Please read the question and post below and reply in one-two paragraphs and use

Question

Please read the question and post below and reply in one-two paragraphs and use at least one APA citation.

Unlike management, the concept of leadership for creativity and innovation implies that leaders are active participants in the processes, in addition to coordinating or guiding the work of others. Morale clearly benefits from the fact that senior staff is actively involved, not sitting behind their desks “managing the process”. Comment on this statement from both the perspective of a leader and that of an innovative employee.

At my previous job, I had two main principals, who approached different leadership styles. The first director preferred to concentrate on macro management and give commands to the middle managers without regular interaction with other managers and the employees. He would not come to the office until an important meeting will be scheduled. Our middle manager would receive phone calls from this director to inform him what she was able to achieve and implement.

The second director was the active manager. He shared the same office space with other employees. He knew each person’s name; he would provide performance evaluation for us despite of his busyness, another responsibilities as the principal and high status in the company. As an employee, I found the leadership approach of the second director as the great style to learn more about the workforce and workplace, increase productivity and foster innovation in the company (Adair, 2009).

Explanation / Answer

Perpective of a leader: Leadership for creativity and innovation requires a hands on approach by the leaders. A Leader has to be both the source as well as agent in the process of innovation and creativity. The hands on approach leads to the creation of an environment that encourages and fosters creativity and innovation. The presence of an effective leadership in an organization helps in sustaining the process of innovation and creativity. Effective leaders have to encourage employees to think out of the box. Moreover, the leader is required to walk the talk, practice what he is preaching. This will set practical example for the employees, fostering the culture of innovation and creativity

Perspective of an innovative employee: An employee involved in the process of innovation and creativity needs certain flexibility while doing his job. This is because innovation requires a different approach of thinking and acting. A leader who is actively involved in the process will understand the worker's need for flexibility.

This will increase the morale of the employee. Moreover, a culture of thinking out of the box will prevail in the organization, encouraging other employees to actively participate and contribute towards innovation.

If the leader is not actively involved, he will not understand the employee's requirement for flexibility and will not allow it. This will stifle the environment that was fostering innovation.

Source: Emmanuel Agbor (2008). Creativity and Innovation: The Leadership Dynamics. Journal of Strategic Leadership, 1,(1), 39 - 45.

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