Theories of Psychology in Leadership

Leadership has been so much a big issue where many have done some research to come up with the exact figure of what leadership should entail. This has been achieved in different set ups by different psychologists and in different ways. In this case there are several ways in which this has been expressed and brought forward by the writers. They have different theories concerning the same issues with a common goal of improving leadership in different setups. This theories are taken by people for studying and consideration of the validity of the information to their practices in leadership. Therefore, they influence the society in a big way through how that leadership has currently become easier for any leader who is practically working. This essay therefore, is an analysis of theories from Chris Gardner and Walt Disney concerning leadership in diverse situations and the ethics of leadership.

There are many other lessons that can be learnt from Disney concerning leadership. However there are the known three best theories which would have been used to propel and individual’s journey of leadership. The very first states that as a leader, an individual should shut up and get to work (Nohria, Khurana & Anand, 2010). According to Disney the only way to get started doing something is to stop talking and go ahead taking actions. In this case a great leader should be in a position to have a vision and the guts to see prior what needs to be done and take the action of doing it as fast as possible. He or she should be in a position to read a situation in advance and have glimpse or a clear understanding of what should be done and actually pivot his or her organization in the relevant direction to have immediate action on it. He really doesn’t discourage talking about the r what should be done he believes getting started is actually much better. This theory should be implemented with precautions taken in understanding that every step that is to be taken is very important and requires appropriate discussion and strategic planning (Crawford, Brungardt, & Maughan, 2005). With this well instituted it then becomes easy to do as Walt expresses in this theory which is just to do it.

Theoretically Disney believes in leadership through coordination and inspiration to be a practical and doable means to successful leadership. Of all the things that he found to have done in leadership, coordinating the talents of those people he worked with and having the confidence to point them to a certain goals was key (Branson, 2009). Himself, he was a leader all round in shape, form and way. He is a leader to still pick and look upon with reference to his practical leadership in the field. The way he led his team, directing the staffs of artists on how exactly he wanted his characters drawn. His aspiring tone during times of giving directions was so attractive that everyone felt the urge to jump in and participate in doing it. The only fault that would be found in his working was also one where they worked in coordination with the late Steve Jobs where at times they were viewed as too intense a people to work with (Nohria, Khurana & Anand, 2010). They made revolutions that benefited people out of their great impact on people, intensity and focus on their goals. However they made the biggest difference in people’s life, shone the brightest but left too soon. He, Disney might have been at times an ultra-intense leader with his team he was inspiring to them. He was fabulous in ensuring that he coordinated with them in which direction to take pertaining a particular project. The other theory that Disney find applicable and even fun to try is making possible that which seems impossible. He says that making this happen is just a matter of mind setting where he insists on individuals having envision of succeeding. This is by first visualizing the success, dreaming about it happening, making it happen and finally believing in that which you have done.

Similarly, on reading between the lines of Christopher Gardner’s story there are also many amazing qualities of leaders that are worth to be noted and acted upon. These qualities are inclusive of respect, persistence, enthusiasm of continuous learning and agility. This are also expressed theoretically and have helped him to ultimately reach his goals and to fulfil his potential (Crawford, Brungardt, & Maughan, 2005). His persistence despite the many setbacks he has been though he never gave up on trying the same thing for more than once. He never let anyone tell him he could not do something, he had a dream and had to protect. He is in agreement with the theory of Disney that if you want something one should go ahead and get it. Also continuous learning, he is the kind of person who believes that an individual should never stop learning. This continuous learning is highly critical for all not only for leaders but also for the whole organization. This is highly regarded especially for leaders who are willing to grow both professionally and personally and even extend it by teaching others (Branson, 2009). He also in who he is in his engagements teaches that setback are a way of life that should not shutter down the dreams and visions of a leader or an individual.

References

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Nohria, N., Khurana, R., & Anand, B. (2010). Handbook of leadership theory and practice: An HBS centennial colloquium on advancing leadership. Boston, Mass: Harvard Business Press.

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Branson, C. M. (2009). Leadership for an age of wisdom. Dordrecht: Springer.

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Crawford, C. B., Brungardt, C. L., & Maughan, M. (2005). Understanding leadership: Theories & concepts. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

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