Category: Leaders Lead

In this blog we are going to discuss four different leadership types based on the studies of psychologist Kurt Lewin and American historian and political scientist, James MacGregor Burns. These types are autocratic, democratic and laissez-faire, from Lewin and the fourth style, called Transformational Leadership from Burns. Transformational leadership is a more recent model, coined by Burns in the mid-1970s. Now that you have a framework for these four leadership styles, you can better understand how to flex your leadership.

Autocratic Leadership

Autocratic leadership is an authoritarian type of leadership style. The leader has all the power and expects complete submission from teams and employees. Obviously, this can sound bureaucratic or archaic and I am sure we have all dealt with people who take this too far.

The positive side of this leadership style is, it can bring proper order to a situation that has gotten out of hand. For example, if you were recently hired as the lead manager and you find your supervisor (your employee) is playing favorites with an associate, your team may benefit from establishing clear policies & procedures to foster equal treatment for all employees. Facets of this leadership style may be more common in larger companies.

The negative side of autocratic leadership is that it can cause severe division between associates and supervisors. Since there is no room for suggestions many employees may feel they do not have a voice or that the autocratic leader is unapproachable. This leads to frustration, discontent, and low morale in the company.

Democratic Leadership

Considered the most effective of Lewin’s leadership styles, this style is probably the most familiar style. Democratic leadership is about quality over quantity. Teams may not get as much work done when not being pushed by an autocratic leader. However, if you are striving for quality this style is recommended. Why is democratic leadership so effective? Because it gives people a chance to share their ideas and feel heard. When people feel heard they feel valued. When they feel valued they are more likely to put their all into something and not just complete their tasks half-heartedly.

Laissez-Faire Leadership

Probably the worst and most dangerous of Lewin’s leadership styles is laissez-faire. This type of leadership style is very distant and hands-off. This leader wants people to make decisions on their own, however, with little direction or input from the leader. This can lead to extreme frustration and many people in this situation will do one of two things. They will :

• • One: Take advantage of having no structure. This can range from employee theft, dishonest timekeeping, or even bullying another coworker with little or no consequences; or,
  • Two: they will find another job because let’s be honest this can be a very toxic environment if laissez-faire is the only leadership style in the workplace.

Transformational Leadership

Burn’s transformational leadership style is considered to be one of the most effective leadership styles today. In this style, leaders serve as coaches using all of Lewin’s leadership styles at the appropriate time. Transformational leaders flex their leadership style by operating in their different strengths. These leaders are change agents, in turn they are often placed in positions that utilize their unique strengths. They are life learners not afraid to be coached or mentored.

When they are in charge they have no problem hiring subject matter experts of people “smarter than they are,” because they know it will help everyone achieve, grow and meet those important goals. People follow people that are inspiring and relational. With transformational leadership, you allow people to thrive and create a very healthy environment for the workplace. Because once again it comes down to this people want to be heard and people want to bring value. Even if they are not crazy about a job, people tend to love transformational leaders. Think about the leaders who you admire the most and now think about why you admire them. Chances are, they are transformational leaders. People don’t leave companies, they leave employers, they leave people who are not appropriately flexing their leadership style.

In Closing

There are many different types of leadership styles. As a leader, it is important to figure out how to flex these leadership styles because each has a time and a place. In my book “The Key Leadership Qualities It Takes to Be a BOSS… ” (the first in its series) I talk about this very thing. This book is written for women who are entrepreneurs, but anyone can benefit from the tips and pointers found within the book’s contents based on solid research.

Get your copy of the book on Amazon.com. Available in print and on Kindle.

Pro Tip: Check out this Forbes article – “The Secret To Transformational Leadership.”

Blog Written By Zoey Baker

Blog Editor: Judith Baker

The Federal Trade Commission of the United States requires that we disclose we are Amazon affiliates and may earn a commission.

#LeBakerMusic #Leadership #JohnMaxwell #JudithBaker #transformationalleadership

It is safe to say my family and l were expecting a bright and hopeful 2020. Vacation plans, a mission trip and family visits all cancelled before April. History perpetually seems to keep repeating itself. From weather tragedies, fires, Swine Flu to COVID-19, from racist attitudes to more racist attitudes. We need to address this. Many people are angry, frustrated, and hopeless. Many people are tired of everything going on and just want a little peace. I firmly believe God can calm this storm, but at the same time we need to look within.

Look Inside

Decades have gone by and we are still a nation struggling with racial equality. It’s absolutely heart breaking. Hard questions are being asked:

• • Why did another human have to get killed, by the police before there is a call for change?
  • Since the days when slavery ended, why are some communities still segregated and impoverished.
  • What makes two white men gun down a black man jogging down the street?
  • So what kind of impact are we having on each other?
  • What do our children see and what are we teaching them? 

