Week 3: What leadership is
Section outline
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Traditionally, it could be argued that leadership has been defined by management. This week we will be exploring and recognising that they are in fact different, but with interconnected dimensions. Looking back at some of the early leadership and management literature, we will consider leadership from the perspective of person, process and eventually position. However, there are many who argue that leadership would not exist without followers (Kelley, 2008), and therefore leadership is an interaction between leaders and followers (Grint et al, 2017). To build on this thinking, we will also be exploring some of the overlooked followership theories to help better understand the role of leadership, particularly in the context of health and social care.
If you are an apprentice, please refer to Module 0 to review the knowledge, skills, and behaviors relevant to this week.
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Students mustMark as done
Examples of good leadership can be found all around us. Whether they were our teachers in school, a manager of a football team, a character in a book or a film, an historical leader, or a member of our own family, these good leaders inspire us and influence our thinking around what good leadership looks like.
(Duration: 30 mins - 1 hour)
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The following interactive learning activity will give you an overview of how leadership theory has developed over time, bringing you up to date with the most contemporary ideas and offering an opportunity to apply your learning.
(Duration: 3 hours)
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Students mustView
Leadership is one of those topics about which most people have an opinion – it is a hugely contested subject. Maybe this is because they have worked for someone they viewed as an inspiring leader, or perhaps they grumble about the lack of good leadership where they work. In the workplace, in politics, in the worlds of celebrity and sport, in local communities, in social groups and in families, leadership plays a part and most of us are affected by it in some way.
‘There are almost as many definitions of leadership as there are persons who have attempted to define the concept’ (Bass, 1990: 11).
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Students mustMark as done
Leadership styles: Balancing task-focus and People-focus.
(this replaces the previous PDF version)
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Students mustMark as done
Why are good leadership and management so important in health and social care? What is the difference between the two?
(Duration: 1 hour 45 mins)
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Students mustMark as done
The NHS Leadership Academy has developed a model for leadership in healthcare to meet the demands the NHS currently faces. Find out more here
(Duration: 60 mins)
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A topic reflection from Bharat Khokhrai, a previous NHS Graduate Scheme Financial Manager, in which he highlights a key leadership skill.
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