A. Introduction to Excellence in management and leadership

1. Leadership in the workplace

Introduction

To begin this topic an overall introduction is given to the new manager-leader, or the so-called 'frontline management' role. The term and concept is somewhat ambiguous and boundaries with the study of supervision, management, leadership and other fields are often unclear.

The topic will however overview recent development sin the field and some long standing debates over such concepts as management vis-à-vis leadership. We will briefly examine a number of different ways efficient and effective managers are defined and trained. Against this backdrop we will then reinforce the competency-based approach to management - whether frontline or other forms of supervisory management - is one dimension to this field.

As you are about to embark on a course focussing on a competency-based approach to frontline management is very important we remove any blinkers that suggest the course materials and supporting resources, or indeed your own development is funnelled down only to only a competency approach. Instead we will seek to broaden the learning experience while still conveying the knowledge and skills necessary to underpin attainment of those competencies considered necessary for a successful manager.

A number of tools will be presented to enable you to gain insights into your own styles of leadership, learning and control.

Coverage in this cluster of topics includes:

Differentiating the leader and the manager

Styles of leadership

Approaches to leadership

Emotional intelligence and leadership