Arthur Joyce P.

Pacut

Understanding Leadership: Theories and Practices

by Nelson G. Agoyaoy, LPT, MAT

According to Kevin Cruise, leadership is the process of managing a group

towards their goals as a unit. A leader maximizes the abilities of his fellow members.
Each member has their own unique contribution and a good leader would recognize
now matter how big or small their contributions are. These abilities when properly
utilized and maximized will lead to successful and harmonious operations within the
group. In times of decision-making, a good leader analyzes the situation and comes up
with necessary actions to solve the problem. There are times that the decision being
finalized may receive backlash from the members. A confident and firm leader who
knows well about how to solve the problem will go on and face whatever the
consequences are.

For a group to be successful in their goals, a good leader must take the lead and
guide his members. So what makes a good leader? Having the energy to motivate
fellow members is a must in attaining the common goal. When a leader shows how
engrossed he is with the goal, this inspires the members to participate and do their best
for the group. Leading a group requires the expertise in certain fields. They must be
well-trained and knowledgeable with what they are dealing with. This strengthens their
credibility as a leader and thus additionally proves that they are worthy of the position.
One must be reminded that leadership is not based on seniority, title, authority,
hierarchy and personal attributes. It doesn’t make someone automatically as the leader
when they are the oldest of the group. These days, young leaders are paving the way to
breaking the stereotype that young people cannot lead. Burning passion to lead others
exists in all ages, genders, cultures and races. Being a leader in the group does not
give you the power to abuse the authority. A person leads the group not to focus on
themselves and their own goals. They lead to inspire the team members and achieve
positive transformation.

Leadership exists everywhere such as in politics, households, workplaces and

especially in schools. As teachers, we should show our students what a good leader is.
Students tend to look up and respect their teachers. This is a great opportunity to mould
the future leaders of the society. Let us lead by examples to our students and don’t
waste their abilities as the future leaders.