My Leadership View Evolution

Leadership is a term that I find changes on a day-to-day basis. Sometimes it can be referring to a large team project, and sometimes it can be something so simple that it will not even look like “leadership.”  From the beginning of this class I have found that the definition I have of the word leadership has grown and become a much larger and broader definition.  I see leadership not only as a characteristic, but an attitude and perspective.  One does not have to be the assumed loud and forceful person that is expected to take on these leadership roles.  However, it does seem that those are the ones that are noticed the most.  From this class and my own progression I have found that I am able to be an effective leader without being bossy, in charge, and noticeable.  This class has also taught me to learn from my own mistakes.  Before I would push my mistakes under the rug and try to hide imperfections.  Now I see that mistakes are not only necessary but can make an experience memorable and interesting.  For instance the gold ball tube exercise was dreadful but we all remember it and can now look back and learn from that mishap.  I have been able to practice the other side of a manager and lead with encouragement or by example.  It is not always about telling others what to do or having my hands all over each aspect of a project. 

As for my own “relational leadership model” I am learning that it needs to be almost less structured.  While I think having a purpose and a goal is key and always should be the primary focus, I would surround that goal with variability.  The ability to hand ambiguity is also necessary.  The saying rolling with the punches comes to my mind because a lot of the time there are wrenches thrown in a plan and additional obstacles that come to the surface.  Additionally, ethics should always play a role and have an influence on anything whether it is from an individual or group perspective.  Lastly I would label a large part of my philosophy as team collaboration.  I say collaboration because then it is not one persons opinion verse another, but a joining of the two to creating an all-encompassing outcome.  From the group activities, and especially the “who owns the house” and “marshmallow/pasta challenge” I experienced this collaboration.  Our groups had a purpose and were able to take on the new twists that were added as the challenges progressed.  Furthermore, we were successful when we put our heads together versus when one person’s word was the definitive answer. 

In the beginning I believe the role of leadership was more about myself as a person.  From these experiences and class discussions though, I can see now that it is not really just about me, but it is about the process and the group.  It is so much more than an individual.  The main take away I find is that it needs to be more about the participation and influences of others on me and my input helping others.  I can see now why people say, “two heads are better than one.”

Gestures & Comments

There has been a quote that I read in the book, “Exploring Leadership” that has resonated with me in most of our class discussions thus far.  It was stated that, “We communicate with our physical appearance, personal space, facial expressions, gestures, touching, eye contact, the expression of emotions, and orientation toward time- all of which have cultural components” (Exploring Leadership p169).  In the chapter of Understanding Others I read how little and subtle things like a facial expression can cause so much thought in the mind of the person you are interacting with.  I know from experience, I can tell when someone is annoyed or does not want to listen to anything being said around them.  I can also think back to times when I catch myself saying in my head, “this person doesn’t know what they are talking about, or why are we talking about this, or this is really boring.”  Everyone, I believe, has those subconscious thoughts that they would not say out loud because of the inappropriateness or respect level.  I also have realized though, that through this class, the readings, and especially the activity discussions we have gone through, I can see how little things like body language or attitude can shift the entire outlook and vibe of the group as a whole. 

I think as a leader, or pertaining to becoming a good leader, those subconscious thoughts and attitudes need to sometimes be conquered for the greater good, or if not suppressed, expressed in a correct manor.  Not everyone will agree or like to hear what we all have to say about an issue.  However, expressing a difference in opinion is not the same as ignoring or shooting down another’s.  I believe the take away from this quote and what we have experienced in class so far is that it is definitely good to have your own opinion but there is also a level of respect that is necessary.  Whether in class, with friends, or in the workplace, it is a quality and courtesy in a person to give other views a chance and not be so closed minded when it pertains to thoughts that are opposite our own.  We need to self-monitor in these situations, as a leader and also as a human being, to not do the eye rolling or instant judgment of others.  To add to this topic, I thought another quote that I have heard in class and also in the book was, “One challenge, then, is to understand yourself well enough to know how you are seen by others and to modify your own behaviors and attitudes to encourage a spirit of openness and connection with others” (Exploring Leadership p153).  I feel that from the discussions in class, we have expressed this thought that implies an effect on our own motivation and self-esteem when others have a certain body language or attitude toward a topic.  I think that knowing myself better and also understanding my weaknesses as a person will help me see the person that everyone else sees.  Furthermore, then I can start to understand how I may come off abrasive, or timid, or overpowering, or even disconnected to some.  I look at this topic as a “work in progress” stage and trying to understand myself will help me in the long run. 

