Programme Planning, Implementation and Evalution

PROGRAMME PLANNING, IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION 2(1+1)

Lesson 12 : Types of Leaders

Methods to Identify Potential Leaders

Different methods to identify people with desirable qualities and potential to play roles of a leader are explained below:

• Discussion Method
  This method gives an opportunity for discussion on any subject/issue which reveals their depth of knowledge, talent and ability of convincing power. In this way, the person with sound knowledge and ability is soon recognized. Discussion gives encouragement and assurance to the potential leader to express him over a period of time, which in turn induces confidence in them and develops him as a valuable leader.

• Workshop Method
  Through this method, the large group divides into smaller groups. Since in each group, the decisions have to be taken and the responsibilities have to be conducted, therefore, leaders emerge in each group and extension workers can identify the leaders who have been involved in taking responsibilities. These group leaders exercise their skills, knowledge and decision making abilities in solving the problems of community.

• Participative Observation
  In this method, the extension worker observes a community or group in action for a period of time and then he is able to identify potential leaders. The observer is a part of the scene for a period of time but the group should not be aware of this. Through this observation method, he is able to locate the skills and leadership qualities of the persons, to be selected as leaders.

• Sociometric Technique
  The term ‘sociometry’ refers to the pattern of attraction among group members. This technique is helpful in determining the extent to which individuals are accepted in a group and is best used if all the members of a group know each other well. This is concerned primarily with obtaining choices in interpersonal relations – such as with whom one would like to work, play etc. or to whom one would consult for advice on matters of farming or others. The tests are not designed to measure popularity. This method is very useful to the extension worker in finding out the “natural” or “local” or “informal leaders” in the villagers, who are the influential persons and help in the introduction and popularization of new practices in their communities. In order to seek preference for a leader, the specific situation is explained to each member and is asked to give a member of preference (say first, second and third) along with a rating. People are asked, whom they consult from their village on problems regarding cultivation. They are asked to name three persons, from a community in order of preference. Sociometric score is calculated by multiplying number of incoming choices for each person and total of scores obtained in terms of preferences. Therefore, individuals are ranked on the basis of sociometric score obtained.

• Election Method
  This is another method of identifying leaders through election. Groups elect the right people for the right jobs and the kind of job, each person must be qualified to do the work assigned.