Leadership Concepts Outlined by David Messick

leadership concepts outlined by David Messick - This paper analyzes the leadership style of Google CEO; Eric Schmidt based on the

of leadership concepts outlined by David Messick in his essay "On the

Psychological Exchange Between Leaders and Followers".Eric Schmidt measures up

very well on all the dimensions except Protection-Security.

In his paper, Messick analyzes leadership by focusing on the relationship

between leaders and followers. Messick postulates that followers chose to be led

because doing so provides them certain benefits. In choosing to be led, the

followers act in ways beneficial to the leader. Thus leaders and followers are

linked together in a symbiotic psychological relationship by exchanging benefits.

Messick identifies five dimensions along which this exchange of benefits takes

place.Benefits Leaders offer Followers

Benefits Followers offer Leaders i Vision-DirectionFocus-Self Direction ii Protection-Security Gratitude-Loyalty iii Achievement-Effectiveness Commitment-Effort iv Inclusion-Belongingness Cooperation-sacrifice v Pride-self respect Respect-Obedience The first benefit of a Vision-Direction provides focus to the efforts of

followers. It helps followers visualize a future state that is better than the

current and motivates them to work towards it. Leaders provide answers to the

questions "Why are we here", "What is our purpose", "Where are we going" and "How

are we going to get there". If the followers identify with the leaders vision,

they are more likely to take ownership of the vision and work towards the goal

with minimal oversight. As the followers work towards the goal they expect leaders

to provide them security, stability, continuity and a sense of purpose especially

during times of uncertainty. In return, the followers feel an obligation towards

the leader and his cause thus strengthening the bonds between them. On the next

dimension of "Achievement and Effectiveness", Leaders convince their followers

that audacious and difficult goals are achievable. The followers work hard

sacrifice their own self-interest and