This Week's Definition: Gender influences communication style and henceforth, men and women in the workplace should communicate in a certain way to be effective leaders.

Analysis: Just as last week's definition was about transforming ourselves to be the leader we potentially want to be. There can be various factors taht we may be unaware of the influence our communication style. For example, our culture, our education, and our gender are just a few of many factors. Gender, specifically is important, because the media constantly bombards Americans with one stereotype of a male leader and another stereotype of a female leader. To combat these negative attitudes, women especially must work hard to maintain their core values along with remaing effective leaders.

APA Reference: Saphiere, D. H., Mikk, B. K., & Devries, B. I. (2005). "Factors Affecting Communication Style: Starring acts in the circus." 47 - 82. Retrieved from http://www.download-it.org/free_files/Pages%20from%20Chapter%2003%20-%20Factors%20Affecting%20Communication%20Style-c2c273a32b32ce590fe42518fa48db05.pdf.

This Week's Definition: A good leader can be a great leader if they become a better communicator and try to avoid the pitfalls that some leaders encounter, when dealing with others.

Analysis: This week's definition I chose to focus on one very important quality of being an exceptional leader, that is being able to effectively communicate one's ideas in a clear and concise manner. Someone could have an abundance of great ideas, the intellectual capabilities and so forth, however if they are not good communicators, it would be very hard for them to rise in the ranks and get promoted (Saphiere). People, I think sometimes underestimate the importance of being able to have good speaking skills, but it is very important in almost every job.

APA Reference: Saphiere, D. H., Mikk, B. K., & Devries, B. I. (2005). "Factors Affecting Communication Style: Starring acts in the circus." 47 - 82. Retrieved from http://www.download-it.org/free_files/Pages%20from%20Chapter%2003%20-%20Factors%20Affecting%20Communication%20Style-c2c273a32b32ce590fe42518fa48db05.pdf.

This Week's Definition: There is not only one type of leadership style that exists. Its important to note that Steve Job's leadership style is not necessarily the correct one for everyone (Loomis). Each person must evaluate themselves and see the type of person they are and the type of leadership they feel comfortable with.

Analysis: The difference between this week and last week's leadership definition is that last week I was interested in how to transform oneself to be the person, and most importantly the leader each of us wants to be. This week's definition is about each individual finding what leadership style suits their personality best. In the proecss of developing as a leader, first one must begin to be the type of leader they see them self as and then begin to embody that image.

APA Refernce: Lomas, N. (2011). "Ten leadership lessons from the Steve Jobs school of management." Silicon.com. Retrieved from http://www.silicon.com/management/ceo-essentials/2011/11/18/ten-leadership-lessons-from-the-steve-jobs-school-of-management-39748225/

This Week's Definition: I learned from the article, An Overview of Intentional Change from a Leadership Perspective that there's a process that one can go through to change their thoughts, feelings and mood, so that the individual can be the person that they ultimately desire to be (Boyatzis 14).

Analysis: The major difference between both of the leadership definitions is that the later is focused more on the individual development as opposed to group development. Also, this week's definition includes a lot of self-awareness to be able to transition into becoming the person an individual desires to be.

APA Reference:Boyatzis, R. E. (2006). "An Overview of Intentional Change from a Leadership Perspective." Journal of Management Development, 25(7), 607-623. doi:10.1108/02621710610678445

This Week's Definition: This week I would not say my leadership definition changed that much from the last week and the previous week's. I think the information in the reading materials was information I was already aware of. Therefore, it was not anything new. One thing I did learn however was the four stages of group development: forming, storming, norming and performing (Komives, S. R., Lucas, N., & McMahon, T. R. pg. 4). The group development process explained in the article called, "Interacting in teams and groups" Exploring Leadership: For college students who want to make a difference, discussed the importance of these four stages in a groups overall formation and for its success in completing its goals.

Analysis: Last week's definition was about underrepresented groups taking leadership roles, this week its about a groups formation and development into the type of club/group it aspires to be. I agree with the four step group development process. For anyone who has every been part of a group, reading the different stages in the article, Interacting in teams and groups confirmed some of the experiences I have had working in groups. The four stage development process just puts a name to what is already happening.

APA Reference: Komives, S. R., Lucas, N., & McMahon, T. R. (1998). "Interacting in Teams and Groups." Exploring Leadership: For college students who want to make a difference (pp. 165 - 194). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

This Week's Definition: This week I have learned more about the importance of underrepresented groups such as females and people of color making good leaders. I really liked the "Warren Harding Error", which is simply judging individuals on the basis of their appearance, or how they look. It can include judging a man's leadership capabilities based on his height, or judging minorities or females based on their gender or race. This is all unconscious thinking. One way we can begin to alter our own perceptions of others is by not judging people based on looks alone. Golomb, the car dealerman showed how over the years he has taught himself not to make quick, snap-second judgements about his customers. He does not know who will end up buying a car, so instead he is fair to everyone and he frees himself of his unconscious bias (Gladwell, M. pg. 14).

Analysis: In the end what my take away is from this week's readings is that judging people based purely on their physical appearance is something we do unconsciously, but that it is very dangerous! It takes time to correct years of unconscious thinking habits, however its not only necessary but imperative. It's important to note that many of us who judge others on their appearance are not racist. It has just been programmed in us from an early age to associate certain things with people who look a certain way, and other negative characteristics with those that look a different way. Golomb the car dealerman is an example of how all of us, whether we are leaders or teachers should treat others.

