...leader.” - John Quincy Adams Abstract When I think of the leadership theories and philosophies, I get reminded of a tool box with a variety of tools which can be used depending on the situation and context. Individually the tools have worth, but the real importance of each tool is recognized when they are used in various combinations to build complex structures in different circumstances. Likewise, I have learnt the individual components of leadership theories and philosophies in BUS 620 and in my professional & personal experiences. However, rarely I have recognized their real value in context to a broader perspective in a dynamic environment. This paper is an attempt to recognize these components in a larger framework towards my leadership development. To recognize the effective use of these components I need to create and find of my Leadership philosophy. Hence in this paper, I will be defining my perspective of leadership; I will then be exploring and reflecting upon my personal values, beliefs and assumptions about leadership. This would enable me to maximize my effectiveness as a leader and a team member. In conclusion, I will briefly explain the impact it can have in my current and future role as a leader. My definition of Leadership: Leadership is complex and its effectiveness is highly dependent on the context. Even though leadership cannot be practiced just by following a few principles, at the core, I believe it is an opportunity to bring the best out of everybody...
Words: 1468 - Pages: 6
...My Leadership Philosophy Write a thorough yet concise statement about your approach to leadership to include what you believe about: * Leadership and how it works * The important characteristics, attitudes, behaviors and beliefs of a leader * The role of followers * The role of the context within which leadership takes place. * How all of these things come together in the leadership relationship * How they influence each other Write a thorough yet concise statement about your approach to leadership to include what you believe about: * Leadership and how it works * The important characteristics, attitudes, behaviors and beliefs of a leader * The role of followers * The role of the context within which leadership takes place. * How all of these things come together in the leadership relationship * How they influence each other My Leadership Philosophy My Leadership Philosophy My leadership philosophy is straight forward and deeply rooted in my twenty-five years of experiences in the military. As a leader, I believe that all members are vital to a team. Leaders are made they are not born. I believe it is possible to learn to be a leader. Leaders learn from their experiences and interactions then adapting their leadership style as necessary to deal with different personalities and evolving situations. Good leaders possess a combination of many traits that shape and define their leadership philosophy. The important characteristics...
Words: 592 - Pages: 3
...McRaven The purpose of this paper is to analyze how United States Navy Admiral (Retired) William H. McRaven positively affected the United States military. He had such a profound impact on the military, not because of his accomplishments, but because of his leadership and mentorship. This paper will discuss how Admiral (Retired) McRaven demonstrated each of the Army leader attributes and competencies and the subsequent impact that he had on the military. I will describe how Admiral (Retired) McRaven contributed to my personal growth and development, leading to my personal leadership philosophy. I will conclude with the legacy that I personally hope to leave on the Army....
Words: 2065 - Pages: 9
...MY PERSONAL LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY “To Lead with STRENGTH” My ultimate purpose in writing this is to share to everyone my personal leadership philosophy – what I believe to be important as we go on with the service. I believe that in imparting this set of guidance, you will come to understand who I am, what rules I live and work by, what you can expect from me and what I expect from you, and how I will evaluate your performance. In view hereof, I hope you will learn to trust my actions and know where I am heading. As I round up my values in life, I found out that the foundation of all my feats as I go up the ladder of my career is my STRENGTH. It always gives me the direction; it serves as my compass. The STRENGTH that I’m referring to here is neither physical nor psychological, but rather the energy to organize myself to effectively and efficiently perform my tasks, and the power to unite all of us so that we are able to attain the Army’s Vision of becoming “a professional, capable and responsive Army that is a source of National Pride.” And being your leader, it is my primary duty to impart this STRENGTH so that each of us here will have a moral compass to guide us through the maze of intellectual, philosophical and emotional issues that encompass our lives and the Army. STRENGTH outlines my character and translates to: Selfless service, Trust, Respect, Empowerment, Nobleness, God, Teamwork, and Humility. Selfless Service: When I speak about selfless service, it...
