In general the term leadership imposes few functions on the shoulders of a leader. A leader encourages the members, releases the tension and becomes the single voice of whole group. Maintenance of strength and achievement of goals are also important functions of leadership. According to Professor Bernard, following four functions of leadership are necessary.

1. The determination of objectives.
2. The manipulation of means.
3. The stimulation of coordinated actions.
4. The control of the instrumentality of actions.

Advantages of Leadership

Leader is an important member of a group who plays a vital role in shaping the goals and making the roadmaps. A group can face difficulties in the absence of a leader. A leader is one who communicates with other members in such a way that he/she minimizes the tension and frustration of his/her followers. Leader takes good decisions in the crucial circumstances which are difficult to be taken by the ordinary members of group. Therefore it can be concluded that there are numerous  advantages of leadership.

Summary

Leader is a person who leads his followers or supporters. There is a great significance of leaders in a group. A leader is always followed, obeyed, and honored by his/her supporters. Precisely, leadership is the name of “group-guiding” force. As far as the qualities of leaders are concerned, there are several qualities needed to be possessed by a leader such as farsightedness, clear view, correct judgment and sympathetic etc. A leader has to perform important functions both in external as well as in internal matters of his/her group. Hence, leader is a vital member of a group who draws the roadmaps and shapes the means to achieve the goals of a group, community or a nation.