Leadership: Essence, Principles, Models and Significance in Managerial Activity

Abstract

Nowadays, transformational changes are taking place in all spheres of human life. Some of these changes may not be noticed by a person, and some of them possess worldwide scale, causing fear for the present and the future. Each person has different adaptation mechanisms: some take longer and some perceive the new reality faster. In order to deal with modern challenges, society needs a new generation of leaders who are able to work effectively and solve problems associated with rapid change and uncertainty. The relevance of the subject matter of the research is determined by the study of issues of leadership in the structure of managerial processes, analysis of modern approaches to its definition and the necessity for consideration of psychological and behavioral characteristics of a leader as a manager. Although leaders set the direction and pace of work, they must also use management skills to motivate employees smoothly and effectively, and be able to resolve social and labor conflicts in order to achieve the strategic goals of entrepreneurial structures. Therefore, the above-mentioned aspects determine the relevance of the article's subject matter and demonstrate the necessity for further theoretical and methodological investigations of this issue. The article is devoted to the study of issues related to the essence, significance, principles and models of leadership in managerial activities. It is noted that the human resource potential of an enterprise is by far its most valuable asset and driving force. In its turn, the employees who possess leadership qualities are the most valuable among this asset. It is indicated that leadership is the most effective source of any transformation, effective mechanisms for its growth and development. In the course of the study, a constructive analysis of the issue of leadership as a necessary element of managerial activity has been carried out. The definitions of the concepts of "leader" as a subject and "leadership" as an element of managerial activity were analyzed. The main approaches for the determination of leadership positions have been considered. The fundamental principles of leadership in the management process have been identified. The essential functionality of leadership in society has been defined. The models of leadership positions in the management system are considered. A model of leadership based on a value-oriented approach that consists of valuable, purposeful, and instrumental elements of management has been formed.