Carters Leadership Perception

My previous definition...

Leadership is a skill held within an individual who has a clear understanding of their strengths, surroundings, and values. Leadership is shown by those who then take initiative and make decisions based on their values; decisions are trusted and followed by others.

My new definition

A characteristic held within an individual who has a clear understanding of their strengths, values, and environment. Leadership is embodied in those who initiate and influence others towards the achievement of a common goal.

Reasoning

A change in my definition of leadership occurred because I came to the realization that my definition was too narrow. My definition was narrow in a sense because I failed to incorporate what leaders primary purpose is. I believe leaders exist because they strive towards a goal. Leaders are able to influence others (and lead others) to accomplishing a goal because they are solid in their beliefs and hold true to their values. I remember in class bringing up Adolph Hitler. Although I despise Hitler for was he did as a leader, it is hard to ignore that he displayed great leadership in turning Germany into a military superpower and being able to persuade others to persecute millions of people. Although he used his power for evil, Hitler was a leader because he was trusted, respected, admired, and followed to accomplish a goal.
With that being said, I felt it essential to incorporate "influencing others towards the achievement of a common goal." Without striving for achievement of a goal, I believe my definition of leadership lacked purpose (i.e. what is the purpose of leadership). Whereas my previous definition discussed what a leader is, I believe my new definition states what leadership is and what it is used for.

My definition from week 4...

Leadership is a skill held within an individual which allows that person to manage, direct and inspire and in turn be followed by others. Leadership is a skill that is found in people who have a clear understanding of their strengths and values have refined these strengths. Leaders utilize their strengths and the strengths of others to accomplish goals and missions that are based in value and principle.

My new definition (week 5)...

Leadership is a skill held within an individual who has a clear understanding of their strengths, surroundings, and values. Leadership is shown by those who then take initiative and make decisions based on their values; decisions are trusted and followed by others.

What changed...

After the 5 minutes of inspiration that Jeff introduced on being direct and confident, I re-examined my leadership statement. I agree with the 5 minutes of inspiration when it spoke of missing the days of confidence. Confidence is shown with direct statements (and the absence of "ya know?" and "like...like..."). While looking at my definition, I realized it was not as concise and direct as I wanted. I "trimmed the fat" of my definition and tried to narrow the definition down to precisely what I wanted.

My definition from week 3...

Leadership is a skill held within an individual which allows that person to manage and direct as well as be followed by others. Leadership is a skill that is found in people who have a clear understanding of their strengths and have refined these strengths. Leaders utilize their strengths and the strengths of others to accomplish goals and missions that they are working towards.

My NEW definition (week 4)

Leadership is a skill held within an individual which allows that person to manage, direct and inspire and in turn be followed by others. Leadership is a skill that is found in people who have a clear understanding of their strengths and values have refined these strengths. Leaders utilize their strengths and the strengths of others to accomplish goals and missions that are based in value and principle.

What changed from last week to this week..
This week I realized that leaders inspire others. I believe inspiration is at the core of leadership, and that all of the leaders I look up to have the ability to inspire (such as the powerful inspiring speeches of Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr.). I came to this realization when developing my leadership presentation and looking at my biggest influences. By holding the characteristic of inspiration, leaders are able to lead by example and to invoke others to follow. This realization was not found by me in the textbook, but instead is something that I realized upon reflection.

My previous definition from week 2:

To me, leadership is a skill held within an individual which allows that person to manage, direct, and be looked to for advice from others.Leadership is a skill that is found in those people who have a clearly defined set of core values, who act upon those values who's values lead them on their vision of where they want to go.

My Week 3 Definition of Leadership:

Leadership is a skill held within an individual which allows that person to manage and direct as well as be followed by others. Leadership is a skill that is found in people who have a clear understanding of their strengths and have refined these strengths. Leaders utilize their strengths and the strengths of others to accomplish goals and missions that they are working towards.

My initial definition of leadership...

To me, leadership is a skill held within an individual which allows that person to manage, direct, and be looked to for advice from others. Leadership is a skill that seemingly come easier to some people than others, but also is a skill that can be worked at and acquired over time.

My definition of leadership after week two..

To me, leadership is a skill held within an individual which allows that person to manage, direct, and be looked to for advice from others.Leadership is a skill that is found in those people who have a clearly defined set of core values, who act upon those values who's values lead them on their vision of where they want to go.

To me, leadership is a skill held within an individual which allows that person to manage, direct, and be looked to for advice from others. Leadership is a skill that seemingly come easier to some people than others, but also is a skill that can be worked at and acquired over time.