Week One - Leadership versus Management
Completed by – L.B.
May 10, 2014

In the text book, Wren refers to leadership as being highly situational; he says, “Leadership is highly situational and contextual. A special chemistry develops between leaders and followers and it is usually context specific” (Wren, 1995, Pg. 30).
Leadership can be defined as the ability to inspire other people to accomplish things. A leader teaches by example and motivates others to follow their actions. A leader looks for new opportunities and is willing to change their status quo. A leader has the ability to make people feel good about what they are doing and helps people feel like the work they are accomplishing is working towards the larger goal of the corporation. A leader challenges someone to go beyond his or her base level of operation and work to their highest potential; they strive to get the best out of their employees. A leader is someone who recognizes accomplishment and properly rewards for accomplishments. One of the most important aspects of a leader is they treat mistakes as learning experiences.
Also being a leader on the team means having the ability to communicate and listen effectively. I am able to sit in our group meetings and listen while conversing in an appropriate, professional manner. Some leaders only hear what they want to and they talk to their employees in an unprofessional manner. I respect my peers/staff and they respect me. By having the respect of the team I am able to solve conflict when it arises. In my current profession as Director of Supportive Services, I lead a staff of two Directors, two Case Managers and eight Residential Aides. Working in the social service field requires a balanced individual that has the ability to serve all employees/clients at different capacities. I have to serve my employees as well as the population