Chapter 1 The Language of Leadership

HPR 323

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Leadership

The essence of leadership involves inspiring a vision, enabling others to act, modeling desired ways of behaving, and recognizing and celebrating the contributions that individuals make.

Leaders keep hope alive

Hope is an attitude in action

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Leisure: What is it?

No universal accepted definition

Often defined as: Block of time A state of mind An activity

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Recreation: What is it?

An activity engaged in voluntarily that is satisfying to the individual

Many definitions suggest that recreation has socially redeeming qualities

Also viewed as a way of restoring or refreshing as a balance to work

Types of Leaders in our Profession

Playground, coach, leisure counselor, activity instructor, therapist, Boy Scout Leader, outreach worker, guide, outdoor specialist, etc

Roles - Serve as facilitators, teachers, moderators, encouragers, motivators

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Attributes of a leader

A belief in oneself (confidence) and a decent doubt

A passion for the job and an awareness of other worlds (broad perspective)

A love of people and a capacity for aloneness

A vision (forward thinking)

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What do leaders do?

Building camaraderie and cohesiveness

Identifying and defining goals

Developing methods and procedures to achieve goals

Organizing the work of others

Motivating others

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What do leaders do?

Evaluating the work of others

Representing the group

Developing group members

Establishing the group atmosphere

Promoting the ideals of the profession

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Ways to assume the role

Appointment Election Emergence Charisma

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What is leadership?

A process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal

Encourage the best in others Inspire others Create hope Encourage others to accomplish challenging

tasks Leaders create meaning for others

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Leadership Influence and Empowerment

Influence is the process of persuasion – how a leader impacts or affects the behavior of others

Can be done through personality, position or ability to influence

Process of influence without coercion

Influence of persuasion comes from “power resources” Ideas, rational discourse, one’s reputation,

prestige, personality, purpose, status, content of message, interpersonal and group skills, give-and-take behaviors, authority or lack of authority, symbolic interaction, perception, motivation, gender, race, religion, choices, etc

Leadership is multidirectional and non-coercive

Leadership Empowerment

Empowerment involves sharing or giving power or influence to another

Thus, enabling them to have influence In leisure individuals want to have some

control over how the leisure experience unfolds

Giving people the power and freedom to make decisions, take risks, and generate their own pathway

Creates satisfaction, motivation, fulfillment

Empowerment gives individuals the freedom to express views

Allows them to make decisions Unleashes creativity Allows them to become a “part” of

the organizational goals and success

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Leadership and Power

Legitimate or formal power (by position)

Reward power

Coercive power

Referent power

Expert power

Leaders and Followers

What are leaders without followers? Why do people follow?

Efficiency – Many do not want the responsibility – view delegation of leadership as efficient mean of accomplishing group goals

Satisfaction – If things are going smoothly people are content

Experience – those who have led will lead again – followers will typically follow again – comfort zone

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Leadership and the Leisure Experience

Shared Expectations – Leader and group must have similar expectations – performance must match expectations

Trust – confidence in abilities and intentions Effective Communication – active

listening and feedback Shared decision making- instills control

and freedom for the group during the leisure experience

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Leadership and the Leisure Experience

Cooperation – give and take between leader and group

Sense of risk and spontaneity –creates illusion of freedom – sense of risk or unpredictability

Positive reinforcement – on the part of leader and group – builds camaraderie and cohesiveness

Social and emotional bond – Leader’s interest in group members and how it is expressed

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Goals of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services

Most behavior is goal-directed – need, want, interest – is it pleasurable or worthwhile?

Exploration – testing new ideas, new involvement, new experiences

Self-discovery – explore one’s feelings, values, and ideas

Creativity – making an original or unique contribution

Mental health – relaxation, well-being, being refreshed, stress reduction

Social relations – traditionally been primary goal of leisure service organizations – interact, develop social skills, reduce isolation

Intellectual growth – new skills, new knowledge

Physical fitness

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Goals of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services

A sense of self determination and independence – hiking, backpacking, canoeing, field trips, scuba diving

Wise use of leisure – worthy, productive, socially accepted

Promoting family unity – strengthen families by encouraging family participation

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Goals of Recreation, Parks and Leisure Services

Enjoyment of life Concern for the environment – understand,

value and appreciate ecological system

Promoting cooperation – create opportunities to work and play together

Learning about others and other cultures – broadens horizons and perspectives on life

Citizenship – instill knowledge and pride