What Is Organizational Leadership?
For any organization to achieve its greatest potential, it’s important for all team members to work together, united toward a set of shared goals and common values. One way a business can foster that high level of cooperation is by implementing the principles of organizational leadership.
Understanding what organizational leadership is and how it is advantageous for different organizations is important for ensuring success. Find out more about this field and the merits of pursuing an undergraduate degree in organizational leadership.
Defining Organizational Leadership
At a glance, organizational leadership may seem like a fairly straightforward approach to management. Essentially, this managerial philosophy hinges on the idea of setting clear goals and then motivating employees to achieve those goals. An organizational leader encourages the team to work together as a cohesive unit while also acknowledging the unique roles that each employee plays.
In practice, organizational leadership can be more sophisticated, emphasizing inputs and outputs, organizational structure, and a clear chain of delegation and responsibility.
One of the hallmarks of this managerial style is the presence of a commanding, centralized leader. This leader may oversee a large department or even an entire company. The leader’s job is to clearly articulate big-picture goals, and ensure that strategies are in place to help team members achieve those goals.
Organizational Leadership: Essential Skills
Those who are drawn to organizational leadership, or who wish to execute some of these ideas within their own organization, may start by fostering certain competencies and skills. Consider a few of the most pivotal organizational leadership skills.
Change Management
Leaders often need to set clear organizational goals, and then map out a strategy for achieving those goals. These can be changes in policy and procedure, or even in the makeup of the workplace. For example, it may be necessary to recruit new employees who have specific technical skills.
Leading entire teams through big transitions can be challenging, and affinity for change management is crucial for success in organizational leadership.
Interpersonal Skills
Organizational leadership is a people-focused managerial philosophy. Goals are achieved by motivating and inspiring teams, which requires the right blend of interpersonal skills.
Specifically, leading a cohesive and cooperative team means having active listening skills, knowing how to gain buy-in for a particular vision, managing conflicts and friction points, and being adept at both oral and written communication.
Self-Awareness
The best organizational leaders know how to organize the most effective teams, including themselves.
Succeeding as an organizational leader means being aware of personal strengths and weaknesses, and always looking for ways to become more effective in the workplace. This can entail accepting feedback gracefully, seeking avenues for professional development, and delegating in a way that highlights each team member’s strengths and abilities.
Industry-Specific Knowledge
Organizational leadership provides a set of big-picture principles, but the implementation of those principles can look different from one industry to the next.
A thorough knowledge of a particular vertical or professional context can be helpful for anyone pursuing excellence through organizational leadership. For this reason, many who seek organizational leadership degrees will look for industry-specific concentrations, like healthcare or finance.
What Is Organizational Leadership Education?
To harness these skills, it is helpful to pursue a formal education in the field of organizational leadership. Earning a degree in this managerial style can lead to a rich array of professional opportunities.
Organizational Leadership Education
Undergraduate degrees, such as a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Organizational Leadership, can provide both the theoretical knowledge and the practical skills needed for success in this field. These degree programs are designed to be broadly applicable and transferable between various industries or professions.
Meanwhile, a graduate-level degree, such as a Master of Arts (MA) in Organizational Leadership, can provide the opportunity to hone specific skills and specialize in an industry. Advanced degrees may also lead to positions of greater authority, or even higher salary ranges.
Careers for Organizational Leaders
Obtaining a formal education in organizational leadership can provide the foundation for success across a wide range of career paths, including:
- Health services coordinator
- Organizational development specialist
- Training and development specialist
- Project coordinator
- Human resources specialist
Broaden Your Knowledge of Organizational Leadership
For prospective leaders, it is important to know what organizational leadership is and how it can improve organizations of all kinds. To find out more about this important approach to management, consider pursuing a degree in organizational leadership.
At Claremont Lincoln University, our online BA in Organizational Leadership provides students with the critical thinking, collaboration, and strategic leadership skills that are vital in organizational settings. The degree path is flexible and customizable, and designed to provide broad skills that can translate into a range of career paths. Students who want to pursue an advanced degree can consider our online MA in Organizational Leadership, which offers industry specializations in healthcare, human resources, management, professional studies, and sustainability.
Prepare for a long-lasting and impactful career in organizational leadership by learning more about our programs.
Sources
Indeed, 10 Tips for Being an Effective Business Leader
Indeed, 11 Organizational Leadership Skills (With Tips To Improve)
Indeed, 12 Master in Organizational Leadership Jobs To Pursue
Indeed, Learn About Organizational Leadership and Its Components
TDK Technologies, “Key Components of Organizational Leadership”
Claremont Lincoln University is a non-profit university offering affordable online degrees, graduate certificates, and professional development programs. Through a socially conscious education framework, CLU’s mission is to create a new leadership ecosystem through its proprietary Claremont Core®, a distinctive model that encompasses the knowledge needed to become an effective leader of positive change in the workplace or community. CLU is regionally accredited by the highly regarded WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), which ensures institutions meet strict standards and fulfill their missions to serve their students and the public good. Degree programs at CLU focus on healthcare administration, human resources, organizational leadership, management, professional studies, public administration, social impact, and sustainability leadership.
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