A leader fulfills four distinct roles within the leadership process, and these four roles, many times, present themselves in a cycle.
The first role is that of planner and organizer. Before any process/work can begin, there needs to be a clear action plan in place so that expectations of employees are clear and straightforward and processes are efficient and effective.
The second role is that of educator. It is critical that the leader teach her followers the expectations she has and how to meet those expectations. It cannot be assumed that those who follow know, understand and can work through processes effectively and efficiently.
The third role is that of facilitator/supporter. During process implementations, the leader must be willing to step back from being in control to being there to offer consistent, realistic and tangible support and resources to allow the employee to be successful at fulfilling expectations. An integral part of this is for the leader to consciously walk the center between micro-managing and releasing all control.
Finally, the fourth role is that of assessment and accountability manager. Within this role, the leader both formatively and sumatively evaluates the work being completed, then offers constructive critique to edit/improve the final product. It is at this point in the process cycle that both formal and informal evaluation and accountability measures take place. Consequences (both positive – bonuses, acknowledgement—and negative) are essential in the leadership process.