| LEADERSHIP STRATEGIES IN THE MEDIA

‘‘DOING WHAT IT TAKES’’
There are various leadership skills, but one which is very crucial is the mental ability of a leader to endure and persevere. ‘‘Doing what it takes’’ also refers to the determination, persistence and inflexibility of a leader when there is a goal to be achieved.
LEADERSHIP THEORIES AND CONCEPTS
THE GREAT MAN THEORY
The Great man theory believes that leadership cannot be taught or trained, but that those equipped with such qualities are born. Leaders are born with exceptional qualities, and not made. The notion assumes that leadership is hereditary and leaders usually rise from the aristocracy. In relation to the notion of doing what it takes, the theory assumes that is only great men who have the ability to do what it takes to succeed.
THE TRAIT THEORY
Trait theorists contended that there was a finite set of personal characteristics or inner traits, which distinguished effective leaders from non-effective leaders. The leader is endowed with superior qualities, which can be mental or moral. In this theory, traits of persistence and determination are common to leaders. Leaders who can ‘‘do what it takes’’ have mental traits such as task-persistence, the ability to understand, learn and to adapt. They also have moral qualities such as loyalty, firmness, and self-assurance.
BEHAVIOURAL LEADERSHIP STYLE
Under the behavioural leadership style, there is a focus on the leader’s behaviours that affect follower’s motivation and performance. In this theory, leadership becomes a style, which can be learned, acquired and applied. It describes how leaders behave personally towards their followers or subordinates. A behavioural leader can either be autocratic or democratic.
Autocratic leaders that persevere show drive, initiative and are relentless. A democratic leader is always ready to listen to