Revisit your original definition of leadership from Module 1. Would you make any changes to your definition of leadership? In what ways have learning about these leadership theories informed your own view of leadership? What type of leader are you or do you aspire to be?
My definition of leadership from Module 1
“After our readings, and considering all of the above, my definition of leadership is: A process that takes place in which an individual, or group of people, has influence over others who are being persuaded toward a common goal — through a vision that has been communicated by the leader. Leadership differs from management in that it is less interested in the details of carrying out the vision than it is in making sure followers are onboard with the vision. In other words, leadership involves transformation that takes place through the direction and guidance of an influential and inspirational leader who has foresight that draws others to grasp the reality of the vision, which causes them to carry out the work of fulfilling the vision.”
While I believe that certain elements of my original definition hold true, my definition of leadership at the end of this course would be more complex. It would involve leadership theories, leadership styles and approaches. It would involve the many influences and nuances that come into play as a leader is in the process of developing leadership skills. It would include more about followers and their impacts on leaders. It would not mention so much about vision as it would evaluating situations and followers, and adapting as a leader or a follower as needed. It would mention that not all leaders are great visionaries. Not all leaders are “born leaders,” and they have to work hard at leadership and to develop leadership skills through a process.
In this course, learning about leadership theories has expanded my view and broadened my perspective of what leadership entails. The service-learning project for the final paper was such a fantastic exercise in observing and communicating with actual leaders. The project caused me view the leaders I interviewed through a different lens than I had when I worked for the organization part-time. Their decision making made more sense to me after the project. Learning about path-goal theory helped me realize that leaders should assist their followers with accomplishing their goals by removing obstacles that might be frustrating them, or keeping them from moving forward. In relation to this theory, I also learned that not all leaders do this, such as in the case of a laissez-faire leader. The behaviors of leaders and their followers matter and can affect the outcomes of reaching goals. Behaviors that create in-groups and out-groups, as described in the leader-member exchange theory, can cause rifts between leaders and followers and among in-group and out-group members.
Understanding the leadership theories and the varying leadership styles and approaches has caused me to consider what kind of leader I am or would like to become. In this course, I learned that align most with authentic leadership. I have always considered myself to be very goal and task-oriented, with strategic planning to accomplish goals. I have not thought of myself as very relationship-oriented. However, I do have a desire to affect the lives of others for positive change. I’ve learned that my ideas about leadership while in this course are evolving. For example, being strategic and goal-oriented is beneficial in some circumstances, but in other circumstances followers might need a leader who is honest and forthright. Followers need to trust leaders in order to work toward goals the leader has strategically mapped out. The type of leader I aspire to become is not any one type of leader. I aspire to be the type of leader I need to be according to the needs of my followers and the organization, without forgetting my personal values and ethics along the way. Always authentic at my core, but morphing in and out of leadership styles and approaches as needed — applying knowledge I’ve gained from theories as required. One of the leaders I interviewed for the service-learning project described herself as a “chameleon” when leading others. I think there is a lot of wisdom in this situational approach, being who and what you need to be depending on the circumstances while being true to who you are.
Leadership is very complex and I no longer think it’s only a great visionary who is naturally born to lead with followers who are on board with all decisions. Leadership requires a balancing of many considerations that will have impacts on themselves, their followers, and organizations. Leadership roles should not be taken lightly, or taken for granted, because leaders do influence others and they could determine their own success, the success of others, and the success of an organization. Leaders should also always be aware that they are leaders and they are responsible for their followers: to guide and direct them; to communicate with them; to develop them; and to help them adapt to changing circumstances. Leadership is an ongoing and ever-changing path that requires dedication and fortitude in order to lead well.
Cynde Puckett | MSLD 511 | Dr. Douglas | May 21, 2021 | Reflection Blog Assignment
Reference
Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice 8th ed. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publishing.
Cynde Puckett-Valenti 