Which of the following best describes effective leadership?

Effective leadership is best characterized by the ability to influence others to work towards common goals. This approach emphasizes collaboration, motivation, and inspiration within a team or organization. A leader who influences rather than commands fosters an environment where team members feel valued and are more likely to contribute positively to collective objectives.

This inclusive style of leadership encourages participation, enhances morale, and often leads to greater productivity as individuals unite under a shared vision. By rallying others around a common purpose, effective leaders create alignment, facilitate teamwork, and drive progress towards organizational goals.

In contrast, rigid adherence to rules can stifle innovation and discourage flexibility among team members, while focusing solely on metrics may overlook the importance of interpersonal relationships and qualitative feedback. Limiting employee autonomy in decision-making undermines their ability to contribute ideas and solutions, which can diminish engagement and hinder creativity. Thus, option C stands out as the model of effective leadership.