Leadership Reflection

Leadership books abound in modern publishing with each promising proven technique to make leaders and teams more effective. Each of the five books assigned provided a different perspective of leadership but several key themes resonated through each. In their own ways, the authors addressed leader identity, risk, competence, hard work, knowledge of people and proper view of self.

Chapters 5 through 8 discuss what is leadership? Which author aligns with your beliefs on what is leaderships? Explain in detail. I believe leadership is very diverse and has many definitions depending on the situation and the individual’s involved. In my view leadership is one’s ability to make a positive impact based on the needs of many by influencing others to cultivate their vision. A leader has to foster an environment of trust, honesty, and professionalism while encouraging some fun within the workplace. After reading Chapters 5 through 8 I would have to agree with the authors of Chapter 8 by Hughes, Ginnett, and Curphy I strongly agree in a lot of the thoughts shared by the authors on leadership. I totally agree with the authors in

When I began this course I was very nervous because I had no idea of the scope of the course. I was unfamiliar with the Canadian education system and other students. After receiving instructions from my professor, I introduced myself to the person beside me and this process helped to break the ice. I developed a good friendship with the student and this technique used by the professor helped me develop better communication and relationship skills. After few classes, I felt very comfortable and the nervousness and anxiety faded away. I learned about leadership, power relationships in the profession, personal, cultural, professional and organizational, each of which is very important in the nurse’s career. I also gained knowledge regarding client centred care.

For the last 8 years of my career I have been in leadership positions within financial service organisations. I have lead team of up to 30 people, across multiple regions and locations, and I have been in leadership positions that have no direct report and required a high level of stakeholder management and influencing skills to achieve outcomes. My first leadership position was with QBE Insurance were I was a team leader for 18 people in the Property and Casualty Insurance claims department. IN this role I was responsible for leading, coaching and developing my team to ensure we maintained required service levels and financial results. From this role I moved into a National role with the Commonwealth Bank, were I lead a support function team

I started my job as an SI (Supplemental Instructions) Leader in fall 2015 teaching Calculus I. I wanted to be an SI Leader because many people have previously told me that I am a very good teacher and I wanted to give back to the program that helped me be successful and still continues to do so. When I first arrived at Texas Tech, I attending SI sessions because I realized that I needed extra help. SI sessions are 90 minute sessions that a leader holds twice a week every week. The purpose of these sessions is to present different study skills while reinforcing material that the professor teaches. To become a leader in a subject, I needed an A in that course. However, due to the lack of math SI Leaders, they were willing to give me a chance

According to the Introduction to Strategic Studies Course Directive, “This year presents an opportunity to walk in the shoes of senior leaders making difficult and complex decisions before you begin wearing them upon graduation.’’ From the above sentence I can conclude that, this paper could be the beginning of my journey to wear the higher level leaders’ shoes. As I am now starting preparation for a future senior leadership assignment, I have to equip myself with the required knowledge and skills in order to act as senior military leader.

During Phase I of the course, leaders are trained on common core skills and leader development, with emphasis on Army Writing leadership, physical fitness, property accountability, NCOER's equal opportunity, train the force, and risk management. As the course progresses, it focuses on training skill level 3 enlisted personnel to supervise shop operations and diagnose wheeled vehicles and material handling equipment. In addition, this course centered on senior wheeled vehicle mechanic and maintenance supervisor skills and duty positions. Training focused on enhanced skills in leadership, communication and logistics management, practical and classroom exercises, discussions, presentations and lectures. Topics include Ordnance history, stress

“It is unequivocally clear that leaders are not like other people” (Kirkpatrick and Locke, 1991, as cited in Northouse, P. G., 2016, p.22). I have always thought that I was not like other people; I see the world through a different lens. This difference, which sets me apart from my peers, has sometimes restrained my progress; however, after studying my differences and seeing them as strengths, I can now focus on these strengths that make me a unique, passionate, progressive leader. In reflecting on my leadership skills, I will analyze the results of the leadership questionnaires, as presented in Peter Northouse’s book, Leadership:Theory and practice (7th ed.), connect those result strengths with the

