Leadership Definition Blog tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012-02-02:/keise023/leadershipdefblog//15786 2012-04-23T02:38:02Z Movable Type Enterprise 4.31-en Week 12 tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/keise023/leadershipdefblog//15786.352546 2012-04-23T02:10:50Z 2012-04-23T02:38:02Z To be a successful leader, one needs try to not judge someone strictly by their appearance. Even though it is very difficult, because appearances are the first thing we learn about a person when we first meet them, successful leaders... keise023 To be a successful leader, one needs try to not judge someone strictly by their appearance. Even though it is very difficult, because appearances are the first thing we learn about a person when we first meet them, successful leaders will go deeper than the surface, and learn about their team members on all different levels. Also, it is important to keep in mind, that there is more to a leader than what is on the surface. Often when we meet someone, we can perceive things about them that might not necessarily be true, but we assume their true strictly based on their appearance. For example, how Warren Harding got elected president was based a lot on how he looked. As quoted from the reading, "They (the American people) didn't dig below the surface. The way he looked carried so many powerful connotations that it stopped the normal process of thinking dead in its track" (Gladwell, 76).

This week's definition: This week we focused on learning about the "one big thing." This is the one thing that is holding you back, or is keeping you from being the best person you can be. By identifying this thing, and its competing commitments, you can achieve real and effective change. Kegan and Lahey describe it in their work as having, "what we might call 720-degree feedback-including key people in your private life as well as your public life" (Kegan & Lahey, 65). Identifying what the one thing it comes down to that is holding you back will help you solve problems and work more effectively with others.

Analysis: My definition changed this week from focusing on culture, to focusing on change. Both definitions had to do with self-reflection and becoming aware, but this week was more focused on change and recognizing what it is that you need to change or what is holding you back from change. Along with this one big thing is its competing commitments. These are the competing feelings that you are already committed to that are the opposite of the change you wish to be.

Citation: Kegan, R., & Lahey, L. L. (2009). Immunity to change: How to overcome it and unlock the potential in yourself and your organization (pp.63-67). Boston: Harvard Business Press.

]]> Week 11 Definition tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/keise023/leadershipdefblog//15786.348613 2012-03-31T18:15:52Z 2012-03-31T18:32:53Z Last Weeks Definition: This week, while working with our groups for the project, we continued our discussions and discoveries of one's own culture. To me, I believe that to be a successful leader, one needs to be a cultural detective.... keise023 Last Weeks Definition: This week, while working with our groups for the project, we continued our discussions and discoveries of one's own culture. To me, I believe that to be a successful leader, one needs to be a cultural detective. This means that they need to keep in mind that how a person acts in the world is a reflection of the many different cultures they are a part of. These different cultures shape us and give us our core values and beliefs. Understanding where different people come from will help a leader better understand their group, and therefor will be able to overcome challenges within the group with greater ease. They will also be able to develop a more personal connection with their team members, which will in turn, make the members more willing to work together. Understanding each other and keeping in mind we all are parts of several different cultures help us work together more efficiently and bridges many divides we may have between one another.

This week's Definition: To be a successful leader, one needs try to not judge someone strictly by their appearance. Even though it is very difficult, because appearances are the first thing we learn about a person when we first meet them, successful leaders will go deeper than the surface, and learn about their team members on all different levels. Also, it is important to keep in mind, that there is more to a leader than what is on the surface. Often when we meet someone, we can perceive things about them that might not necessarily be true, but we assume their true strictly based on their appearance. For example, how Warren Harding got elected president was based a lot on how he looked. As quoted from the reading, "They (the American people) didn't dig below the surface. The way he looked carried so many powerful connotations that it stopped the normal process of thinking dead in its track" (Gladwell, 76).

Analysis: This weeks readings had to deal with how we sometimes are quick to judge people strictly based off of what they look like. In other words, what we see on the surface can often prevent us from digging deeper, and getting to know all the factors that make up who a person is. This also comes into play greatly when dealing with issues of race. There are so many different stigmas (can be negative or positive) that are attached to different races and cultures that prevent a lot of people from actually getting to know someone. It can cause people to stop the thinking process, and cause them to judge a person strictly on their outward appearance. I think it's very important for people to realize this "phenomenon" because it can (and has before) lead to several conflicts and causes gaps in between people, just because of how someone looks.

