengths.

5. Responsibility and Accountability
Responsibility and Accountability are said to be two sides of the same coin. The leader takes responsibility for every small detail. He is responsible for both the success and failure of the task at hand. This also makes him accountable in case there is a failure. The leader takes full accountability for it.
Example - For the project of creating a successful promotion strategy, a leader takes responsibility. But, if it fails, the leader himself is held accountable for its failure.