In this difficult time, it is important that we stand together and we look beyond our skin colors. Yes, we have movements and protests for the purpose of raising awareness to these important matters. We need to look inside and ask ourselves what am I living for? How have I let current circumstances affect my attitude? Am I acting on emotion or facts?

I have a friend that is a Pastor and he always told his mixed heritage congregation that this is Heaven practice down here because Heaven will not be segregated since the Bible says God is no respecter of persons or “…God does not show favoritism.” (Romans 2:11). May God help us now. As Martin Luther dreamed that his children would not be judged by the color of their skin but the content of their character it pains me deeply that all these years later the struggle is alive and real.

Why?

What happened to Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, and Breonna Taylor is wrong! But as a nation, deep into the streets and living rooms of our communities, it is important to ask why? Is it as simple as racism? Is there any sense of compassion remaining for one another? Does hate stop more hate? Please don’t misunderstand, what those policemen did was terrible. That this is STILL going on since Rodney King is even worse.

However, rioting and looting does not justify these deaths, it doesn’t help any community, and it doesn’t bring Arbery, Floyd or Taylor back – it is more hate. When will people stop using tragedies and politicians as scape goats. When will people start questioning why are they so angry? What happens if they choose to effect change in a positive manner? I want to clarify I’m not pointing my finger at any particular group of people. Everyone needs to do better, everyone needs too look within. Everyone needs to be the change they want to see, including me.

Accountability

Social media and hashtags are storming the internet at the moment. It’s people’s way of feeling heard. However, if you tweet how much you hate something a politician is doing, why not message them directly? I don’t mean in direct messages on Twitter or Instagram. The White House, your congressional representatives, State Legislators, City Officials all have an email address.

You may not feel like one little email can’t make a difference but it can. When I was a little girl I enjoyed the Charlie Brown cartoon specials that rolled around occasionally. The only problem was as a young child my bedtime was 8:00 pm, promptly. For whatever reason the network aired the Charlie Brown specials at 9:00 pm. It irritated me so much.

My wise mother suggested I write the network and ask they rearrange their programming. My first response was, “they’re not going to listen to me, I am just a kid,” to which my mother replied, “You will never know if you don’t at least try.” So I did it. I wrote the network, I shared my thoughts and provided the suggestion that they air the Charlie Brown specials no later than 7:00 pm. The network heard me, the tiny little voice of a kid, and they moved the Charlie Brown special to an earlier time slot. 

Take Action

One voice can make a difference! Let’s look at politics for a moment. If you find an elected official does not represent your ideal democracy don’t just pout and shout about it. There are better ways to communicate. If you are not fond of your elected representative(s) I have a few questions:

• • Did you vote?
  • Have you contacted the political official regarding the challenges you are concerned about?
  • Are you willing to work with these officials to find solutions to racism issues?

I realize the political powers that be may not be your choice but you can still effect change. Do you have any idea how many letters, meetings, communications Dr. Martin Luther King sent? Would the civil rights movement even have existed if Dr. King only posted his frustrations on social media? People must individually decide to be a person willing to work with political leaders to make a difference about the things that matter instead of taking sides. When have we ever agreed 100% with any elected official.

What Can I Do

As a leadership consultant and retired military professional, I know first hand that people in these types of positions want to hear ideas for solutions. So when you present your concerns, be professional, be specific and provide ideas for solutions. That is how democracy works. Arguing with others on twitter about who is right and who is wrong is just noise that will never rise above the fray. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” Let us not be silent! Let us be productive, proactive, and unite as one nation!

Make A Positive Stand in Your Community:

• • Write The White House
  • Write your Senator
  • Write your Congressman/Congresswoman
  • Write your State Legislator
  • The Nashville Entrepreneur Center – 5 Easy Ways to Support Black Founders Now
  • Hashtags aren’t enough: Nashville businesses can bring real change in fight to end systemic racism (viewpoint)

Authors Judith and Zoey Baker

#LeBakerMusic #BeTheChange #2020 #beextraordinary

Be The Change we all want to see. We want things to change whether it’s with our jobs, families, or even the government. However, we spend more time talking about the problem then finding a solution. If you get anything out of these blogs know that one of the most powerful things you can do as a leader is be the change you want to see!

