Leadership is the art of influencing human behaviour so as to accomplish a mission in the manner desired by the leader. This definition of leadership is the one that is commonly used in the Canadian Forces. In the definition, it is stated that leadership is an art, and as such people who perform leadership must in a sense be artists. This definition also states that a leader must be able to influence the actions of others in order for their actions to serve the leader's plan. This indicates that the leaders must also be a motivator. Leadership and motivation work hand in hand in accomplishing goals, and as such, leaders must be able to identify what kind of motivation is needed, and when. The Path-Goal Theory of Leadership, proposed by Robert House, is a blue print for increasing the effectiveness and fulfilment of subordinates, where the Expectancy Theory suggests how to increase employee motivation towards a specific outcome. Combined, these two theories could prove to be a very useful tool in the hands of a leader.
House's theory of leadership, entitled the Path-Goal theory, is built around the idea that a leader should behave in one of four different ways. These four leadership behaviours as described by House are Directive behaviour, Supportive behaviour, Participative behaviour, and Achievement-oriented behaviour. The use of the aforementioned behaviours is contingent on both the personality of the subordinates, and the given situation. When tasks are clearly defined, supportive leadership would be the most prudent course, whereas when tasks are taxing and woolly, then directive behaviour would prove most effective. This indicates that the leader must continually adapt his style to the changing situation in which he finds himself. .
The four leader behaviours described above represent a pallet from which the leader can call forth the appropriate shade of leadership to channel the followers" efforts towards the achievement of the group's goals, by forming a connection between the follower's personal goals, and the goals of the organization.