APA Reference: Gladwell, M. (2005). "The Warren Harding Error: Why we fall for tall, dark, and handsome men." Blink: The power of thinking without thinking (pp. 72 - 98). New York: Pushkin Enterprises.

This Week's Definition: The article, "Get on the balcony." Leadership on the Line: Staying alive through the dangers of leading discussed the concept of being "totally engaged on the dance floor" (Heifetz, R. A., & Linsky, M. pg. 52). What this means is that people who are only aware of their own perspective and do not take a step back and observe the scene, are really limiting themselves. The article discussed the necessity of "get[ting] on the balcony" and seeing all the possible viewpoints, so that people could come to a better understanding of the company, their co-workers and the roles each person play.

Analysis: These last two weeks I've learned a lot about what it takes to be a leader. That the conventional, type boss isn't always the only type of leader. As well as seeing multiple perspectives and allowing oneself to understand where others are coming from. These two things, I think are really important in developing a so-so leader into an exceptional leader.

APA Reference: Heifetz, R. A., & Linsky, M. (2002). "Get on the balcony." Leadership on the Line: Staying alive through the dangers of leading (pp. 51 - 74). Boston: Harvard Business School Press.

This Week's Definition: The main point that I took away from the article, Becoming a Servant Leader: Do you have what it takes? is that leadership is not just one position. A leader can be anyone, even if they are not the one who is actually "in charge" of a group. Also, "leadership development is an ongoing, life-long learning process" (Barbuto, J.E, Wheeler, D.W, 2007). Some of the things about being a leader, such as calling or empathy, are natural things that people are just born with or without. There are some qualities of a leader that people can learn, such as how to be a good listener or how to build community.

Analysis: The difference between my previous definition of leadership is that, as I learn more and more about what it takes to be a leader I begin to understand all the dynamics that must be present to be a great leader. Such as, having good morals, and values. Having a good personal vision leading to a good leadership vision. As well as understanding the climate that one is working with. Leadership knowledge does not end there. This week I learned about leadership for the sake of doing some good in the world. Leadership that never stops, that is forever growing and contributing to society.

APA Reference:
Barbuto, J. E., & Wheeler, D. W. (2007). "Becoming a Servant Leader: Do you have what it takes?" Retrieved from www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/live/g1481/build/g1481.pdf

This Week's Definition: Leadership is not stagnant, it shifts and changes along with the hard economic times. This is why being an adaptive leader is so important. With economic/political uncertainty business leaders must utilize the "next practices while excelling at today's best practices" (Heifetz, Grashow 2009).

Analysis: Last week I learned about leaders having to make tough decisions at times, and how it's even tougher if the two choices are a right vs. right decision. This week's definition extends that uncertainty to the economic hard times of today and shows that leaders can not in the long-term stick with short-term methods of getting things done (ie. budget cuts, firing). Leaders must embrace the times we're in now and utilize it to their advantage.

APA Reference: Heifetz, R., Grashow, A., & Linsky, M. (2009). "Leadership in a (permanent) crisis." Harvard Business Review, 87(7), 62-69.

This week's Definition: What changed from last week's definition is that through reading the article How Good People Make Tough Choices,I think that as a leader when confronted with a right vs. right decision, that affect others the leader should ask for people's opinion. All decision shouldn't just be made solely by the leader, to bring in different viewpoints and perspectives is key to ultimately making the better decision.

Analysis: I agree with last week's definition of leadership, however after reading the article, How Good People Make Tough Choices, I have come to the viewpoint that too often leaders make tough, right vs. right decisions without consulting the people the decision(s) will affect the most. "Right vs. right, then is at the heart of our toughest choices" (Kidder 2003). That is why this week's readings have made me more aware of the difficult dynamics of leadership and the tough choices leaders sometimes have to make. This strain can be eased, when collaborating with others and coming to the best decision with the awareness of the people or team.

APA Reference: Kidder, R. M. (2003). "Overview: The ethics of right vs. right." How Good People Make Tough Choices (pp. 13 - 29). New York: Simon & Schuster.

Leadership is directing others on a new (or old) initiative and having the power and respect from their peers to be listened to.

This Week's Definition: Leadership is more than leading others. Leadership includes having a strong understanding of oneself and one's values, goals, and beliefs. A leader has to have a solid "personal vision" in order to be an effective and respected leader (Terry, 2001). People do not follow others who do not have a strong idea of where they are headed, because if one knows where their life is headed one can lead a team to newer heights in a business setting. Personal vision leads to a good "leadership vision" (Terry, 2001). The latter can inspire and encourage colleagues to work as a coherent unit to complete a set of tasks.

Analysis: What changed in my two definitions is that I learned that a leader does not just take control and lead others. That there's more to an effective leader than just that one role. A leader has to inspire, to motivate and I learned this through the reading, "Ground your leadership vision in a personal vision" (Terry, 2001). Each course reading I read is shaping my views on leadership and what type of leader I want to be. The most valuable thing about the articles, is when the various authors bring in real-world scenarios. This helps to put what I'm reading into practice.

APA Reference: Lee, R. J., & King, S. N. (2001). "Ground your leadership vision in a personal vision." Discovering the Leader in You: A guide to realizing your personal leadership potential (pp. 31 - 54). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, Inc.