Reflection On Leadership

Throughout this course, our textbook readings, the posting to threaded discussions, my responses to a classmate’s post, and reading various classmates’ responses helped further digest, comprehend, and synthesize the leadership content within Daft’s “The Leadership Experience” textbook. Our weekly lectures with various classmates’ interpretations and responses during the open discussion forums about the textbook themes brought a variety of unique viewpoints to the specific leadership topics. This reflection paper was an extension of this learning, and provided a deep introspection about leadership concepts; how did I, how am I, and how can I apply this knowledge in my workplace. This writing exercise uncovered new meaning and insights while both challenging and supporting certain personal views and ideas about leadership.

During this class we took many assessments and I learned a lot about myself and what kind of leader I want to be. On your leadership potential I learned my behaviors are the same as leader, these are people who are opened minded, share ideas and values with the company and open to change in the organization. For another assessment t rate your optimism test I found out I am someone who is optimistic and I agree with the statement that people want to follow a leader that is optimistic, rather than someone who is pessimistic. Another assessment I took was called the 5 saboteurs test. There was a scoring grid and what each category means like BP-(be perfect), HU-(hurry up), PO- (please others), TH-(try harder), and BS-(be strong) I found out the my highest score is PO-(please others) and some characteristics include being happy when other others are happy, cares about other people’s needs, can have a hard time saying no, doesn’t like to annoy other people in the work place. Body language and verbal language include facial expressions and saying sure I can do that for you. For another assessment I scored a six which means I right in the middle between high and low resistance to change. I agree with this statement because I think for certain situations my resistance to change will be high or low. After taking all these assessments. I learned that as a leader why it is important to learn about yourself. These assessments can help you improve as a leader figure out your weak spots

As a teenager, I can’t recount many leadership instances in my life as they’re mostly insignificant. Although I guess there’s just one notable moment: early this year in my culinary arts class, my teacher instructed the students to self-organize themselves by sitting in alphabetical order. Us being awkward Freshman

I started my job as an SI (Supplemental Instructions) Leader in fall 2015 teaching Calculus I. I wanted to be an SI Leader because many people have previously told me that I am a very good teacher and I wanted to give back to the program that helped me be successful and still continues to do so. When I first arrived at Texas Tech, I attending SI sessions because I realized that I needed extra help. SI sessions are 90 minute sessions that a leader holds twice a week every week. The purpose of these sessions is to present different study skills while reinforcing material that the professor teaches. To become a leader in a subject, I needed an A in that course. However, due to the lack of math SI Leaders, they were willing to give me a chance

“It is unequivocally clear that leaders are not like other people” (Kirkpatrick and Locke, 1991, as cited in Northouse, P. G., 2016, p.22). I have always thought that I was not like other people; I see the world through a different lens. This difference, which sets me apart from my peers, has sometimes restrained my progress; however, after studying my differences and seeing them as strengths, I can now focus on these strengths that make me a unique, passionate, progressive leader. In reflecting on my leadership skills, I will analyze the results of the leadership questionnaires, as presented in Peter Northouse’s book, Leadership:Theory and practice (7th ed.), connect those result strengths with the

I can reflect with much pride where these two children are today; how they have developed spiritually and academically, and to think God used me to help lay the foundation is eternally rewarding. But as with any good deed done, there is always a negative folks will attempt to label your efforts with, mine wasn’t any different.

In starting my reflection process for this leadership journal, thinking of the “worst leader” was quite difficult. I have honestly been fortunate and have not had many experiences with poor leadership. But after some careful thought and consideration, I was able to determine the best and worst leader. In comparing the differences between the two leaders, the trait approach accounts for more of the differences. The best leader clearly possesses more innate qualities that makes her the best leader. She is a charismatic leader, seems very self-confident and exhibits determination in both her professional and personal life. She also has the trait of sociability. She always presents herself in a warm, welcoming, positive, confident manner.

