Leading the Way“The most important ingredient in the formula for success is knowing how to get along with people”Theodore RooseveltLeadership is an essential part of management. As one of the four universal functions of management, leadership is arguably the most important function. In the twenty-first century, more and more companies and businesses have required their employees to work more on team operations rather than individually. One of the most effective elements for the success of these teams are their leaders. Without the management of a strong leader, a team cannot get very far. According to a startling statistic noted by USA Weekend, 40% of all new managers are out of a job within the first 18 months. However, beyond the obvious reasons mentioned in the article, such as dismissal or voluntary leave, the simple facts are that they were not prepared to work in partnership and teamwork. In this article I will discuss the importance of practicing effective leadership. I will explore the leadership style of Kohl's department store by providing detailed examples of what they do to ensure good teamwork and the type of leadership needed to ensure a successful work team. Below is Kohl's Department Store Mission Statement. Our Mission Our mission is to be a... Value-oriented, family-focused department store Our goal is to... Offer our customers the best value in any market Our pricing strategy emphasizes value based a.... Offer attractive prices and offer branded products. In the Atmosphere of a Department Store Before successful teamwork can occur, team leaders must practice effective planning, communication, and motivation. Without effective communication, a team cannot function successfully. Kohl's department store runs its operations as a team effort. Store manager Audrey McCaskey works with other store employees and assistant managers to find ways to improve their store's performance. As a leader, Audrey is a strong-willed manager who meets all the characteristics of a good store manager. Her approaches are sometimes fierce but ethical and, with her team, she is determined to get the job done; demonstrating that leadership is an essential part of a manager's position. There are three basic types of leadership: transactional leaders, charismatic leaders, and transformational leaders. Transactional… middle of the paper… the most important factors in leadership. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS OF LEADERSHIP (Manske 194) I. Treat everyone with respect and dignityII. Set an example so others can followIII. Be an active coachIV. Maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrityV. Insist on excellence and empower your staffVI. Building group cohesion and prideVII. Show confidence in your styleVIII. Maintain a strong sense of urgencyIX. Be available and visible to your staffX. Develop Yourself to Your Maximum PotentialWORKS CITEDDaft, Richard L. Management Fifth Edition The Dryden Press. 1997. Goleman, Daniel. Leadership that gets results. Harvard Business ReviewMarch-April 2000.Leatherman, Dick Ph.D. Quality Leadership Through Empowerment HRD Press, Inc. 1992 Manske, FA Jr. Secrets of Effective Leadership Leadership Education and Development, Inc. 1990 Margerison, C; McCann D. Team Management: New Practical ApproachesMercury Books Division of W. H. Allen & Co. 1990McCafferty, Dennis. (2000). First time management mistakes you won't make. USA Today available http://content.careers.msn.com/wl_ga_9912_mngmntmistakes.html
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