After a recent political event that aired on television, I noticed my friends discussing something they observed that was not acceptable in their opinion. I gently responded with a “why don’t you e-mail that particular political person?” Don’t get wrapped up in the politics – take appropriate action and air your ideas and concerns to the right audience. Sure it’s easy to have a comment on social media generate a “rant” and sometimes for good reason. The reality is this – the person you are ranting about is never going to see your social media comment. Be the change you want to see in others or as Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Confidence

Be confident in whatever you do regardless of where you are in life. You may not always feel like you can conquer the day much less the world but, you can start by waking up and believing you are going to have an amazing day! It’s that simple. Sure it doesn’t mean you need to be happy all the time, nor is that very realistic. Whether you are a politician, check out clerk or grant writer be confident! Don’t let your status hinder your confidence or vise versa you don’t want to be overconfident either.  And, for goodness sake, don’t compare yourself to anyone else either. That is their story – you go write your own story. My Grandmother used to tell me “you have to wave your own flag.” That is so true. You determine who you are so why not do it with confidence.

Circumstances And Fear

It’s Black History month, a time we often recall many who rose above their circumstances and fears. One such person is Nelson Mandela. Rolihlahla Mandela (Nelson) was born on July 18, 1918, into the Madiba clan, in Mvezo of the Eastern Cape. His father was the principal counselor to the Acting King of the Thembu people.

As a young boy, Rolihlahla, was impacted by his elders stories of valor in the wars of resistance. Sadly, when he was 12 years old his father died and young Mandela, then known as Rolihlahla became a ward of the state. This defining moment Mandela identifies as the event that spawned his dreams of making his own contributions for the freedom of his people. It was in his primary school years a teacher gave him the Christian name “Nelson,” as was the custom then.

After a series of events including being thrown out of a University because of a Student protest, Nelson graduated with a BA in 1943 from the University of South Africa. He went on to enter politics. By 1952, Nelson was chosen as the National Volunteer-in-Chief of the Defiance Campaign. This campaign protested six unjust laws between the ANC and the South African Indian Congress. Because of the protests, Nelson and 19 others were criminally charged. They were sentenced to nine months of hard labor. That sentence was suspended for two years.

Staying the Course

While working on his BA Mandela’s obtained a two year degree in law. In 1952, Mandela along with a partner established the first black law firm in South Africa, “Mandela & Tambo.” Consequently, by the end of the year, Mandela was restricted and could only watch in the shadows as the “Freedom Charter” was adopted in 1955. South Africa became a very racially charged and turbulent society. Mandela would find himself on trial for treason in 1956, but he was acquitted in 1961. That only inspired Mandela to write to Prime Minister Verwoerd requesting a national convention for a non-racial constitution in South Africa or face a national strike. Subsequently, by going underground and using the name David Motsamayi, he secretly left South Africa to travel to England and around Africa to gain support for the struggle of his people.

It was a difficult journey with many arrests and convictions for Mandela, yet his resolve remained firm. His confidence to stay the course and fight for freedom never wavered. Personally, I believe it is a miracle he was not assassinated. On April 20, 1964, Mandela and 10 other comrades on trial for sabotage, stood their ground. Faced with the death penalty Mandela uttered these words now known as the “Speech from the Dock:

“I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Prison and Politics

On June 11, 1964, Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Ahmed Kathrada, Govan Mbeki, Raymond Mhlaba, Denis Goldberg, Elias Motsoaledi and Andrew Mlangeni were all sentenced to life in prison. Denied the ability to attend the funeral of his mother in 1968, and his eldest son in 1969, Mandela still fought. Many visited him in prison. His passion to see freedom for all people continued. Mandela initiated talks for an ultimate meeting between the apartheid government and the ANC. He pushed through prostrate surgery, tuberculosis and rejected at least three conditional offers of release. Nine days after the ANC and the PAC was “unbanned” on February 11, 1990, Mandela was the last of his comrades to be released from prison.

Twenty-seven years in prison for wanting people to be free, Mandela immersed himself into talks to end the white minority rule. In 1991, he was elected the ANC President. In 1993, he and President FW de Klerk jointly won the Nobel Peace Prize. Mandela cast a vote for the first time in his life on April 27, 1994 and on May 10, 1994, Nelson Mandela became the first democratically elected, inaugurated Black President of South Africa.

“Nelson Mandela never wavered in his devotion to democracy, equality and learning. Despite terrible provocation, he never answered racism with racism. His life is an inspiration to all who are oppressed and deprived; and to all who are opposed to oppression and deprivation.” nelsonmandela.org

Regardless of where you are at in life remember, your circumstances do not define you. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it.. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ~ Nelson Mandela

Be The Change

This timeless and inspiring story transcends beyond Black History Month. A beautiful example and encouraging story of human triumph. Next time you feel like you’re not good enough, the mountain seems too big to climb, or you feel stuck in a bad situation. You are not alone. There are loads of people all over the globe finding ways to be the change they want to see. One of my favorite scriptures in the Bible is 2 Timothy 1:7, from the King James Version. Even if you are not a Christian these words are a powerful and a comforting reminder to combat fear.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” ~ The Apostle Paul

So maybe your ambition is not running for President. That is fine. Just remember the main point I am sharing here. Stand in confidence and believe you are capable. Stop letting fear hinder you. You will be surprised what you can do!