Values of Leadership.

          Leadership is not a one direction or one discipline topic.  The concept of leadership to me can pertain to a single person, a group, or an idea controlling the path.  When I think of leadership, the obvious first things that come to mind is my own experiences.  We all relate the word to different characteristics we hold or held by others we admire.  However, it should be acknowledged that the act of being a leader is not just an act in itself, but upholding certain “values.”  Values are what make up many of our decisions every single day.  Holding ethical and moral values are key components in knowing yourself, and additionally knowing your surroundings.  In turn, values are extremely influential when it comes to being a leader and determining what type of leader you grow into.  Just like our personalities, each person has a different set of values, which can either align with or contradict others.  However, that is to say, just because two individuals values do not align, doesn’t mean they cannot “value” differing opinions as tools of reference.  Many times when a leader doesn’t hold the same beliefs or outlook on a situation, they can at least portray their view by example and live by their own values they maintain.  Not only has it been discussed in class, but I also believe being a role model in a sense is the best way to influence our values.  Without them it is hard to have an opinion or stance to be an effective leader. 

In most, if not all, leadership situations I feel that ethics come into play.  Whether faced w a moral dilemma or an internal conflict of a group, there is always a time when you have to take a side.  Without having a moral opinion, it is hard to be a leader or take charge of a group that is necessitating direction and guidance.  Furthermore, I have found it is also easier to be an effective leader when I am passionate and hold a strong stance of the topic at hand. 

When it comes to my own personal values, I would say it is slightly a case-by-case matter of situation.  I know I value honesty and owning up to mistakes very highly.  Failure is not a bad thing in my book, but denying a mistakes and trying to cover up an issue is something that, from experiences in teams and in the workplace, is not a worthy trait.  In addition to honesty, I think the accountability and authenticity go along the same lines as being true to yourself and what you are working towards.  Many people say that to be a good leader you don’t have to be driven and outspoken.  While I know in most instances I possess these characteristics, I also feel that I can be the reserved and a “backseat” leader.  The value that I believe allows anyone to be a leader, no matter the type, is intentionality.  Having a purpose and a plan is key to being seen as a forerunner in a group.  While there is no right or wrong answer to what makes a good leader, it is important for everyone to be able to justify why they believe in a plan or method, which necessitates holding individual values to form an opinion. 

Why Leadership?

A few weeks prior, I was not planning on taking a second session class. However with a turn of events, a prior class was canceling out a current one.  I knew I had to take a second session and wanted to make sure I could get a class that was different than all my business and accounting classes.  When I saw a leadership class was on the list of options, I automatically decided on it.  I have taken a leadership class before, during sophomore year, and enjoyed the conversation and the variability it provided to my schedule. I have always seen myself as a leader, but I know my strong personality and drive for perfection can come off the wrong way to some.  I am taking this course so that I can refine the skills I have, and learn new ones.  I want to be able to reach the same accomplishments, but with all types of people involved, not just "Type A's."  Learning to work and collaborate with different personalities is key to thriving in the type of group work I will be working in at my future job.   

         At this point in my life, I feel I do have what it takes to be a good leader.  With that said, I am only one certain type of leader and tend to work better with the same driven people.  I understand that leadership is not a one type, one path, and one personality trait.  It takes many different traits and attributes to form a leader and there will always better leaders for certain situations.  I see leadership as not only having the courage to stand out but also have the capacity to stand down and be a team player.  In my past experiences I have been the varsity captain for my basketball team and in-charge of work and case group situations.  From those incidents I have gained the image that leadership is a balance between give and take.  It takes a lot of responsibility in addition to your own effort and time given to the group.

         My expectations for myself in this class are mostly to “broaden my horizon” on what leadership is and how best to implement it in different situations.  I feel I have a good base on the fundamental attributes but I want to see different types of leadership put into action.  Gaining knowledge on when and how to become a leader will not only help myself, but also help others in the different group situations we will partake in together.  I think it will be initially hard to accept other leading procedures that are different than the one I am accustom to, but that is why I am taking this class.  I do expect to disagree or have different views with my classmates.  I feel that is natural for everyone to have different viewpoints and opinions.  However, I think that differing views are necessary for everyone in the class to see alternative perspectives of the situation at hand.  Disagreeing is one of the main ways I believe we can come to a mutual understanding and conquer barriers that are normally put up in group situations.