The general model of leadership perceptions proposes that leader behavior is
interpreted and labeled by followers; if the behavior matches the follower's leadership
prototype, the label of leader is applied to this person.
For instance, an employee may view a leader as someone who takes charge of a situation
and defines for the group how work should be done. Someone from the group who takes charge
and structures the task at hand is likely to be perceived by this employee as a leader.
Subsequent behavior by this emergent leader is likely to reinforce perceptions of
leadership.
Being seen as a leader is important; influence is granted by followers who perceive
another as a leader. This influence should enhance attainment of outcomes. Attainment of
outcomes, in a reciprocal fashion, also affects follower perceptions. Being associated
with positive (or negative) outcomes affects how strongly a person is seen as a leader.