#LeBakerMusic #BeExtraordinary #Leadership #NashvilleTN

#Be The Change | LeBaker

My daughter Zoey The White Lioness is a rock singer and keeps up a social media presence. However, she was telling me recently that sometimes it’s very discouraging to go on her social media, because she feels like she’s talking to the air or “playing to empty seats.” I tell her to just keep going! What is a challenge today may be a different challenge two years down the line, but that doesn’t mean she needs to stop! It’s Worth Doing

Keep Going

In this life we may encounter frustration and even jealousy as we see others prospering and we remain stagnant. First of all when we get like this we can always research what that person is doing to get a bigger following. However the bigger picture is that we have to keep going. When it seems like no one is there and the only people liking our music is Uncle-what’s-his-name. At least that is something! 

Hard Work

In a world where satisfaction is instant, expecting a career to be “instant” is unrealistic. It takes work, self-discpiline, personal growth & development and leadership. Even those that burst on the scene as a seemingly “overnight sensation” had to start somewhere. For most people it takes a lot of hard work, we cannot expect a hand out just because we have a vision! True leaders, CEO’s, and insriring visionaries started from nothing and created something amazing! I’m not saying you need to reinvent the wheel I am asking are you willing to put in the hard work? Are you willing to make the necessary sacrifices?

It Takes Time

As the old saying goes, “Rome was not built in a day.” Tree’s do not grow tall overnight. Seeds take time and nuturing to sprout and blossom! Remember to be patient with the process. Emjoy the journey for these is no other one like it. It’s your journey! Resist the urge to compare yourself to others, because you don’t know what they went through or what they gave up to get where they are. You may not be ready for the next big step, but instead of completely stopping, take baby steps and see where it takes you! It’s Worth doing! If you stop right now what will your business look like in five years compared to if you keep going?

Are you tired of being ignored? DON’t GOVE UP. You give it all you got and it seems like no one cares? Do you just want to give up? I have good news for you. Here are some different ways to help you keep going. 

Build Your Team

Are you doing it all on your own? You don’t have too! It is so important to build your team so you can bounce ideas off someone. This will make it easier to develop a strategy to target the audience or platform you’re trying to gain traction in. 

Think About What You Have

When we are ignored we feel rejected and disappointed because we aren’t gaining anything. Think about situations where you weren’t ignored. That friend that always listens to you, that person that left you a nice comment on social media? It could even be as simple as the joy of a family member acknowledging your existence! You are never really being ignored it’s all a matter of perspective. 

Change Your Mindset

Stop saying things like; failure, rejection, or I had a bad day. Replace those thoughts with; today was a challenge, I didn’t fail I found a way not to do something. For rejection (which is something most people fear far more than anything else) here is a mind blowing fact. When you get “rejected” that is nine times out of ten a reflection of that person. It really has nothing to do with you!

Don’t Give Up

When it seems like our hard work will never pay off. Remember these three things you can tell yourself. Build your team, be grateful, change your mindset. These things are simple, but don’t worry if it takes time to fully understand them. We all have our mountains to climb, but when the top seems to far away, don’t give up!

#motivation #LeBakerMusic #Nashville

Have you ever used the phrase; “This always happens to me!” How about, “I’m a worrier because, it runs in the family.” When we do this we underestimate ourselves because of the power of mindset. Understand, the mindset is a powerful thing.  Sometimes we think everything is stopping us when it’s really ourselves. That is due to the power of mindset.

Getting To the Core

The vital core of leadership is based mostly on mindset. You may think all you need is to be rich, good looking, or powerful. However, what really makes a great leader successful is how they handle day to day challenges. They have made up in their minds that failure is not an option. Replace toxic phrases such as, “This always happens to me!” They say, “Oh, well next time will be better.” Instead of “Oh, it runs in the family.” They say, “No! It’s time to break this pattern!” “I failed.” Is replaced with, ” I found five ways not to do something.” 

Big Changes

Watch how things change when you do this. I’m not saying your life will be perfect and you’ll get everything you want. However, you’ll be surprised how confident you’ll feel when you get out of a negative mindset. You’ll see life in a whole new way. No longer will you feel trapped by the cards you’ve been dealt with. 

Taking Out The Trash

It’s similar to taking the garbage out. No one wants to keep garbage. Visualize yourself throwing away those negative thoughts. It is time to let go and be the leader you were born to be. What have you got to loose? Don’t wait till New Years to rewire your thinking. There is no time like the present! The sky’s the limit! Go out there and be a leader!