Final answer:
A good leader must be able to fulfill the role of a visionary, articulating a clear vision that motivates others. Leadership roles vary, with team captains in sports exemplifying leadership, and styles ranging from democratic to authoritarian affecting how leaders guide their teams. Expressive leaders focus on emotional support, whereas instrumental leaders prioritize task completion.
Step-by-step explanation:
A good leader must be able to perform various roles, depending on the specific situation and the needs of the group they are leading. One key role is that of a visionary, who can articulate a clear and compelling vision for the future, setting a direction that inspires and motivates others to follow.
For example, when considering the leadership function on an athletic team, the team captain often serves as a prototype for leadership because they are expected to guide the team strategically, motivate teammates, and represent the team's interests.
The leadership style also plays an important role, with types like democratic, laissez-faire, and authoritarian offering different approaches to decision making and group dynamics. The democratic leader, for instance, might encourage participation and consensus-building, while an authoritarian leader may focus more on task completion and top-down communication.
When looking at expressive leaders, we often find roles such as social and religious leaders or directors of youth programs who are more concerned with promoting emotional health and support. This contrasts with instrumental leaders, such as army generals or CEOs, who are goal-oriented and primarily focus on accomplishing tasks.