Research Proposal on "Leadership Comparison of Leadership Styles as Evidence"

Research Proposal 3 pages (1057 words) Sources: 3 Style: APA

[EXCERPT] . . . .

Leadership

Comparison of Leadership Styles as Evidence for Leadership Fluidity

All great African-American leaders in recent history, Martin Luther King Jr., Colin Powell, and Harriet Tubman represent styles of leadership that future generations should seek to emulate. Their styles of leading were, nonetheless, different, suggesting that leadership is not merely a model that can be applied to every situation, but instead a fluid arrangement of ideas and concepts that should be changed depending on the circumstances of the leadership and the leaders themselves. A comparison of the different leadership styles and characteristics of these three pinnacles of leadership will underscore the fact that effective leadership is flexible leadership.

Unlike may leaders, who changed their communities before the development of modern technology, the world has a record of Martin Luther King's leadership characteristics and style through his foundational speeches. Ling (2003), however, states that the belief that King was the leader of the civil rights movement is mistaken. He was created by the movement instead of creating it himself, and did not speak for all African-Americans (Ling, 2003). Still, King was the founder of a large and important sect of this movement -- the non-violent sect. Thus, the characteristics of King's leadership style include pacifism as well as determination, as his "non-violence was not an outlook everyone shared" (Ling, 2003). Furthermore, King's leadership consisted of quiet strength instead of embittered arguing, and well-worded, flawlessly delivered species instead of passionate debates. Although misunderstood by some as having a "Messiah complex," King's quite leadership was able to gain him friends on opposing sides, allowing him to bring those people together (Ling, 2003). Thus, Martin Luther King's leadership style combined the characteristics of quietness and strength. Though he chose not to use violence like some of his civil rights movement counterparts, he commanded respect through determined and deliberate pacifism. While he did not become involved in passionate arguments, by waiting for the right moment to give convicting speeches, he won the minds and hearts of many. Finally, by choosing to present himself in a manner that commanded respect but not confrontation, King was able to converse with many, healing schisms and rifts.

Unlike King, however, Harai's "A Leadership Primer from General (Ret.) Colin Powell, Secretary of State," contains the following first lesson: Being a leader sometimes means pissing people off. Obviously, Powell's leadership style differs from King's commitment to pacifism and quiet strength. Instead, Powell's leadership as Secretary of State involved the confrontation of some for the sake of the group as a whole. Even with this caveat, Powell's leadership characteristics include compassion and concern, making himself available for others' complaints, problems, and criticisms. Furthermore, Powell's leadership style involves a confidence in one's self as the leader, a confidence that is necessary in order for leaders to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of others. For instance, Powell advocates against the blind trust in scholarship and experts, as well as encouraging leaders to take initiative, even when their decisions don't get "official blessing" (Harai, 2007). Still, Harai's (2007) assessment of Powell's leadership style suggests that the great leader mitigated his bad boy, "rebel " attitude by being sure that… READ MORE

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