List and describe the critical skills required of leaders.

Definition of Leadership:
Textbook definition: Leadership is the process of influencing others to understand and agree about what needs to be done and how it should be done in order to accomplish organizational goals (Northouse, 2013).
Personal definition: The ability to motivate, inspire, and empower a group of individuals towards a common goal or purpose.

Critical Skills Required for Leaders:
• Strategic Thinking – The ability to use logical decision making processes while considering multiple factors such as resources, current trends, customer needs/wants etc.
• Communication – Clear communication skills both verbally and written are essential for successful leadership. This includes being able to formulate ideas that effectively convey the message intended while also understanding the individual personalities on a team in order articulate them properly.
• Emotional Intelligence – Demonstrating good interpersonal skills, empathy, self-awareness and flexibility will help build strong relationships with employees as well as help managers deal with difficult situations more effectively.
• Influencing Others – Being able to influence people without coercion by utilizing positive reinforcement strategies or providing meaningful incentives is an important skill for leaders who want their teams motivated towards achieving organizational goals.

Early Trait Theory of Leaders & Managers:
Leaders often possess traits such as charisma and enthusiasm which allow them to gain support from those around them. They also typically have higher levels of confidence along with being emotionally intelligent so they can better connect with their teams in order create strong relationships founded upon trust (Lussier & Halpin 2008). Other characteristics associated with effective leaders include courage when making difficult decisions as well having good problem solving abilities combined with creativity when finding solutions (Kizlik 2015). On the other hand managers usually have higher levels analytical thinking abilities that enable them quickly evaluate potential options before making decisions whereas leaders tend more intuitively driven relying less on data but still just making sure they don’t rely solely on gut feelings alone (Yukl 2002). Additionally managers typically have stronger business acumen understanding budgeting/finance concepts good enough make educated recommendations related these areas even though ultimate decisions may come different sources . Finally both positions often require similar strength displaying situational awareness being proactive yet flexible adjust ever shifting demands environment they working within same time remaining cool under pressure maintain composure even most trying moments .

Various Leadership Styles :
The various leadership styles identified include autocratic/authoritarian which emphasizes top down direction where leader makes all calls without consulting anyone ;transformational that involves inspiring followers gaining commitment through dialogue between manager staff; charismatic puts focus inspirational elements allowing set example lead example; democratic requires open collaborative atmosphere promote greater sense ownership among members team ; laissez-faire mostly hands off approach where leader gives rein subordinates find solutions themselves lastly transactional uses rewards punishments keep stakeholders line predetermined objectives . From personal standpoint believe transformational style fruitful longterm regard because brings collective awareness empowering workers increase engagement level due creating shared vision future everyone striving towards one ultimately leads success organization since more likely reach.