Each factor will be analyzed to help managers use this approach in the workplace. The four dimensions of leadership are an interdependent set of competencies, skills, and characteristics that allow leaders to bring people together; to get them to work together effectively; to align them around a common purpose, goals, and objectives; to get them to cooperate and depend on each other; and to trust each other. As mentioned above, the generic attributes of leadership described in the literature and the actual role a leader plays on a daily basis do not occur in a vacuum, but are embedded in specific historical contexts, business situations, and the organizational structures, systems, and culture within which people lead. Consequently, the four dimensions of leadership must always be contextualized and applied to the real-life situations and challenges that leaders face.
The four basic dimensions of effective leadership are support, facilitation of interaction, emphasis on objectives, and facilitation of work. They were developed by Dr. David Bowers in 1966 and are still used today to predict the effectiveness of organizations.
