Effective Leadership Of Higher Education

I want others to be able to see my leadership philosophy at work. To do this, it is important that I be able to connect with those I seek to lead, as “The Relational Leadership Model” states, “Relationships are the focal point of the leadership process” (Komives, Lucas, & McMahon, p. 74). One way I hope to develop a relationship with my followers is by “Modeling the Way” (Kouzes, Posner, 2008). I will do this by clarifying my values and leading by example. Clarifying values is important because “To earn and sustain personal credibility, one must be able to clearly articulate deeply held beliefs” (Kouzes, Posner, 2008, p. 29). By clarifying my values, those I seek to lead will understand my mission and will believe I have a goal in mind. Leading by

The concepts of leadership, “to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical,” (Mission and vision, n.d.), fit within the mission of Siena Heights University because the institution fosters the growth of leaders by incorporating skills outside of the classroom. Educators have long known that a significant portion of student learning in college occurs outside the classroom and that faculty-student interaction is an important part of the college experience. (Cox, B. E., & Orehovec, E., 2007, p. 357). Significant research has demonstrated the importance of interaction between faculty members and students, both in and outside of the classroom (Cox, B. E., & Orehovec, E., 2007, p. 343). Faculty members possess a great deal of knowledge that can be imparted to student. This knowledge could be educational, life skills, and personal experiences that allow the student a contextual view point.

A1. Leadership Style Upon conducting research, it is clear that the definition of “leadership” is not agreed upon. It is fluid, based upon many perceptions, situations, and surroundings. According to Robinson (2010), adopting a specific style of leadership is rather futile as it is, “contingent on the personal traits of the leader, the people being led, and the nature of the activity.” Tools are available to help guide potential leaders in determining a preferred style of leadership. For example, utilizing the “Leadership Self-Assessment

In the article titled, "The Common Language of Leadership," by Corey Seelmiller and Thomas Murray, which can be found in the November 2013 edition of the Journal of Leadership Studies, the authors conducted qualitative research in an attempt to (a) define and understand the competencies needed by college students to engage in leadership in their respective career fields and (b) to use the research findings on leadership competencies in order to develop a program that will encompass all fields of academic disciplines. The authors of this article studied the comprehensive of learning outcomes of 475 academic programs within 72 academic accrediting organizations in regard to student leadership development. The assertions by Corey

Author Tara Isabella Burton writer of “Why Are American Colleges Obsessed With 'Leadership'” challenging the assumption that universities should seek out leadership qualities in students. “The implicit message behind the rhetoric of the leadership is that learning for learning’s sake is not enough” she says. Than questions the readers: “What’s the wrong with being a follower? Or a lone wolf?”

Model the Way is based on the premise that a leaders cannot lead without understanding their personal values and ensuring that their leadership reflects their values. Subordinates will be more likely to trust their leaders when they see that beliefs and actions are aligned. This alignment of what the leader says and does provides greater confidence in the trustworthiness of the leader. Inspire a Shared Vision describes the need that all people have for a sense of purpose in their lives and work. Humans are described as unique in our ability to think about the future. This unique ability requires leaders to provide goals that inspire passion an enable everyone to see a common purpose beyond just earning a paycheck. Challenge the Process speaks to the truth that learning and adapting to new circumstances is a constant process without which stagnation sets in. Leaders must

Empirically based, the writers begin the book by offering five practices of exemplary leadership: Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act and Encourage the Heart (p. 14). In their

“The approach to the study of leadership usually has been and perhaps always must be through the study of traits. Leadership obviously is not a simple trait but rather a complex of many traits fashioned together as a unity (Cowley, 1928, p. 144).” Leadership can be defined as the position or function of a leader, a person who guides or directs a group. Leadership is a process that occurs in a group setting. Leadership involves influence and goal attainment. Leadership styles and theories are vast in number and detail. This paper will examine leadership from the perspective of college and university presidents. Presidents of institutions of higher education are considered leaders. Each institution is different meaning that presidents have to be diverse in their leadership knowledge and style in order to effectively lead the institution. It is necessary to have a general knowledge of leadership theories and styles in order to properly examine the traits and behaviors of college and university presidents.

There are five different practices of exemplary leadership: Model the Way, Inspire A Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others To Act, and Encourage the Heart. Not all of these practices need to be done at the same time, however, they also don’t need to be displayed alone either. Depending on the situation and people involved different methods can be more profitable than others.

The following sections provide specific examples and are based on the five exemplary leadership practices as outlined by Kouzes and Posner: Challenge the Process, Inspire a Shared Vision, Model the Way, Encourage the Heart, and Enable Others to Act (13). In all of the instances subsequently noted, it is acknowledged that the examples should not be confined to any one of the categories. Shackleton?s practice of these strategies demonstrates that an effective leader blends all of the elements into a unified theme.

The five practices of an effective leader are, model the way, challenge the process, enable others to act, inspire a shared vision, and encourage the heart. Model the way is creating standards of excelling and setting examples for others to follow. Term goals are set so that people can achieve small wins and work toward bigger ones (Wiley, 2000). Challenging the process is the honesty to evaluate what is not working and evaluate the current practices. Making improvements and changes to short-term and long-term goals. It can be met with resistance but with the effective leader, it will get done. Always look for ways to improve (Griffith & Dunham, 2015).

The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership are important to all good leaders and good practices to instill in themselves and others. They are Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart. If one incorporates these five practices they are sure to be a good leader. For me personally, I feel, Model the Way, is the most important. As I discuss my reasons why I feel it is the most important, you may end up feeling the same way.

One of the topics in organizational development today is leadership. Leadership is what individuals do to mobilize other people in organizations and communities. According to Kouzes & Posner, there are five practices and ten commitments of exemplary leadership. The five practices of exemplary leadership include: Model the way, inspire a shared vision, challenge the process, enable others to act, and encourage the heart. In the Leadership Challenge, Kouzes and Posner found similar patterns and actions of leadership that created the essentials to achieve success. Utilizing the research conducted by Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner, I have created a leadership plan that would apply to the Admission Department at Texas Wesleyan University.

3. Participative Leadership: This style of Leadership behavior gives a better outcome when the subordinates believe that they control their own destiny i.e. internal locus of control.

Instead of adopting a single leadership theory, I have embraced aspects of the following theories that I feel align with my personal approach to