When I signed up for this class, I expected to learn a few new things about leadership. I figured that with the amount of leadership development I had already been through, there could not be that much more I could learn from a class. I expected this introduction to leadership development class to be a simple rehashing of everything else I have ever learned about leadership, but I quickly found that I was very wrong with this class leading me to a great deal of insight about leadership and myself. In this final paper, I hope to bring together what I have learned about leadership as an idea and as a personal practice through this class.
To begin with, I have definitely seen my view of leadership as an idea change over the course of this semester.
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Each theory is a different piece of the mosaic that is leadership and in order to understand the whole thing, you have to take a step back in order to truly appreciate it. From great man to leader member exchange, each leadership theory has something to add to my understanding. This stance shares the core idea of situational leadership that “to be an effective leader requires that a person adapt his or her style to the demands of different situations” [Northouse, 2005, p. 99]. The situational approach assesses the skill levels and enthusiasm of the individuals in order to determine which leadership style is most effective. It sets up a tool belt of different leadership …show more content…
One of the clearest examples of my multifaceted approach to leadership was through my high school theatre experience. Throughout my time doing theatre, I made it my mission to try and help all new members within the stage and building crew find a home there and become comfortable working in the shop. At the time, I thought I was carrying out servant leadership as I was more focused on serving these new people in the organization over advancing my own interests. However, in hindsight I recognize that what I was doing was a textbook case of leader member exchange theory. I had formed an in-group around me that offered knowledge, belonging, community, and other benefits to the members of the group. What I now realize is that I was helping all those new people who joined find a home. The majority of them were not there because they wanted to become master carpenters; instead they wanted a place they felt like they belonged. I had accidentally keyed into the real reason they were there and leveraged that to be an effective leader. I have realized then that the method used in providing leadership to a group is less important than the intention behind it. Therefore, the why becomes the most important aspect of leadership and the various styles and theories are like different tools to accomplish that primary
The topic of leadership has been explored and written about by thousands of authors who are considerably more qualified than I am to write about the subject. However, I’ve always maintained that developing, evolving and articulating one’s own leadership philosophy is an essential part of a professional’s growth. Through academics and experience, I’ve concluded that leadership is a “soft” skill, more art than science, and that leadership principles can be universally applied. As a topic of discussion, leadership can be ambiguous and seldom does everyone agree on a single definition. Organizations and the people they consist of crave leadership, even if not overtly. Undeniably, strong leadership is essential to achieving
My style of leadership according to the quiz by Cherry (n.d.) is participative leadership which is a type of leadership that engages the members of the team to participate in decision making and problem solving while the leader makes the final judgment in the deliberation process. This style of leadership allows members who are experts in their fields provide input to reach a more effective and accurate decision. This fits exactly into my leadership style. I always believed that in every aspect there is a greater or lesser person than you are, so, why not focus on the best in others and tap on their expertise in knowledge or skill to get the best results.
The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner (2007) is the result of twenty years of research on the factors that influence and create great leadership. Through studies and stories from leaders with various backgrounds throughout the world, the practices and characteristics that create great leadership are delineated. Leadership is viewed not as a group of inherent characteristics, but as learned behavior that anyone can achieve. The goal of Kouzes and Posner’s book is to inspire and educate leaders through transformational leadership. As such, leadership is about mobilizing others to become and do extraordinary things.
Mlls, D. Q. (2005). Leadership How to Lead, How to Live. Boston: Harvad Business School Press.
The first concept that we covered in the Master’s program at Baker University was to identify what type of leader you would like to be. At the time we did not have the knowledge but it was setting up the path of deliverables that would be achieved 2 years later. By analyzing the past leadership habits, applying new leadership concepts, thought process and real examples. We not have the tools to understand the individual’s leadership concepts and also organizational leadership concepts.
Leaders is an effective tool for summarizing and inspiring leadership, not in that it teaches tough strategies and manipulations, but that when looking at an overview of its content, Bennis and Nanus are essentially teaching human relations and human decency. All in all, this book highlights strategies for us all to be better in our lives and our everyday interactions.
Out past in leadership has been so different then our present. Our past with some of the most noteworthy issues and trends in the field of leadership development in the past 20 years under these two general headings 1) The proliferation of leadership development methods; 2) The importance of a leader’s emotional resonance with and impact on others (Broome/Hughes). These 2 are the most important things for leaders, especially like it’s been with us for 20 years now. In first heading, Proliferation of Leadership Development Methods gives us Classroom- type leadership, Development relationships, Action learning, and challenging job assignments. Each one explains to us what we have used in our past and the skills we have used.
Leadership at times can be a complex topic to delve into and may appear to be a simple and graspable concept for a certain few. Leadership skills are not simply acquired through position, seniority, pay scale, or the amount of titles an individual holds but is a characteristic acquired or is an innate trait for the fortunate few who possess it. Leadership can be misconstrued with management; a manager “manages” the daily operations of a company’s work while a leader envisions, influences, and empowers the individuals around them.
In this theory leadership style changes as needed to ensure that the goal is achieved (Huber, 2014). Each situation may need to be addressed differently, which requires flexibility by all involved, especially leadership. Managers need to evaluate every individual to understand what they are capable of and how they fit the needs of the institution and or situation (Nash, 2015). As a nurse I think this is a very important trait for a leader to have because of how quickly things change and how we must work within our environment. For example, in healthcare we sometimes have to allow others to take control of a situation on to ensure the best possible outcome for each patient. In addition, the manager needs to ensure that each person works within the scope of their practice, functions at the highest level allowed and completes their tasks. To be a successful leader in healthcare and achieve desired outcomes requires a high level of flexibility by leadership. I would also say that the contingency theory would also fit into my leadership style. The basis premise of this theory is that each situation is different and leadership needs to take that into account when managing a situation (Huber, 2014). At times a leader needs to look at the bigger picture and incorporate that in their decision making process. When looking at a specific situation taking input from all parties involved can lead to a more effective solution. We can learn a lot form those around us and need to take that in account to be an effective
Hall, Peter, & Norris, Peter. (1993). Learning for leadership. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 14(7), 35. Retrieved August 25, 2011, from ABI/INFORM Global. (Document ID: 81758).
The learning obtained from the Leadership and Organizational Behavior course has been valuable. From this course, I have learned that while someone can be a manager or a leader, it is better to be both. The various topics discussed throughout the eight week course have provided the unique insight necessary to be an effective leader. The insight gained allow for the identification of the behaviors that an effective leader must possess and continually develop. By identifying these behaviors, I am better able to shape my leadership style and goals so that I can achieve my full career potential as a leader within my organization. Ultimately, I realize that it is important to both do things right and do the right things in all my actions within an organization.
Leaders can have a powerful impact on the futures of many, and the way in which one approaches leadership is paramount to the type of impact one will have. Continual growth in the areas of knowledge I have and seek to acquire, as well as recognizing my leadership style and utilizing my personal strengths to the fullest, is vital to the successful implementation of my personal philosophy of leadership.
Northouse, P. (2010). Leadership: Theory and practice (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Lussier, R.N. & Achua, C.F. (2010). Leadership: Theory, application, skill development (5th ed.). Mason, OH: South-Western.
There are many different types of theories on leadership. There is Fiedler’s contingency theory, situational theories of leadership and House’s path-goal theory. These theories are used to make an individual or manager a more effective leader. They can be used as a guide for individuals and help them achieve whatever goal is set out by their organization or group.