...Self-reflection – the key to effective leadership Most authorities on leadership development understand the importance of assisting managers and leaders to engage in self-discovery and self-reflection. Recorded statements from philosophers about the need for self-awareness and reflection for those in leadership positions goes back thousands of years to ancient philosophers and teaches like Confucius, Socrates, Plato, Jesus and Mohammed. However, research has shown that self-reflection is possibly a manager’s least favourite activity. While much has been written on the need for self-reflection and for selfunderstanding by managers, little is available that points the way forward for managers on how to commence self-reflection, what are the processes involved and how one commences on the road to self discovery. In this short article, I will endeavour to assist you to commence learning about yourself. There are two good reasons why managers and leaders should be concerned about learning about themselves. First, while some people, because of personality flaws, like narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychological personality disorders should never be allowed to lead others, most people can improve their leadership potential and performance by engaging in self-reflection. Second, research has shown there is no better bedrock for effective leadership than a secure understanding and sense of oneself. Self-understanding also provides a sound basis for understanding ...
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...Self-Reflection - Leadership Development Many varied management and leadership philosophies exist and no single style or approach can be considered to be the ‘correct’ one. Regardless of management and leadership philosophies, self-reflection has played, and will continue to play, a significant role in the shaping of a managers leadership philosophy. Depending on the level of consciousness that a manager has in regards to self-reflection, along with how they communication their management and leadership philosophies, will affect their performance as a manager. Like all managers, my management and leadership philosophies have developed through experiences and the meaning assigned with these. The philosophies that I have previously employed have not always allowed me to adequately address a situation; however, by being reflective the experiences have expanded my knowledge base, resulting in refined management and leadership philosophies. Self-reflecting and communicating management and leadership philosophies is essential for managers in realising their personal potential due to the need to actively learn and interpret experiences for future use. Life experiences shape how individuals manage and lead due to the self-perceptions developed through these experiences. The traits, values and competencies associated with different experiences “dictate how people interpret their environment and what motivates them to act” (Brent and Matheny, 2000, p. 3). This important concept...
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...LIFE STYLES INVENTORY(LSI) Introduction: Thinking and Behavior "The quest for leadership is first an inner quest to discover who you are” (p.391).[1] --Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner--- Self-awareness is foundational to effective leadership and organization success[2]. Research in leadership and organizational behavior indicates that managers who are blind to who they are, and to the effects they have on other people in their organizations, place their effectiveness and their careers at risk. A frequently cited axiom is "the first commandment of leadership is to know thyself." For example, in their studies of managerial and executive derailment, the Center for Creative Leadership found that successful managers: (1) understand their values, personal styles, and strengths and weaknesses; (2) know the impact of these values, styles, and strengths and weaknesses on their ability to effectively work with others and achieve their goals; and (3) are quick to reflect upon and learn from their own experiences. Despite these advantages, we often resist opportunities to increase our self-awareness or to acknowledge error. We fear that learning something new about ourselves will be painful -- doing so may require us to change our treasured and habitual ways of seeing, thinking, and behaving. Self-awareness is also an important barometer to ensure that even the best leadership practices don't become destructive. As Jim Kouzes and Barry Posner caution us in "The Leadership Challenge"...
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...The Personal Leadership Strategy | An important part of ongoing leadership development is the immediate application and practice of newly learned skills. In addition to discussing some of the major issues in Organizational Leadership, during this course you were introduced to a variety of leadership skills and techniques that will better enable you to inspire high performance in others. Research suggests that you will significantly increase the likelihood of your accomplishing your goals, vision, and plans if you write them down. Research further suggests that the longer you wait to apply and practice what you have learned; the less likely you will be to successfully transfer these skills into real-world applications. As you fill out the form, take time to reflect now on the information and questions provided in this document. At minimum, identify four things you will do within the next 10 days to reinforce or apply what you’ve learned. Consider your development needs in relation to your organization, cause, or movement’s needs, or another situation you are currently in. Relating them to real-world learning will ensure that the skills get practiced now. As you progress through the next terms of classes you should use this as a guide for developing strategies so that you will continue your journey in becoming an effective leader. Personal Leadership Plan | Name: Lauren Hajek Date: 12/4/15 Development Area | Specific Action(s) | Target Dates | Resources...
