‘Leadership is the activity of influencing people to strive willingly for group objectives.’ Which of the following situations is an example of leadership in this sense?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → A sales head works alongside her team on a tough order, and the team members gladly put in their best to win it.
Option (1) A supervisor checks each worker’s output against the day’s target and gives instructions where needed. — Incorrect. Checking output against targets and giving instructions is supervision. Supervision means overseeing what subordinates do so that resources are used well and work targets are met.
Option (2) A sales head works alongside her team on a tough order, and the team members gladly put in their best to win it. — Correct. The sales head works alongside her team, and the members gladly put in their best. She influences them, and they strive willingly for the group’s goal. George Terry defines leadership in just these terms.
Option (3) A manager sends a circular to the department heads informing them of the new office timings. — Incorrect. A circular that tells department heads about new office timings is formal communication. It passes on information through official channels and does not seek to make people work willingly.
Option (4) A manager warns the workers that anyone who misses the output target will lose his bonus. — Incorrect. Warning workers that they will lose the bonus is negative motivation. It uses threats, so people act out of fear and not willingly.
Supervision watches the work against targets. Leadership goes further: it makes people want to give their best.
NCERT (2026-27 Edition):
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