Reflection Of Leadership Reflection

Recently, our doctoral cohort was given two surveys that prompted reflection upon our leadership skills. One survey, the Skills Inventory (SK), yielded some very confirming as well as surprising results while another, Leadership Traits Questionnaire (LDQ) produced results that were not as telling due to the requirements of participation. According to Northouse (2016), “the skills inventory is designed to measure three broad types of leadership skills: technical, human, and conceptual” (p. 67). This measurement was the most effective of the two tools because it produced specific data that aided in insightful reflection. The LDQ’s results were not as reliable because it was intended to be administered to five others including the leader. The Skills Inventory; however, consists of eighteen statements that describe an individual to some degree. Once complete, the surveyed is to add up the scores to specified numbers indicating the skills that one possesses.

This is an introduction to the Skills Inventory introduced in Chapter 3 of the textbook “Leadership: Theory and Practice” by Peter Northouse, a tool by which one can measure leadership strengths in three major skill areas, Technical, Human & Conceptual (Northouse, 2016). An additional introduction is made to the Leadership Behavior Questionnaire, which measures the type of leadership behavior style one is most likely to practice, the task style or the degree to which you define the roles of others, or the relationship style -the degree to which you attempt to make others feel at ease (2016). Upon taking these two assessments, the responses when combined will indicate my personal leadership philosophy. When analyzed in conjunction with Katz’ Three-Skill Approach, the outcome should be in alignment with the experiential and educational leadership background I possess thus far (Katz, 1955).

Throughout this course, our textbook readings, the posting to threaded discussions, my responses to a classmate’s post, and reading various classmates’ responses helped further digest, comprehend, and synthesize the leadership content within Daft’s “The Leadership Experience” textbook. Our weekly lectures with various classmates’ interpretations and responses during the open discussion forums about the textbook themes brought a variety of unique viewpoints to the specific leadership topics. This reflection paper was an extension of this learning, and provided a deep introspection about leadership concepts; how did I, how am I, and how can I apply this knowledge in my workplace. This writing exercise uncovered new meaning and insights while both challenging and supporting certain personal views and ideas about leadership.

Change in educational institutions is inevitable, and leading by learning is critical to meet the demands and high standards for student achievement. Standards and accountability demands placed on schools and school divisions require leaders to dismantle the notion of isolated practice and, instead, promote and instill more collaborative practices to support student learning. Fortunately, I am blessed to have the opportunity to collaborate with a variety of teams throughout the school division, supporting both division and school level goals. Because of the collaborative and multi-faceted nature of my work, gaining a better understanding of the change process as it relates to planning and sustainability has allowed me to reflect upon my own leadership style and its impact on systemic change. To highlight areas of growth in planning for change, a reflection of my leadership style is presented, followed by a discussion of a change regarding school improvement planning that should occur in my division. To conclude, a description of challenges and potential resistors is provided, highlighting the importance of understanding change theories.

In the Leadership Challenge, 4th edition, it is Kouzes & Posner (2007) intention to present a road map for individuals to follow on their leadership journey. The authors stress that “leadership is not a gene and it’s not an inheritance.” Leadership they assert is “an identifiable set of skills and abilities that are available to all of us” (p. 23). They make clear that the “great person” theory of leadership is “plain wrong.” Leaders are our everyday heroes who do extraordinary things on a regular basis (p. 23).

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.

I am committed to continuous learning and have a strong desire to inspire others to action through exceptional leadership and a clear vision that promotes the delivery of superior services, both internally and externally. The Behavioral Health Division will benefit by receiving the highest level of competence and ethical practice along with a personal commitment to quality. I embrace challenges and will initiate and support any necessary changes within the organization. This program will further promote my creativity and innovation, which will enhance the work environment and the delivery of services to the public. My leadership style is a combination of charismatic and innovative. I am extremely energetic and motivate others to move forward

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.

Over the last seven years, I have been fortunate to increase my potential as a leader through the positions I have held, the professional development opportunities I have been afforded and, most of all, the opportunity I have had to be part of the Educational Leadership Doctoral program at the University of Delaware. I joined the ACCESS (Adapting Curriculum and Classroom Environments for Student Success) Project at the University of Delaware's Center for Disabilities Studies in the fall of 2011 as an instructional coach for the state. I was young and inexperienced in my role as a teacher-leader but was eager to learn. I wanted to know in what ways I could make a difference for students with disabilities. As I began doctoral classes in the spring

A successful leader leverages their personal strengths and uses the knowledge of their weaknesses to improve and evolve, treating their development as a learning process rather than something set in stone. Self reflection is often focused on identifying and eliminating our weaknesses, however the vital key to any enduring garden is not trimming dead leaves and exterminating weeds. Instead, it is by watering the soil and carefully tending to it that the flowers can bloom. In the same way, we must cultivate our strengths. Although our weaknesses offer insight into ourselves, capitalizing on our strengths and understanding our talents allows us to develop the skills we need to become strong and effective leaders. The Reflected Best Self Exercise helps to facilitate the development of this awareness by helping individuals determine common themes and trends in their behavior with feedback gathered from friends, family coworkers, teachers, and more.

When searching the word leadership one of the immediate synonyms to appear is control. To me, leadership is nothing about control. Leadership is accepting your role in any situation and still going above and beyond. Being someone who orders others around is not leading, it is dictating. Those getting out in front of others and working just as hard--if not harder--to set an example are true leaders. Leadership plays your strengths while still addressing your weaknesses. Acknowledging both sets up for success. In my life, I definitely have roles with set leadership titles. Although I have these titles, I try to act in ways that do not place me on a higher pedestal than the people I am surrounded by. I act as a humble leader because I know that I have not always been at the leadership level that I currently am. From dance, to student council, to link crew, my age does not give me automatic power. I am looked up to for my experience, but I am a leader for my ability to make connections with those around me. If I lead in ways that just push people around, it won’t be very effective; at a certain point people get fed up with a condescending boss and orders are no longer effective. I do not set out to be a leader only to receive credit, I am a leader to create a lasting impact.

Knowing one’s level of competencies in every area helps in determining whether to keep it up or improve on the said skills. With different definitions of leadership, different people also view my leadership skills differently. This is simply because I possess certain traits, skills and behavioral styles that set me apart from everyone else. Having completed the three surveys which includes; Five-Factor Trait Model, Skills inventory and Situational leadership surveys, a friend completed the Behavioral Style Questionnaire.

The important lessons learnt in this course along with all activities in the group and review the course materials such as Organizational management and leadership by Dr. A. Satterlee, and, Resilient leadership by Dees, made it possible for each of us in group 1 to learn the need of being open-minded, being effective with considering the biblical guidance to be a true leader and this is not only for new life style as Executive leader’s student but also this change will help in the future career. The fact that group dynamic is the phenomenon that shapes the entire work is a new discovery.

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.