Reflection #1
Answer Section A, and then choose one additional question (B, C, D, or E) and write a reflection (500 -600 words) based on your thoughts, lessons from readings, and other knowledge builders.
A. How do you define leadership? What do you know about leadership already? What are you excited to know more about?
AND
B. Distinguish between assigned and emergent leaders. Give an example of an instance in which you “emerged” as a leader. Explain how your communication might have facilitated your emergence as a leader.
C. Can someone be a leader and a manager?
D. “Leaders change the way that people think about what is possible.” How do they do that?
E. “Leaders change the way that people think about what is possible, “How do they do that?
Solution
Foundations of Leadership Theory and Practices: Reflection #1
How do you define leadership? What do you know about leadership already? What are you excited to know more about?
Leadership is a complex concept that incorporates multiple dimensions, thus creating different definitions and ways in which leadership has been conceptualized. According to Northouse (2015) leadership is, “a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.” (p. 6). Nonetheless, I would not ascribe to Northouse’s definition when discussing leadership. My definition of leadership is the ability of any individual, regardless of their professional position or status, to motivate and inspire people towards the right direction by maximizing teamwork efforts to accomplish a shared moral goal.
Leadership is a way to cultivate professional, personal, and social life. Despite the multiple dimensions of leadership, it is imperative that a leader has the best interest of followers which ensures the group attains their collective goals. In every organization or group, the leader must constitute influence and trust from the followers ensuring their needs are valued. Conclusively, leadership is a concept that can be developed, hence to become a proficient leader; one must possess the essential skills, qualities, and knowledge of effective leadership. Leadership is dependent not only on leadership traits, but also in different situations, values, objectives, teams, and environments (Northouse, 2015). My interest in this course is to learn the relevant literature about the concepts of leadership and obtain a more considerable insight on how to become an effective leader. The theoretical knowledge about leadership styles and practice will enhance my understanding of how a leader can effectively influence a group. Conversely, the class will further advance my professional competency in my future career.
“Leaders change the way that people think about what is possible.” How do they do that?
The multiple definitions of leadership are based on the common understanding that effective leadership is determined by how a leader utilizes power to influence a team; by mobilizing and directing their efforts towards accomplishing specific goals. The leader is the center of group authority, can change the way people think about what is possible (Northouse, 2015). The leader ensures unity, and teamwork is maintained within the group which establishes a virtue of common consent of the leader by group members. Secondly, to create change and influence within the team, the leader may utilize distinct personality traits like decisiveness. Through the common consent of the team, the leader may exercise formal authority at the pleasure of the group members collectively.
Moreover, a leader must be knowledgeable and experienced to provide the requisite information and resources for attaining success. Conclusively, leaders bear an equal responsibility to ensure they gain more credibility from the followers. The followers adhere to appreciate the leader and be exposed to the leader’s influence (Nahavandi, 2016). Knowledgeable leaders and specialists in a specific field are more effective. Effective leaders ensure a group pursues common goals while overcoming challenges that may hinder success. Successful leadership that inspires people towards executing a given task is attained by utilizing the appropriate leadership style. Effective leaders provide the followers with significant information, support, and resources to assist them to accomplish a collective goal.
References
Nahavandi, A. (2016). The Art and Science of Leadership -Global Edition. Pearson.
Northouse, P. G. (2015). Leadership: Theory and practice. Sage publications.