What is Leader Efficacy

Leadership occurs within work units, groups, teams, and among supervisors, mid-level, and top-level managers, as well as when individuals interact with an organization's external environment. Leadership development refers to the experiences, training, and growth opportunities that help a leader mature and gain the knowledge and skills necessary for success in leadership positions. What motivates an individual to lead and seek out leadership development is the focus of this chapter. The motivation to lead and engage in leadership development is enhanced when a person has strong leader efficacy beliefs and engages in positive thought self-leadership. Leadership development initiatives designed to strengthen efficacy beliefs and encourage the development of thought self-leadership among emerging leaders are worthwhile strategic management techniques useful for enhancing overall leader effectiveness within organizations.