Nevertheless, many community group leaders try to be controllers, usually unsuccessfully. Having satisfied members is important to the health of most groups, particularly non-profit community groups. The only rewards most community groups can offer their members are acceptance and satisfaction from pursuing worthwhile goals. Summary A leadership style is the way a leader leads. If the leader chooses inappropriate ways of leading, he or she is likely to fail at the task at hand, as well as fail to maintain positive relationships with group members.
Members respond to leaders based on leader behavior.
If the members see a leader as a cold autocratic-controller, they will respond according to that impression. A leader needs to analyze personal abilities, the group and the situation, then select the best leadership style. A leader who analyzes the situation, chooses the most appropriate style and has the self-discipline to adopt it is likely to maximize the group's success. References Bass, Bernard M., Stogdill's Handbook of Leadership, The Free Press, New York, 1981. Guthrie, Eileen, and Warren S. Miller, Process Politics, A Guide for Group Leaders, University Associates, San Diego, Calif., 1981.