One of the single most important qualities within the practice of nursing is being a team member, and having a strong team to deliver safe, competent and ethical nursing care (Blakey, 2015). To be able to create a solid team, a true and strong leader must rise, as well as other members that are dedicated to practicing good followership. Effective leadership improves the workplace for leaders and followers, as well as increases results in the care of patients largely (RNAO, 2013). In this paper, I will explore my individual qualities I demonstrate as both a leader and a follower, as well as acknowledge my areas of weakness. Lastly, I will also discuss my plans in how I will strive to achieve my goals as a future leader.

Strong leadership skills are crucial to being successful in the workplace. It is one thing to be a good manager and know how to be in charge of people, but being a good leader means that you are able to lead a team and manage relationships well. Throughout my Leadership course this semester, I have discovered my Emotional Intelligence score and my Myers-Briggs results to see what strengths and challenges I have to becoming a good leader. I have also been taught through lectures what the necessary qualities are to become a good leader.

What is leadership? This is a question I’ve been asked numerous times throughout my eighteen year Coast Guard career. It’s one that I’ve always contemplated but never took the time to explore further. The longer I serve and the more I learn, the more my vision on leadership changes and develops. I’ve been extremely fortunate over the course of my career to be part of several successful units and took part in critical operations that provided assistance to those in need while simultaneously carrying out maritime law enforcement. Looking back, the one thing these units had in common were good leaders, ones who told it like it was while directing and leading their people to the completion of a common goal or shared vision. While I could go on and on about specific individuals and their attributes but I believe highlighting their commonalities is more effective. They each had a unique way of leading, but all encouraged inspired and promoted team work while allowing each member to maintain individuality. They listened attentively and provided feedback that was congruent to the conversation or issue.

Leaders engage in several tasks and skills that help define them as leaders. By striving to improve those skills I have learned through this class that it is not easy, there is more to being a leader than just leading; it is also following. I started spending a few hours each day at work on staffing schedules and going over that schedule with the Vice President and staff to make sure that everyone agrees on, instead of trying to do it all in one day. Participating more in the weekly leadership meeting to help solve department problems is something I have started doing, asking for assistance, instead of stating that everything is fine in the nursing department. So by empowering myself and others, I have gained more control at solving problems with the help of others.

Our reading focus on leadership and leadership styles. As we progressed through the process, what we have learned is that the leadership is an art and science. Thus, the introduction of leadership to new leaders in the healthcare industry requires a comprehensive evaluation of the tools and skill set of the prospective candidates.

A leader does simply command and call to action, finds solutions to problems through engaging in conversation and listening more. Leadership has been one of the most common character traits instilled in myself since high school, considering my high school’s philosophy is to prepare leaders through academic excellence, character, and extra-curricular. Transitioning into college I have been taught just how important learning how to lead is. I have been taught a leader on campus will be more successful in school, have greater networking opportunities, and will more likely find successful career opportunities. One of the key characteristics to becoming a good leader is being able to listen. According to the Huffington Post blog, “a person learns about 85% of what they know through listening” (Jose Costa). Therefore, by attempting to listen more and give greater attention to the conversation I ultimately was able to learn more directly about myself.

As an educational leader, I have encountered several new and existing school policies. I never thought deeply about the various processes and the stakeholders involved in policy formulation and implementation. This semester I am engaged in the course Managing Educational Policy as School Leaders (EDLM 6005). This is Semester III, 2016/2017. My course coordinator is Dr. Timar Stephenson. Dr Stephenson was my course coordinator once before and was very helpful whenever I needed clarification or when I had a difficulty. I am thrilled to embrace the new ideas and learning opportunities embedded in this course since it teaches issues which I experience at work. Dr Stephenson, during his introduction reminded his entire class that success in this course would only be realized through hard work, dedication, and commitment. Therefore, it is imperative that I have the right attitude as I navigate this course. The course involves seven weeks of intense work. I am pleased to have a wonderful group facilitator by the name of Rhonda Joseph who has already given us a BBC to explain the requirements of the course and our first two modules.

Due to my passive nature, I’ve always avoided leadership roles. With that being said I still aspire to be someone who can be looked to as a leader. In order to reach that goal I observe and try to mimic the actions of people that inspire me. There have been many people I’ve taken orders from, but I have “followed” few. Those are the ones I consider to be true leaders, and have tried to be like myself.