Words: 1728 - Pages: 7
...Developing a Philosophy of Leadership A leadership philosophy is the way we see ourselves as leaders. This philosophy guides our actions, our behaviors, and our thoughts. Our philosophies are influenced by external and internal forces. We can change who we are as leaders by simply changing our philosophy of leadership. Leadership philosophies can change as you grow to understand yourself within the context of leading. Creating or finding your leadership philosophy means that you must explore and reflect upon your personal values, assumptions, and beliefs about leadership. Personal values are qualities or characteristics that you value. You would rather leave an organization or step down as a leader than violate your values. Your values guide your intentions and they influence how you lead. When your personal values are clear and you are conscious of them, you create a solid foundation for leading. Assumptions are ideas that are assumed or believed to be true. As a leader it is important to understand what assumptions fuel your leadership thinking. Often leaders are not aware of the assumptions because they are operating from certain paradigms that will not allow them to see assumptions. Reflection into one’s leadership is an excellent way to uncover assumptions. Beliefs are ideas that we hold to be true; they shape our realities. If a leader believes that the only individuals in an organization that can make decisions is the management staff, then that belief will...
Words: 1081 - Pages: 5
...Developing a Philosophy of Leadership A leadership philosophy is the way we see ourselves as leaders. This philosophy guides our actions, our behaviors, and our thoughts. Our philosophies are influenced by external and internal forces. We can change who we are as leaders by simply changing our philosophy of leadership. Leadership philosophies can change as you grow to understand yourself within the context of leading. Creating or finding your leadership philosophy means that you must explore and reflect upon your personal values, assumptions, and beliefs about leadership. Personal values are qualities or characteristics that you value. You would rather leave an organization or step down as a leader than violate your values. Your values guide your intentions and they influence how you lead. When your personal values are clear and you are conscious of them, you create a solid foundation for leading. Assumptions are ideas that are assumed or believed to be true. As a leader it is important to understand what assumptions fuel your leadership thinking. Often leaders are not aware of the assumptions because they are operating from certain paradigms that will not allow them to see assumptions. Reflection into one’s leadership is an excellent way to uncover assumptions. Beliefs are ideas that we hold to be true; they shape our realities. If a leader believes that the only individuals in an organization that can make decisions is the management staff, then that belief will...
Words: 1081 - Pages: 5
...REFLECTIONS LEADERSHIP THEORIES AND PRACTICES Leadership is much like a quality we all know when we see it but have a difficult at times describing it. But when I think about leadership it remains me of my experience at National Wholesale as Store manager in Bridgeport with little more than fifty employees on my payroll. As a store manager I feel one reason why I had been so successful and likeable among my employees and the upper management is the way I ran and manager my store and employees. I made use of courage, credibility and conviction to define my leadership as a store manager at National Wholesale in Bridgeport. Leaders are distinguished by their courage to lead and I belief that the most important characteristic as a true leader. I know leadership is tough because is about change, and I initiated lots of changes in the store from employee training, regular performance appraisal with constant feedback and promoting fairness and equality and rewarding hard work and dedication among my employees. Sometimes I do meet with resistance and I tried to stay the course in spite of numerous obstacles and disappointments. Leadership is all about courage, and through courage and will I press on in spite of challenges and criticisms and at the end of the day I’m always the winner. Leadership is all about conviction and having the integrity to live by ones conviction. I tried to show strong values and beliefs and demonstrate these values and convey them to my followers. Finally...
Words: 2147 - Pages: 9
...Entrepreneurial Leadership Abstract Entrepreneurial leadership helps develop and sustain elements of the organizational culture. Bergstrom (2004) interpreted that entrepreneurial leadership has three dimensions: 1) take more risk; 2) favor change to obtain the advantage; and 3) compete aggressively. We will discuss the common elements of different theories and philosophies as it relates to the new definition of entrepreneurial leadership. I will discuss my leadership style that I aspire to be, and compare it to dimensions of other leadership styles. Entrepreneurs have a wealth of knowledge at their finger tips using tools and resources available through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the website SCORE. We will explore and compile useful information that can be obtained from the SBA that entrepreneurs and new business owners can use to gain an advantage on start up. I will describe my personal principles of leadership and explain why I believe in them. Entrepreneurial Leadership Discuss the common elements described in the theories/philosophies of Case, Kouzes, and Drucker including how their principles/strategies relate to the new definition of entrepreneurial leadership. Entrepreneurial leadership is a complex style of leading. Individuals who practice this style are generally; driven, risk taker, aggressive and can recognize when change will give the advantage. Peter Drucker (1985) discusses several strategies of entrepreneurs, but “Fustest...
