Leadership in the Public Policy Making Process Essay

Leadership is a momentous role to have when it comes to how an agency handles actions and policies. Effective leaders can increase organizational efficiency, provide greater direction for employees, help members of an organization realize their potential, and improve organizational culture (Cropf, 2008, p233). It is possible for a leader to be low down in the organizational framework as well as at the top. An organization must determine what is needed for its leaders to be effective and what requirements will address those needs. Leadership is needed in a number of areas in public service: (1) developing a clear vision for the organization, (2) working across multiple constituencies, (3) recognizing social and ethical values, (4) creating vibrant organizational networks, (5) enhancing organizational performance, and (6) maintaining democratic values (Cropf, 2008, p 234). Leaders is recognized a need to have certain values, encourages and help build an environment where teamwork is normal, motivates and inspires others, has a vision, helps to motivate to work toward the vision, and has a lasting change. Executives who exhibit leadership qualities beyond their assigned status exercise influence through both positional authority and personal authority (Cropf, 2008, p237). Leaders have the qualities that it takes to build the correct team. A leader may not have all the needed skills to accomplish a task but by building relationships, the right person would be motivated to assist with the completion of the vision. Public Policy and Leadership Public policy transformational leaders who exhibit charisma would be a great talent. These leaders help to motivate others to their way of thinking. They can have a vision but through relationships, they tend to enthuse followers with a commitment that can be extraordinary. It is through this type of motivation that difficult or visions that are not thought to be possible are accomplished. President John F. Kennedy was a charismatic transformational leader. When he gave his Inaugural Address, he offered the memorable injunction: â€Å"Ask not what your country can do for you–ask what you can do for your country† (Beschloss, 2009). As a leader, he challenged an entire country to see and realize his vision. That is a great establishment of objectives and priorities of public policy. President John F. Kennedy made sure his team was aware of a clearly defined vision or purpose for the country. At a time when government and nonprofits aim to â€Å"work better and cost less,† understanding the many ways in which leadership works is a necessary tool for effective administration (Cropf, 2008 p 233). Public policy may not get a leader with all the desired qualifications like military experience or foreign policy. True leaders would not need to have this experience to be an effective leader because they would have the skills to motivate those who do and that would allow for a leader without this experience. The Current U. S. President Barrack Obama has not served in the military but was elected President in time of War. This is credence to his charisma and ability to get people to follow and support his vision. Conclusion  When you are looking at public policy and its leaders, it could be the president of the United States or the manager of the local Department of Motor Vehicles or even a librarian. It is how the person has a vision, sees the vision, relates and motivates other to believe in the vision that determines the leaders. It is different than being a manager but public policy is an area where vision is key and the ability to see that vision to the completion is a must. Leaders not only see what is best for them but what is best for organizations, countries, or constituents.