What is leadership?
What is leadership within an organization? This question may seem simple, however, leadership within an organization is an important and complex task to achieve effectively. The role of leadership in the workplace requires someone who can assist in creating an environment where teams can produce meaningful work and strive towards success for the group and overall organization. A leader helps to facilitate and motivate employees toward reaching certain goals or milestones. Leaders are vital to an organization, as they are the people who inspire and guide others. Without leadership in the workplace, employees would lack support and the “social influence” humans need. The organization would, therefore, lose the direction and assistance leaders provide employees and teams while trying to accomplish the organization’s mission and values.
What is leadership in public relations?
In public relations (PR) a leader is someone that communicates the values of an organization and follows them while making decisions. The PR practitioner is someone that can understand the needs of an organization and the role it plays in helping them grow. Leadership in PR requires leaders to maintain effective communication when informing others. This is accomplished through various tasks such as news releases, press conferences, articles, and social media. While using effective communication, they must also display transparency to create and preserve trust. PR professionals are often associated with “spinning” the truth, so it is important for leaders to uphold ethical standards for communicating with publics. A PR leader also needs to understand their influence and be open to change.
Is there a difference between leadership and management?
Leadership and management are often seen as similar activities and terminologies. Most people believe leadership is done in the managerial and senior roles within an organization. So, what is the difference between leadership and management? Leadership is done throughout the organization and in any role. Anyone can lead within an organization if they are able to influence others. Leaders are those who interact with people through leading discussions and projects. Managers are employees that manage tasks and oversee legislating and regulating within the organization. Management in an organization relies heavily on control whereas leadership is about inspiring others through goal setting.
How can an organization build effective leadership in their workplace?
Organizations can develop and maintain effective leaders in the workplace through leadership training. Leadership training helps employees develop the required skills for becoming a leader. It helps organizations and employees recognize that not every person is born with natural leadership abilities and that training is necessary to teach and grow one’s skills.
Leadership training can include the following:
- Seminars: Companies provide employees with the opportunity to develop and learn skills through courses. These often include engagement activities and a professional host.
- Conferences: Events that take place in large venues where employees and professionals alike can network and share experiences.
- Online training: Training that is done through online platforms like Zoom, Teams, or pr-recorded videos.
Leadership is key to creating effective and meaningful work within an organization. Without leaders, employees would lack the inspiration and motivation they provide. Overall, effective communication relies on great leadership!
Written by: Claire Butler
Edited by: Co-Editor-in-Chief, Emma McCluskey
