The class that was most influential for me was ‘The Leadership Edge’. Before taking this class I thought leadership was simply a person who leads or guides or a person who is in command of others. However, I now understand that leadership encompasses a plethora of characteristics and abilities. I believe three common factors exist in successful leadership; a focus on people, clear communication, and character. A good leader understands that he or she cannot accomplish anything without the support of followers. The best way to develop this support is by showing love, dignity, and respect to the people being led. I have learned that a leader is an individual who, while in authority over a group of people, provides sufficient or superior guidance for the completion of an effort.
Dealing with people can sometimes be my weakness. I am an introvert and sometimes find myself withdrawn in certain situations that detail for my social characteristics. I definitely don’t take too kind to being judged from other people but I do realize that people are entitled to their opinions and I must understand that all people are different and we must adjust to each others differences. I know that in being a leader I must aspire to work on my character and competence to solve structural and systemic problems within myself and my organization at work. Change starts from within. I must first work on the programmer if I want to improve the program. As I give grace to others, I will receive more grace myself. As I affirm people and show a fundamental belief in their capacity to grow and improve, as I bless them even when they are cursing or judging me – I will build primary greatness into my personality and character.
In learning about leadership and its qualities my understanding of emotional intelligence has influenced my heightened awareness of my own emotional intelligence level by understanding that leadership requires a degree of intellect and IQ but I also realize that these are merely "threshold capabilities" that help achieve a high-level position. Emotional intelligence is needed to be successful in leadership by being a model by example, (how others see you) building caring relationships, (how others feel) and to mentor by instruction (how others hear). There is definitely a correlation between a person’s success, their level of experience, emotional intelligence and their IQ level. Generally, IQ is an important qualification but emotional intelligence is the facet to effective leadership.
I have learned through this experience/class that I must be prepared to exercise leadership by taking initiatives and responsibility by using my knowledge to solve problems at my level. I will have to be a caring individual who will listen 100% of the time. Being a leader I will also have to help people expand and increase their own individual capabilities with the belief that an individual who is constantly growing and developing is an asset both for all individuals concerned and society as a whole.