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...Leadership Practice Assignment (Unit 5013) By: Name Tutor: Name Contents Introduction 2 Task 1 1.1 Management and leadership 3 – 4 1.2 Balancing the roles of management and leadership 4 – 6 1.3 Creating organisational vision 6 – 7 1.4 Self-belief, personal energy and commitment to leadership; 7 – 8 style of leadership 1.5 Building trust, empowering others and promoting ethical 8 – 9 leadership 1.6 Transformational, transactional and situational leadership 9 – 10 and impact on organisation Task 2 – Reflective statement about learning on the course 10 References 11 Introduction In 2009 Karl Moore of Mc Gill University interviewed Henry Mintzberg on his new book Henry Mintzberg on Managing – Pure and Simple, and asked the question as to whether Mintzbergs book should not have been called Leadership. Mintzberg’s response was that management and leadership are part and parcel of the same thing and shouldn’t be seperated in practice. He expressed the belief that the seperation of leadership from managament is utterly destructive, because managers who do not lead are boring and leaders who do not manage do not know what is going on. Whilst Mintzberg seems to make a very valid point and the fusion of leading and managing appears logical, it is undeniable that cenceptual differences exist between the term management, and the term leadership. Even without an accepted or definitive distinction...
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...personality traits for successful and unsuccessful political leadership. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 103(3), 489 505. Retrieved from http://library.gcu.edu:2048/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com.library.gcu.edu:2048/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=79301650&site=ehost-live&scope=site The purpose of this study was to identify the psychopathic personality traits exhibited by 42 presidents of the United States. Lilienfeld et. al., 2010 sought to make a direct correlation between the personality traits and the successful or unsuccessful presidency of the presidents included in this study. To conduct this study particular study, 121 well-known biographers, journalist, and scholars were recruited to evaluate the personality traits of each president involved in this study. Each of the raters tasked with evaluating the pre-office and in-office personality traits and behaviors were considered to be experts on one or more of the presidents involved in the study. At the conclusion of this study, the findings indicate that boldness in combination with certain attributes of psychopathy, contribute to and individuals success in politics and other leadership roles. The conclusion also presents limitations within the study. The limitations of this study open up a platform for additional research to be conducted regarding the impact of boldness and interpersonal behaviors on other leadership roles. The authors clearly acknowledge that their study did...
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...MBA 57613 APPLIED LEADERSHIP COURSE OCT, 2010 INSTRUCTOR: PROF. DEN MID TERM EXAM REFLECTIVE LEADERSHIP RESEARCH Word count: 3724 (exclude cover page & TOC) Table of Contents Table of contents…………………………………………………………………………. ii-iii Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………...1 1. Leadership definition……………………………………………………………………..1 2. Leadership Theories………………………………………………………………………1 1. Trait Theory……………………………………………………………………………...……2 2. Behavioral Theory………………………………………………………………………….…3 3. Situational /Cognitive Theory…………………………………………………………………3 4. Transactional Theory…………………………..........................................................................3 5. Transformational Theory…………………………....................................................................3 1. Leadership Styles…………………………………………………………………..………4 1. Autocratic Leader………………………………………………………………………………4 2. Bureaucratic Leader………………………………....................................................................4 3. Democratic Leader…………………………………………………………………………..…4 4. Charismatic Leader………………………….............................................................................4 5. Transactional Leader……………………...................................................................................5 6. Transformational Leader………………………….....................................................................5 2. Emotional Intelligence……………………………………………………………………..5 1. Definition………………………………………………………………………………5 ...
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...Summary Paper Teresa Nabors Southern Nazarene University Nursing Attributes, Leadership and Critical Thinking As many have found over the years, nursing is not a profession cut out for just anyone. The average person cannot juggle twenty things at once, expertly handle emergencies that would send anyone else in a panic frenzy, and all the while remain calm and composed, as an experienced nurse does on a daily basis. What many do not know is that this smooth performance is driven by the nursing attributes, skills, and concepts that are necessary components integrated in the nursing profession of great nurses today. I believe the values of critical thinking, flexibility, strong communication skills, emotional stability, interpersonal communication and advocacy are the hallmark ingredients that distinguish the great nurses from the rest. Nursing is about going beyond the task given and a successful nurse encompasses a degree of these core attributes, as well as understanding the essential knowledge of the necessary concepts of leadership and critical thinking. This paper will discuss the attributes and concepts that I think are necessary in setting nursing apart from just any profession and will reflect on the values and practices that I believe makes me the nurse that I am today . Being a nurse can be tremendously rewarding to the soul, but it also demands much of those who pursue it. Nursing is a highly honored, trusted profession that has been steeped in rich values...
