What is leadership? Does it have varying definitions? Do conditions affect leadership?

Leadership. What is it? How do I define it? Bass (1990) outlines the issue around the definition of leadership “there are almost as many definitions of leadership as there are persons who have attempted to define the concept” (p. 11). If there are so many definitions of leadership how do I know how to lead? From my experience in Singapore I have come to the conclusion that ‘leadership is guiding a group of people through an activity or activities in order to achieve set objectives’. This conclusion is some what open but enables me as a leader to change styles depending on the group, the environment and the set objectives.

Further more Priest and Gass (2005) research into leadership delves into the different conditions faced by groups and how this can affect leadership. They talk about different conditions when facilitating, it is interesting to note favorable conditions include a highly desirable destination is believed to make leading a group easier. In this context I found even though the conditions (being in a foreign country with plenty to explore) were in our favor. Other variables within the group caused our leadership to be tested at times. The main problem we faced was participation; this became apparent from a lack of sleep and energy causing the group to become disengaged. Rather than being alert students fell into somewhat of a zombie state. Yes they participated but to what level did everyone take in the information provided by the tour? I’m sure there were a few individuals that could reel off some of the experience but the lack of energy created a learning environment that I do not recommended.

In outdoor education we harp on about getting students out of their comfort zone and into the stretch zone as Collard (2014) explains. In the instance of Singapore this is evident from students visiting a foreign country. For some this is a challenge in it self for others this is a great adventure as it is in their nature to explore the world. For those who are challenged by this experience are put out of their so called comfort zone. An example of this on the trip was when we were doing the high ropes course. Most of the group didn’t think twice about the perceived risks before getting up and having a go. Some students found this a bit daunting this could have been due to being in a foreign environment, on foreign equipment with foreign people who are governed with foreign standards.

References

Bass,B.M.(1990).BassandStogdill’shandbookofleadership(3rded.).      New York: Free Press.

Collard, M. (2014). Experiential Learning Cycle. In Serious fun: Your step-by-step guide to leading remarkably fun programs that make a difference. Croydon Hills, Australia: Author.

Priest, S., & Gass. M.A. (2005) Effective leadership in adventure programming (2nd ed.) Australia: Human Kinetics.

Vroom, V.H., Jago, A.G. (2007) The Role of the Situation in Leadership. American Psychologist, 62(1). 17-24. DOI: 10.1037/0003-066X.62.1.17