Words: 1096 - Pages: 5
...entrepreneurial leadership. It also discusses the common elements and philosophies that aid in understanding the complexities and how it can be applied into today’s dynamic markets. How one’s leadership style or aspiration can be compared to the traditional and common leadership styles. As a new entrepreneur, the many resources that are available such as Small Business Administration (SBA) and SCORE can assist in the start up of their business/product/service. Finally, the personal principles in leadership is important because it engrains and reminds the leader in being focused on their vision and goals and their success is in combination by the support of their followers. The interest in entrepreneurial leadership has been an area that has been researched and theorized. Many theorists would vary in their philosophy of what constitutes or creates an entrepreneur leader. Many research findings proposed that entrepreneurs are innovative, motivated to achieve, and risk takers/ strategists. (1).What are the common elements theories/principles that relate to the new definition of entrepreneurial leadership in today’s dynamic market? Based on these theories what kind of leadership style I may apply or hope to become, the tools/resources as an entrepreneur, and the personal principles that I would choose to apply in leadership. To begin, we need to define the common elements in the theories/philosophies in entrepreneurial leadership. For example,...
Words: 1372 - Pages: 6
...Servant Leadership Opportunity Name Institutional Affiliations Date Question 1: Volunteering to help others has always been perceived as an altruistic behavioral model. However, a number of selfish motives, including the desire to please the people around you or engaging in what you value, have proven core driving forces behind most people’s willingness to volunteer. But, regardless of the motive, studies have established that volunteering enhances one’s happiness, general well-being and improves life, both of the volunteer and the one being served (O'Brien, 2010). I must admit from my personal experience that volunteering to serve others both works for the good of the volunteer and the one being helped. Quite significantly, through serving others one actually leads. My experience in volunteering has been fundamental both in improving my career skills and developing as a person. My desire to serve is significantly rooted on the fact I am a self-focused person and due to the fact that volunteering is the right thing to do. By being focused I posses an innate desire to learn novel things and acquire the most instrumental hands-on knowledge and skills (O'Brien, 2010). Volunteering also makes me feel better and find enhanced stability in life. With respect to personal development, through serving others, I have acquired new skills. I have also had the opportunity to test my capabilities as well as grow intellectually. Such attributes have been paramount in enhancing my leadership...
Words: 690 - Pages: 3
...Introduction This paper will highlight, in detail, my understanding of the concepts and theories of leadership and followership that I have learned over the past seven weeks. I will discuss what my former opinions were and what my ideas have transformed into after researching and explaining what makes a good leader and follower. Philosophy will also be discussed in detail and what I believe the actions one must take to achieve their goals. In this paper, I will also be discussing what my strengths are as a follower and a leader and where I still need to develop in both areas. Definitions of Leadership and Followership There are many ways to define what leadership and followership are. In Eddy and VanDerLinden’s (2006), they explain that...
Words: 1805 - Pages: 8
...Critical Analysis of a SE Strategic Leader Student: Cheryl Jacob Module: Personal and Strategic Leadership Lecturer: Anton Roodt Due Date: 15 April 2013 This serves to confirm that I understand what plagiarism is, that the content herein is my own work, and that all sources used have been referenced. This document is considered confidential and no unauthorized use of any information contained herein is permitted. 15 April 2013 Table of Contents 1.Executive Summary 3 2.Introduction 4 3.Backgroundto Elaine Hagos 4 4.Method of Analysis 5 5.Critical Analysis 5 5.1 Personal Leadership Philosophy 5 5.2 The 7 Principles of a Transformational Leader 6 5.3 Track Record of a Transformational Leader 7 5.4 The Transformational Leaders Objective 8 5.5 The Qualities of a Transformational Leader 8 5.6 Preferred SE Leadership Model 9 6. Strategic Leadership Challenges for SE in South Africa 9 7. Recommendations for high performance SE Strategic Leadership Development 10 8. References 11 Appendix A 12 Appendix B 14 1. Executive Summary The following document is a critical analysis of Elaine Hagos’ strategic leadership approach to the Water, Health and Livelihoods (WHELL) Programme which was managed by Care International and implemented through partnerships with local nongovernmental organizations in Bushbuckridge, South Africa. Elaine...