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...of individuals who seek to create a shared vision in which their followers are able to follow. Leadership incorporates several factors that include the capabilities of influencing, directing, and motivate others. Leadership takes more than just power and brawns, but instead focuses on the relationships that are able to be formed with their followers. Throughout this course, we have focused on the many ways many ordinary individuals could be capable of being leader. Leaders knowingly and unknowingly adopt leadership styles in which they use to carry out the responsibilities of doing the greater good for others. The purpose of this research is to view the leadership behaviors of a person that I admire, and caused for personal reflection. As well as look at the theoretical framework of leadership styles and behaviors that have help to craft the inherent leadership characteristics that I possess. Leadership Introduction The characteristics of leadership encompasses their abilities to direct, guide, and influence others. While there is not set definition, leadership define requires much thought. Leadership is viewed from the casting of a collective vision that others want to follow. Leaders are not born, even though many believe this old trope, but instead there are imperfect, which makes them all the more authentic. The capabilities of leadership can be found through anyone that has a desire to lead, inspire, and developed a relationship that...
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...Team Leadership MGT521 January 20, 2014 Team Leadership The team members assigned to this group are of multiple personality types. The types range from reserved, creative, and highly idealistic too skeptical, critical, independent, and stubborn. Based on the personality test the “E” category individuals are aware of the external areas that surround them, the individuals around them, and outward happenings. The “I” category individuals are aware of the internal areas that surround them like ideas and experiences. “S” category individuals use the five senses to relate to what is around them while “N” category individuals relate by viewing the correlation and the piecing together of facts. “T” category individuals tend to view the common-sense values of a decision or act while the “F” category individuals tend to contemplate what is significant to them and individuals around them. “J” category individuals tend to live in a deliberate, organized approach, they want to standardize and regulate life while “P” category individuals tend to be aware and are flexible, and impulsive in their approach. They pursue an experience and comprehend, rather than regulate ("Jungian Theory Explained", n.d.). In terms of urgency, and culture the team is made up of varying personalities and styles. The wide range of skills will assist the team in interlacing their personalities, listening skills, and levels of trust in order to work more efficiently, and effectively as a solid team unit. ...
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...A reflection on the Leadership learning process Yashas Alur U4556991 VCUG 2002: Leadership and Influence in a Complex World Leadership and Influence in a Complex World VCUG 2002 Yashas Alur U4556991 The Leadership and Influence course addressed numerous questions thus far. One question that was asked of me repeatedly was, “Why did you choose to do this course?” Personally, I found this question quite difficult to answer. I remember walking into the first lecture 20 minutes late, introducing myself and answering this question by saying, “I chose this course to learn about leadership skills.” It was not until the end of that first lecture that I realised how this course was unique and how it was much more than building leadership skills. The course was about cross disciplinary learning, influences of culture on leadership, developing a personal view on leadership and topics that would have never crossed my mind otherwise. I walked out of that lecture telling my friend that this is one course that utilizes a unique teaching style and one that I would get up at 9 AM on a Friday morning to attend. Prior to this course the only theoretical knowledge of leadership that I had was through a Business and Management course where I learnt about leadership styles. Geoff Mortimore pointed out the different leadership styles in the first panel. I was always under the impression that a leader chooses one leadership style in his position. Geoff that day made a strong point in that...
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...Task Two: Leadership Practices analysis Task Two: Leadership Practices analysis C200 Managing Organizations and Leading People C200 Managing Organizations and Leading People Table of Contents Section A1 | Leadership Style and Practices | | A1 A1a | Seven Habits Profile Seven Habits Profile and Reflection | | Section A2 | Evaluation of Leadership Practices | | A2a A2b A2c A2d | Leadership Strengths Leadership Weaknesses Theory Based Changes to Maximize Success SMART Goals | | Section B | Works Cited | | B1 | Reference Page | | February 5th 2016 Managing Organizations and Leading People TASK TWO: LEADERSHIPAND PRACTICES ANALYSIS A1. Leadership Style and Practices – Seven Habits Profile A1a. Seven Habits Profile Reflection In this paper I will reflect on my own leadership practices, starting with the results of my Seven Habits profile. Upon first viewing the results of the seven habits profile, the lowest scores caught my attention first. I saw that section 5, putting things first, was the lowest score at 10 points. I agree with the the seven habits profile, this is my biggest weakness when evaluated on the seven habits criteria. I can admit that sometimes I get lost in my work and forget about the things that really matter and the bigger picture. An article in People Management says that people who follow this habit well “recognize that not doing everything is okay. Evaluate...
