Reflection Paper On Leadership

On the very first day, I was overwhelmed and excited because I was going to learn from two great mentors. I was also excited to share my previous practicing leadership skills with other group members although I have greatly sharpened my leadership skills according to the framework provided by the facilitators on the first day. I had been provided different opportunities to demonstrate the leadership skills in my professional and personal life and I fulfilled the criteria according to that situation however, this course highlighted some gaps, which needs to be addressed in my future implications.

Over the course of this semester, I have learned about the theoretical foundation of leadership and management. From various leadership styles to numerous learning tools have all aided in shaping me to become an effective leader not only in the health care profession, but everyday life as well. Through utilizing these tools, I have managed to put them into actions through working individually and in teams which has helped me to learn more about myself and the type of leader I am. Throughout this action plan I will reflect on my definition of leadership, what I’ve learned about myself in the capacity to demonstrate leadership, my leadership strengths and weaknesses and three action steps that will help me to develop my leadership in the future.

One of the biggest lessons learned from this course is that to be an effective leader, you must have a diverse skillset. I’m not sure if there is any one magical component or characteristic in being a great leader. One influence during my review of the literature was that; although easier for some, I see leadership as something we must continually improve upon. This is in contrast to my belief during my first day of class, when I thought leaders just

In this paper, I will summarize the readings that we did in Module 1, based on leadership research. This review will examine the two readings and a YouTube video that define what leadership means and also the characteristics needed to become an effective leader.

From what I’ve learned about leadership during this course is that a leader is someone who influences the thoughts and behaviors of others. Before this course I never looked at myself as a leader but more as a manager. I never put any thought into my true personality, my leadership style, and things that motivate me. Therefore, I have done some self reflecting on my abilities of being an effective leader. I can’t say that I’m a natural born leader, but I can say that I do have some natural leadership characteristics to become an effective leader. With hard work and dedication I could achieve being in a leadership position in the future.

My philosophy of leadership has changed after taking this course with Dr. Jim Street and Erin Parish. I would personally consider myself a leader from past positions or actions, although I have “expanded my frame” a lot after being in the Leadership and Legacy class. At the beginning of this semester I saw leadership as a position or skill. I still believe that it is a skill that can be retained, although it is not based off position but rather actions taken. I did not know the large variety of leadership that is surrounding me on a daily basis. I have been taught leadership previously by being in student council, public speaking class, Girl Scouts and being a guest service manager at Lowes Foods. This class has really tied all of those things together for me. Communication is crucial when it comes to Leadership, between other leaders and followers, to be a successful leader one must properly communicate which also means knowing how to listen.

Growing up, I always knew the importance of loving others as yourself and being kindhearted; however it was not until the course the I learned that these are also the qualities of an exemplary leader; specifically that you can lead others without being hard, strict, and callous. Therefore, this course has not only taught me the true definition of a leader, but also the qualities, traits, and attributes that I should embody to be a great Christian leader. Referring back to the introductory blog, my views are basically the same and have not changed. However, my knowledge and understanding of how to develop into a great leader has greatly expanded. I feel that I had the foundation of what a great leader was prior to this course, however, after completing this course and interviewing an exceptional leader; I have the tools necessary to build upon the

Before this class, I had a very primitive and vague definition of leadership. Not only did I define it as per my views and ideologies, but I also said that each individual has their own definition of leadership. My initial belief was that leadership does not have a clear cut definition, but there were well defined leadership traits which made an individual. I also initially believed that personal traits did not translate into leadership traits with no strong correlation. After going through the various modules this class offered, it is safe to say that I have significantly redefined leadership and underwent a strong personal assessment. This paper talks what I took back from each of the class activities, assignments and how my self-assessment compares to the perception of others.

Currently, I work with a team of 30 mentors. Immediately the title of this course drew me in because I want to make sure that I am being an effective leader and giving my mentors the proper motivation. Unfortunately, I have dealt with bosses before who do not know how to lead or motivate, which destroyed their team. I desire to equip myself with the proper knowledge of leadership and motivation. My hope is that this class will jumpstart my understanding of both topics.

Leadership Communication (MAN-376) is an introduction to the study and practice of leadership from a communication perspective. The course focuses particularly on understanding leading as a symbolic process. Students will examine communication concepts and skills that will increase their effectiveness as leaders in a variety of leadership contexts: small group, organization, community, and society. Students will also learn how to deal with issues of culture, gender, and ethics, as well as how to handle crises and participate in leader development. The course provides

& Curtis, K. (n.d.). The Art of Leadership. 5th edition. McGraw Hill Education. 15-98. Retrieved from https://www.betheluniversityonline.net/cps/default.aspx?SectionID=4868&tabid=154#2

Throughout this course I have been challenged to take a more in depth look at how I am as a leader and what my strengths and weaknesses are. I have always been some that takes charge and likes to have control over situation, but I have been tested to take a deeper look into my leadership skills. I have found that there are a lot of things that I will have to change in order to be an effective leader, and an effective leader that has followers.

I have attended the workshop event named “Leadership is not a title, It’s an action! – Dynamic leadership for the emerging student leader” for my second event paper. This workshop was held at three different locations of Collin College on Wednesday to Friday (from November 1st to November 3rd). However, I chose the Conference Center at Preston Ridge Campus, and it lasted for two hours from 1 P.M to 3 P.M. Moreover, this event has invited a guest speaker – Erika Gilchrist.

This reflection has made me realize why I am who I am. It also made me look at ways that I can improve and become a better leader and peer. I want to be the best that I can possibility and be a positive example for those around me. This reflection has been inspiring as a reminder of where I am going and what I need to do to get there.

Throughout high school, I was fortunate to hold several leadership positions. Being in the leadership group taught me the importance of having a vision and taking initiative in order to lead effectively. But most importantly, it taught me that effective communication is key to good leadership.