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.”