Paper on Leading Intergenerational Groups and Interpersonal Skills for Research

On Leading Intergenerational Groups and Interpersonal Skills for Leaders - Research Paper Example From this point of view, it is rather difficult to evaluate the success of a leader in regard to his ability to lead intergenerational groups. However, there are certain facts that indicate the potentials of a leader to lead successfully such groups. In accordance with Haight and Gibson (2005) the successful leadership of intergenerational groups can be identified through a series of positive outcomes: ‘a) amelioration of suffering, b) overcoming of disability, c) the chance for new experiences of self-fulfillment and so on’ (Haight and Gibson 2005, p.92). The above outcomes are related to the healthcare sector but they can be used as criteria for developing similar assumptions in regard to leadership in other sectors. Hickman (2009) refers to the differences of generations, as these differences are highlighted in the social psychology. Reference is made specifically to the view of Karl Mannheim, a social scientist, who has studied the different responses of generations to various social phenomena. In accordance with Mannheim, people belonging to a particular generation are likely to have common values and attitudes; moreover, ‘people who have born in the time period between two different generations they are likely to incorporate the values and attitudes of both generations’ (Hickman 2009, p.475). ... The management of intergenerational groups can be quite challenging when referring to the state. In fact, it has been proved that the introduction of appropriate policies for addressing the needs of intergenerational groups within a particular state requires the full understanding of each group’s needs, potentials and attitudes. This issue is highlighted in the study of Dannefer (2010). In the above study, emphasis is given on the potential effects of failures in leading intergenerational groups at state level. It is suggested that intergenerational programs would be employed for ensuring that the needs of all the groups are addressed (Dannefer 2010). In accordance with Dannefer (2010) the incorporation of intergenerational programs by state is limited, usually related only to schools and communities, a fact that decreases the benefits of these programmes for a high portion of the population. The use of intergenerational programs as an effective means for leading intergenerati onal groups is also highlighted in the study of Kaplan (1998). It is noted however that these programs can be effective only under the following term: that they are expanded in all sectors, including educational, cultural and economic activities. Moreover, it is suggested that these programs would be developed at different levels of the state, especially the communities (Kaplan 1998). The support of these programs by the state would be a critical term for their success (Kaplan 1998). 2. Interpersonal skills for leaders Different approaches have been used in order to explain the key characteristics of a successful leader. In accordance with the most common view, technical