444 A.4 speaKinG in sMall GroUps
What is the most effective leadership style? Research suggests that no single
style is effective in every group situation. Sometimes a group needs a strong
authoritarian leader to make decisions quickly so that the group can achieve its
goal. Although most groups prefer a democratic leadership style, leaders some-
times need to assert their authority to get the job done. The best leadership style
depends on the nature of the group task, the power of the leader, and the rela-
tionship between the leader and his or her followers.
One contemporary approach to leadership is transformational leadership.
Transformational leadership is not so much a particular style of leadership as it
is a quality or characteristic of relating to others.^15 Transformational leadership
is the process of influencing others by building a shared vision of the future, in-
spiring others to achieve, developing high-quality individual relationships with
others, and helping people see how what they do is related to a larger frame-
work or system. To be a transformational leader is not just to perform specific
tasks or skills but also to have a philosophy of helping others see “the big pic-
ture” and inspiring them to make the vision of the future reality.^16 Transforma-
tional leaders are good communicators who support and encourage rather than
act in a demeaning or demanding way.Quick Check
Characteristics of Effective Leaders
• Contribute to tasks and maintenance.
• adapt their leadership style to group needs.
• Work toward transformational leadership.Z01_BEEB3981_05_SE_APPA_435-444.indd 444 11/13/14 5:31 PM