Words: 6451 - Pages: 26
...Paper Topic: Leadership Biography FREEDOM IN EXILE The Autobiography of the Dalai Lama By Tenzin Gyatso , The Fourteeth Dalai Lama of Tibet Published by Harper Collins , 1990 How would this person define leadership Although he never sets out to explicitly discuss a definition of leadership , we are quite able to see his point of view by considering the two places in the text where the Dalai Lama specifically praises a person as a good leader . The first of these is his own sister . In the course of his discussion of the many difficulties managing the groups of destitute refugees who had fled into India , her contribution was invaluable . As an explanation of why , he tells us that , She had an enormous capacity for hard work . This , coupled with her rather fierce nature , made her an excellent leader ' By itself , this does not quite bring out the focus of his compliment but that focus is made somewhat more clear when he tells us , a few pages later , about Mr Luthi , a worker with the Swiss Red Cross . He was , a man of tremendous zeal and energy , a real leader , who drove the people under him extremely hard For the Dalai Lama , then , there seem to be two elements to leadership one is the ability to bring a tremendous amount of effort to the task in question , and the second is an ability to get a similar effort out of the people you are leading . At first glance , this appears to be somewhat at odds with this holy man 's compassionate , peaceful...
Words: 505 - Pages: 3
...Perspectives in Change Leadership B6027 taught by Professor XXXX. Abstract A vision is a set of dreams, ideals, and aspirations. Organizations have implemented vision statements into their strategic business plans to provide the direction and purpose of their future. This paper will reflect my role as a leader of the University of Missouri-College of Veterinary Medicine. I will create a vision statement, supporting values statement, and a communication plan to deliver to the stakeholders; providing brief summaries of each key along the way. Creating a Compelling Vision A Review of the Organization The University of Missouri-College of Veterinary Medicine is located in Columbia, MO. We are the only College of Veterinary Medicine in Missouri; established in 1844. We offer a DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) program for students interested in pursuing a career in the veterinary field. The program starts with students spending two years in classroom and lab work, then two years of full-time clinical training. The college offers educational services and operates the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. The teaching hospital serves several functions for the school. It provides services for small animals, equine and food animal for Columbia resident pet owners and farmers in the surrounding areas. The teaching hospital is also a good resource for our students to receive the hands on experience needed for future job placement. Our Core Values Our core values are teaching...
Words: 1133 - Pages: 5
...Create a hybrid theory/philosophy which combines the common elements found in the thinking of Case, Kouzes, and Drucker. In your philosophy be sure to include the new definition of entrepreneurial leadership presented in Understanding Entrepreneurial Leadership in today’s Dynamic Markets. Entrepreneurial leadership is a multifaceted method of leading. Those individuals who are aggressive, driven, focused, and risk takers usually function well as entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial leadership has many different meaning across disciplines. The new definition of Entrepreneurial Leadership is one of an enterprising, transformation leader who operates in a dynamic market that offer lucrative opportunities. The theories of Case, Kouzes, and Drucker share many similarities to the definition of entrepreneurial leadership. The main elements shared by entrepreneurs and the new definition of entrepreneurial leadership is entrepreneurial leaders have a clear understanding of leadership styles, opportunities and the ability for change. One common element Case, Koruzes, and Drucker share with the definition of Entrepreneurial leadership is that entrepreneurial leaders have a vision for their businesses success. All entrepreneurs should have a clear understanding of the aspirations for their business endeavor, potential for success, a plan to achieve the goals, and a clear understanding of the main business objective(s). Entrepreneurial leaders not only have a vision, but can effectively...
Words: 1319 - Pages: 6