If you were to ask an expert to list the elements that are crucial for the provision of successful programs and services, effective leadership would typically rank very highly. For providers of leisure, a predominantly service-orientated field typically delivered through program structures, the contribution leadership makes is crucial. This is especially pertinent for those involved in the commercial provision of leisure - many of whom are operating in a dynamic and inherently unstable sector that presents not only considerable opportunities, but also, tremendous risks. In light of this, it is worthwhile to explore the specific contributions leadership makes to the provision of leisure programs and services.

A Closer Look at Leadership in Leisure Provision

The value of leadership is often acknowledged or alluded to. It remains however, an often observed but seldom understood phenomenon. In the leisure sector, the value of sound leadership is often remarked upon, but seldom analyzed in any real depth. This typical lack of understanding and insight can be directly related to the fact that there are as many theories on leadership as there are leaders. There are literally hundreds of books on the subject, thousands of articles, and an endless tide of opinion which suggests that understanding the concept of leadership is no easy task.

To begin with a broad definition, leadership can be conceptualized as an influence-based relationship wherein a leader attempts to influence, motivate and direct followers toward the achievement of objectives and goals. Sometimes these aims are mutually beneficial, sometimes they are not. Some followers willingly submit to being led, some followers are in a constant state of negotiation regarding their role, and still others resist being led, but comply due to coercion.

In the past, leadership in leisure provision had largely been the domain of amateur volunteers, with the small number of professional practitioners holding little in the way of formal training or qualifications. In recent decades, with the ever-increasing regulation of the leisure industry and the skyrocketing market value of the sector, commercial leisure providers are typically bound by complex regulations and required to be registered professionals with appropriate qualifications, permits, licenses and the like. Volunteers still hold many leadership roles in leisure provision, but tend to either have some form of training, or at the very least, enjoy a greater level of access to training and support facilitated through governmental and community agencies.

Leadership in leisure provision has now become so specialized it has spawned its own industry. Specific courses, qualifications and resources for leadership training in leisure are now offered by a plethora of educational institutes. This fact certainly acknowledges the perceived importance of leadership in the modern context, not to mention a clear desire to improve and enhance the leadership capabilities of leisure providers, and of course, capitalize in doing so.

The implication is that effective leadership, the exact nature of which is open to debate, has the potential to yield superior outcomes for those involved in the provision of leisure programs and services. It is not enough however, to simply rest the case upon this very general assertion. Let us now examine some specifics.

Effective Leadership Provides Direction

One of the major contributions of effective leadership is a sense of direction and, by proxy of this direction, a focus for action. While this sense of direction generally serves the best interests of the leader's organization, their followers and their goals, this is not always the case. It must be noted that leaders tend to bring with them an agenda, one that may potentially contravene the interests of their followers and/or the organization and/or the public at large. This concern aside, two factors play into the establishment of direction.

Establishing direction requires a clear vision for the future and the development of strategies to achieve it. This vision should be both focused and feasible, with environmental awareness, or being 'tuned-in' to what is going on around you, crucial in finding an appropriate balance between idealism and the constraints of the 'real world'. A sense of direction is important because it serves to define and maintain the focus for follower's efforts. Furthermore, when times get tough, the direction provided by a leader can lend stability to matters, aiding dispirited followers in regrouping and renewing their efforts.

Effective Leadership Inspires

A further contribution of effective leadership is that it motivates and inspires followers to negotiate constraints and overcome barriers. Because of this potential, many theories of leadership (charismatic and transformational for example) revolve around the notion that leaders can move mountains by jump-starting their followers and encouraging them to transcend their own self-interests and limitations. The general consensus is that inspirational leaders possess quality communication skills, consistently high levels of energy/enthusiasm and a problem-solving orientation.

Communication skills are vital to anyone in a position of leadership, the outcomes of which are heavily dependent upon an individual's ability to be an active listener, and consistently clear, concise and considered in both speaking and writing. Also, if a leader lacks enthusiasm and energy, this condition will eventually transmit to his/her followers, making it especially difficult to motivate them. Finally, operating from a problem-solving orientation is crucial because it means that one is naturally inclined towards, and more likely to be skilled and/or experienced in, negotiating or overcoming complications.

Effective Leadership Sets an Example

Finally, effective leaders are good role models. They contribute towards quality outcomes by setting the bar for everyone. As the living embodiment of competent and caring professionalism, the leader who practices what they preach is demonstrating exactly what they expect from their followers. Furthermore, since leaders are also figureheads, they are typically evaluated or judged more often than anyone else. It is crucial therefore, that a leader always strives to set a good example and project a positive image, not just to their followers but also the public at large.

The effective leader also sets an example by blazing the trail. Indeed, just as leaders often receive enormous praise in victory, they typically receive the greatest proportion of the blame in defeat. If we wish to be successful then, we must actively pursue success, and this can be easier said than done. Leadership carries with it not only great prestige and reward, but the very real potential of failure, embarrassment, criticism and conflict. If a leader is not willing to actually lead, and stand tall in the face of such dangers, followers are unlikely to leave the starting blocks either.

Conclusion

Sport and leisure providers operate in a dynamic and highly competitive domain that carries significant elements of risk. While leadership is a concept which is often witnessed and discussed, the specific contributions it makes seldom come into focus. This essay has discussed leadership in the sport and leisure context, with a particular focus on what it contributes to the provision of successful, quality leisure services and programs. In summary, effective leadership aids in enhancing provision outcomes by: setting direction, which is crucial for defining a focus for action; inspiring followers to transcend their self-interest and overcome barriers; and setting an example, through embodying all the qualities a leader expects from followers and championing the cause.