Reflection Of Leadership

What is leadership? There are endless variations of the definition of the term, however, the one that I agree most with as defined by Ledlow and Coppola. Leadership is the ability to assess, develop, maintain, and change the organizational culture to meet the needs and the expectations of the external environment. There are many great leaders today that anyone can name off in an instant. We all try to be leaders in some part of our lives whether it be at home, in school, in our workplace. There are certain qualities that can determine the good leaders from the bad leaders. I want to learn more about these characteristics by taking assessments and determine how they affect my leadership skills and how I can improve on them throughout this paper.

Leadership is summarized as ‘the process in which an individual impacts a variety of individuals to attain a common goal’. The goal is attained by mutual collaboration and cohesive behavior. A leader infuses a sense of positivity and manages others to reach a specified goal. Leadership has had a very profound influence throughout my life by affecting my family, friends, teammates, and the overall decisions that I have made. By using my personal experiences with leadership, I have learned how to use these skills not only on the field, but throughout my everyday actions.

“At times of change or dealing with uncertainty or in a crisis-- that is when the best leader will shine” (Ellis, 2016). A leader who can work effectively in a complicated, unpredictable situation is a competent leader and he tirelessly works to improve his capabilities (Ledlow & Coppola, 2010). All great leaders are known for communicating effectively what they want to achieve. They are visionaries who have the ability to lead others toward a shared goal (Gibson & Weber, 2015).

Leadership can be defined as the ability of a superior to influence the behavior of a minor or group and persuade them to follow a particular course of action. A leader sets a course of action and ensures that everyone follows the action. Leading can apply to leading oneself, other individuals, groups, organizations and societies. The nature of how leading is done depends on the framework of the situation, one's point of view, and on the nature and needs of those involved. While leadership is learned, the skills and knowledge processed by the leader are influenced by their traits, such as beliefs, values, ethics, and most importantly character. Knowledge and skills directly relate to the process of leadership, while the other qualities

Abstract: There are numerous definitions of leadership, all of which contain elements related to people (the leader and the follower(s)), communicating in person or by the written word, actions (organizing, directing, coaching, and/or motivating), and for a purpose (meeting a goal(s) or accomplishing a task(s)) (ADP 6-22) (Fisher 2015) (Bolden 2013) (Hogan 2005). Additionally, everything done occurs within a given context. Effective leaders are poised, proficient, pertinent, and practical in the application of the art of leadership. This means leaders are ready to engage the group with effective methods and

“This book is a call to leadership by the Book, that, is the Bible.” The essential elements of biblical leadership are discussed in detail in the book, the most indispensable being “teaching the Word of God as the life-changing power of God.” The crucial function of the biblical leader is teaching God’s Word clearly, in context to those willing to receive it. In doing this, the ideas of business leadership, will not always be the best model to use (Bredfeldt 2006,15). In the first chapter, Bredfeldt, discusses the basic principles of great biblical leadership, these principles find application in almost any leadership role. If one wishes to be an effective leader, the maximum leadership principles of influence, bringing great change, and

“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

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

“There is much that can be learned about leadership from Scripture” (Smith, 1992, p. 39). The Bible provides us with what God not only desires His man of God to be, but requires His under shepherd to meet His character traits.

Leadership development is a process that is continuously ongoing, starting with tools gathered from parents, family, teachers, coaches, and with people who we encounter every day. Leadership is simply one’s ability to lead work, family, and in life. At work a leader has an obligation to the people in their charge and those above them to meet and exceed expectations for the good of the organization or group. Results from the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) 360 list: shows others how their long-term interests can be realized by enlisting in common vision, finds ways to celebrate accomplishments, supports the decisions that people make on their own. The leadership approach that comes natural to me is “Take care of your People”, Taking care of your people is something that I feel strongly about. “Leading by Example” says that I will not ask my crew to do anything that I would not do. “Be fair” is something that has been instilled in me throughout my upbringing and a leadership trait that I carry with me today. Leadership Influences from upbringing, life interactions, and work can help define the meaning for each person.

Effective leadership approaches from a biblical perspective consist of God’s nature in his manifested character. Christian leaders are willing to pay the price to lead in Christ’s affliction. Paul said there is a price to pay in order to lead and Jesus reminded us, “Remember what I told you: 'A servant is not greater than his master. ' If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also” (John 15:20, New International Version). Christian leaders need core attributes of God’s styles and approaches, support and linkage from scriptures, and knowledge of his leadership models of truth for effective leadership. However, these perspectives will gave me a better appreciation and insight of who God is and who I can be with his guidance.

When the idea of leadership is brought up many will think of someone in change. This is normally viewed as a single person. However, this idea of one person being the one and only leader is no more. Instead there is a move towards engaging everyone to be a leader. However, there are certain elements needed to be an effective leader for social change. Self-assessments, a personal vision and understanding of leadership and development of personal leadership are all key elements of becoming an effective leader. In doing so, a person can become an effective leader who promotes positive social change.

Current Vision Statement: I, Alize Markson, as a leader living and working at my highest and best am: Open, empathetic, confident, understanding, and motivated so that I am the most proactive person. Therefore, I am reliable and understandable to my family and friends.

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.

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.