Reflective learning is important as it allows one to realize their strengths and weaknesses, develop self-awareness, understand how you learn, and plan your own development (University of Kent, 2012). According to Barbour (2013), “reflective practice is the cyclic process of internally examining and exploring an issue of concern, triggered by an experience, which creates and clarifies meaning in terms of self, existing knowledge, and experience; resulting in a changed conceptual perceptive and practice” (p. 7). This allows us to better understand ourselves so that we can grow and develop. There are ten complexity principles that help leaders thrive in the environment of chaos and complexity. Moreover, leaders need to qualities of courage and will to be effective. There are several leadership assessment surveys that one can take to learn more about themselves in order to understand areas of strengths and areas where growth is needed.

The field of nursing is dynamic, challenging, and continuously changing, requiring strong and encouraging nurse leaders. From working at the bedside and providing direct patient care, nurses leaders are in a unique position to promote safe and quality patient care. A systematic review by Wong, Cummings, & Ducharme (2013) found that the relational leadership style resulted in improved patient satisfaction and patient safety outcomes, such as lower patient mortality, reduced medication errors, reduced restrain use, and fewer hospital-acquired infections. With a continuously changing and demanding healthcare environment, identifying and developing nurse leaders is challenging. Self-reflection and awareness is necessary to be a good leader, allowing one to identify limitations in leadership style to develop and improve upon leadership skills.

Throughout the semester I have learned a lot about my strengths. At first, I had no clue what they were. I also had no clue that they can help explain why certain people work well in a group together or why they don't. My strengths have helped me adjust to life as a college student and even helped me to figure out what I want to do after my college career is over. Events like the Heritage Project, The Student Leadership book, the networking event, and even the peer mentor presentations gave me a lot to think about when considering my future. This class has helped me develop my leadership skills and grow as an Otterbein student by allowing me to better understand myself.

I was shocked because leadership qualities are created through hard work. The book gave me a deeper perspective of being a leader. I thought I was missing key information and perhaps leaders are naturally born. I wanted to view both sides and decide where I stood. However, my stance was unmoved and I felt very engaged in this topic.

During this course I was challenged but also rewarded with all the growth I gained. Before entering this course I was terrified and instantly set myself up for failure from all the rumors I heard from other peers who had this class prior to me. When attending the first class, it was overwhelming with all the work I heard I had to complete over the course of the semester. To make it even worse I had to tell you that I was going to work at the Super Bowl and was not able to attend the second class session. I thought I was going to leave a bad first impression and mess everything up for myself. You were very understanding and just told me get all my work in and have fun. I am glad you understood and said it was okay if I had to miss class.

Due to my passive nature, I’ve always avoided leadership roles. With that being said I still aspire to be someone who can be looked to as a leader. In order to reach that goal I observe and try to mimic the actions of people that inspire me. There have been many people I’ve taken orders from, but I have “followed” few. Those are the ones I consider to be true leaders, and have tried to be like myself.

As an educational leader, I have encountered several new and existing school policies. I never thought deeply about the various processes and the stakeholders involved in policy formulation and implementation. This semester I am engaged in the course Managing Educational Policy as School Leaders (EDLM 6005). This is Semester III, 2016/2017. My course coordinator is Dr. Timar Stephenson. Dr Stephenson was my course coordinator once before and was very helpful whenever I needed clarification or when I had a difficulty. I am thrilled to embrace the new ideas and learning opportunities embedded in this course since it teaches issues which I experience at work. Dr Stephenson, during his introduction reminded his entire class that success in this course would only be realized through hard work, dedication, and commitment. Therefore, it is imperative that I have the right attitude as I navigate this course. The course involves seven weeks of intense work. I am pleased to have a wonderful group facilitator by the name of Rhonda Joseph who has already given us a BBC to explain the requirements of the course and our first two modules.