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Chapter 4

WHAT’S YOUR LEADERSHIP STYLE?

In this chapter, we move from broad concepts of leadership models into a
discussion of more practical aspects of leadership. The focus here is on an
initial discussion of leadership behavior, which is demonstrated by one’s
style of leadership. In other words, a leadership style reflects a distinct
way of behaving. The topic of leadership behaviors themselves will be
discussed more fully in the next chapter. This chapter revolves around
broader styles of leadership that reflect a combination of various individual

behaviors.

The various leadership styles that exist provide no guidance on the kind of
leadership that leaders should offer; they merely reflect what kinds exist.
A style tends to contain what a particular leader has learned from other

leaders that served as role models, and this style is influenced strongly by
this experience. The leadership style also is affected by the purpose or goal
of the leaders. Another influence, which is often quite strong, is the
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particular personality of the leader and/or the personality or capability of
the followers or group being led, and/or of the situation in which the
leader is leading his or her people.

The story goes that sometime, close to a battlefield over 200 years ago, a man
in civilian clothes rode past a small group of exhausted battle-weary soldiers
digging an obviously important defensive position. The section leader,

making no effort to help, was shouting orders, threatening punishment if the
work was not completed within the hour.

"Why are you are not helping?" asked the stranger on horseback.

"I am in charge. The men do as I tell them," said the section leader, adding,
"Help them yourself if you feel strongly about it."

To the section leader's surprise the stranger dismounted and helped the men
until the job was finished.

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http://www.businessballs.com/leadership-theories.htm#leadership-introduction.
David Kolzow 28