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...Joshua S. Grover 06/28/10 Organizational Behavior in Education Final Leadership Essay Responsibility: perhaps no better word describes what a leader faces as he or she manages an organization. As future leaders are cultivated and preened for future positions, it is necessary and vital to instill upon them the importance of such a position. It was in the midst of great self-reflection I realized how much I long to be an effective leader. It wasn’t until I participated in Education 630 under the instruction of Dr. Dennis Van Berkum of Minnesota State University, that I fully realized my potential as an educational leader. Through the required course-work, I’ve come to understand what an effective leader is. As a result I have chosen to compose the following essay on leadership. I will outline my point of view on organizational theory, leadership, and culture. I will also provide a personal perspective of decision making. Throughout this process I will also include my plan for growth in such an organization. It is clear that throughout the last century many different concepts have been attempted as an organizational theory. When reflecting on traditional theories it is evident that all of them have some principles that can be useful in today’s school systems. There are three organizational theories that beg investigation: Bureaucratic, Scientific Management, and Classical theories. In the following words, I will explore each theory and its validity as a useful management...
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...Contents 1.0 Introduction 1 2.0 Different Organizational Structure and Culture 2 2.1 Organizational Structure 2 2.2 Organizational Culture 5 2.3 Relationship between An Organizational Structure and Culture. 6 3.0 Individual Behavior at Work 7 3.1 Internal Factors. 7 3.2 External Environments 8 4.0 Different Leadership Styles 10 4.1 Compare the Effectiveness of Different Leadership Styles. 10 4.2 Leadership Styles between Haier and Uniqlo Co., Ltd.. 10 5.0 Management Approach 11 5.1 Functions of Management.. 11 5.1.1 A Basic Framework. 11 5.1.2 Framework between Haier and Uniqlo Co., Ltd. 11 5.2 Different Approaches to Management Used.. 12 5.3 Management Though between Haier and Uniqlo Co., Ltd... 13 6.0 Conclusion 14 References 15 Contents 1.0 Introduction 1 2.0 Various Elements of Marketing Process 2 2.1 Definition of Marketing 2 2.2 Company’s Marketing Philosophy 2 2.3 Holistic Marketing-Oriented Philosophy. 4 3.0 Benefits and Costs of a Marketing Orientation 6 3.1 Customer Satisfaction for Coca-Cola 6 3.2 Customer Retention for Coca-Cola 7 4.0 Macro and Micro Environmental Factors 8 4.1 Porter’s Five Forces Analysis. 8 4.2 PEST Analysis 9 5.0 Segmentation Criteria to Be Used for Products in Different Markets 11 5.1 Introduction of New Products 11 5.2 Market Segmentation 11 6.0 A Targeting Strategy for a Selected Product 13 ...
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...Biblical Integration: Servant Leadership Group 3 BUSI 502 – Servant Leadership Liberty University 2014 Abstract Biblical Integration: Servant Leadership Servant leadership teaches that there must be a balance between serving and leading; a focus on putting the needs of others first (Spears, 1996). The philosophy enriches the lives of not only individuals, but builds better organizations by making it a priority to serve others. The greater contributions of quality service exemplify the determination to create an exceptional institution (Greenleaf, 2009). Providing service to communities is one of the primary focuses of a servant leader, which will develop and enhance more self-growth in their communities. Servant leadership is an act of service, and the embrace of feedback as a source of useful information on how to better serve people (Blanchard & Hodges, 2003). Greenleaf’s revolutionary view on the new topic of servant leadership offered a shift from the traditional role of leadership (Duby, 2009). Part 1: Greenleaf’s Theories Robert K. Greenleaf popularized the term servant leadership, in his 1970 essay, The Servant Leader (Spears, 1996). According to Duby (2009), Greenleaf envisioned servant leaders as being driven and motivated to serve first with the end result being an empowered, serving society. Greenleaf introduced the term ‘servant leadership’ and proposed that great leaders are first servants to others (Spears, 1996; Dierendonck, 2011). Greenleaf...
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