Citation: 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

]]> Week 10 tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/keise023/leadershipdefblog//15786.347665 2012-03-26T16:42:58Z 2012-03-26T16:54:10Z Last Week: This week we talked about digging into ones culture to discover more about yourself. This helps you learn how you relate to one another and the world around you. Where you come from says a lot about you,... keise023 Last Week: This week we talked about digging into ones culture to discover more about yourself. This helps you learn how you relate to one another and the world around you. Where you come from says a lot about you, and how you act in the world. It's interesting and very self-realizing to look at where I specifically come from, and I learned a lot about myself my looking into the many different cultures I come from.

This week, while working with our groups for the project, we continued our discussions and discoveries of one's own culture. To me, I believe that to be a successful leader, one needs to be a cultural detective. This means that they need to keep in mind that how a person acts in the world is a reflection of the many different cultures they are a part of. These different cultures shape us and give us our core values and beliefs. Understanding where different people come from will help a leader better understand their group, and therefor will be able to overcome challenges within the group with greater ease. They will also be able to develop a more personal connection with their team members, which will in turn, make the members more willing to work together. Understanding each other and keeping in mind we all are parts of several different cultures help us work together more efficiently and bridges many divides we may have between one another.

]]> Week 9 Definition tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/keise023/leadershipdefblog//15786.347077 2012-03-22T22:26:08Z 2012-03-22T22:27:46Z This week we talked about digging into ones culture to discover more about yourself. This helps you learn how you relate to one another and the world around you. Where you come from says a lot about you, and how... keise023 This week we talked about digging into ones culture to discover more about yourself. This helps you learn how you relate to one another and the world around you. Where you come from says a lot about you, and how you act in the world. It's interesting and very self-realizing to look at where I specifically come from, and I learned a lot about myself my looking into the many different cultures I come from.

]]> Week 8 tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/keise023/leadershipdefblog//15786.342550 2012-03-04T17:25:46Z 2012-03-04T20:00:05Z Week 7 Definition: Leadership is about being able to communicate with your group or team, and realizing how to do so by knowing your group members and choosing the appropriate communication style. Communication is situational and depends on the members... keise023 Week 7 Definition: Leadership is about being able to communicate with your group or team, and realizing how to do so by knowing your group members and choosing the appropriate communication style. Communication is situational and depends on the members of the team. As stated best by Saphiere, Mikk and Devries, "When we are communicating, we constantly reassess our communication style and adjust it in response to the reactions we observe, the goals we want to achieve, and the values and intentions we feel" (Saphiere, 49).

Week 8 Definition: Leadership begins with someone wanting a change. Then, through a process, the leader tries to make that change into a reality. As described in the reading, "It is important to note that often an intentional change process must begin with a
person wanting to change. This desire may not be in their consciousness or even within
the scope of their self-awareness. Wake-up calls, or moments and events that awaken
the person to the need for consideration of a change, may be required to bring the
person to the process of desired, intentional change." (Boyatzis, 610).

Analysis: This week got me thinking about the "change" that happens when leadership arises. Many people focus on the results when studying leadership, and this week I wanted to shift the focus to the actual process of how those results come to be. The readings made me think more about the different processes that change goes through. I think this is very valuable to know when being a leader because it allows you to take a step back and look at the different ways you can make your change a reality.

Citation: : 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

]]> Week 7 tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/keise023/leadershipdefblog//15786.340233 2012-02-25T16:30:57Z 2012-02-25T16:53:10Z Week 6 Definition: I believe leadership requires using the individual qualities of each person in the group to achieve a common goal. Being a successful leader entails using the individual strengths of people and collaborating them effectively. Week 7 Definition:... keise023 Week 6 Definition: I believe leadership requires using the individual qualities of each person in the group to achieve a common goal. Being a successful leader entails using the individual strengths of people and collaborating them effectively.

Week 7 Definition: Leadership is about being able to communicate with your group or team, and realizing how to do so by knowing your group members and choosing the appropriate communication style. Communication is situational and depends on the members of the team. As stated best by Saphiere, Mikk and Devries, "When we are communicating, we constantly reassess our communication style and adjust it in response to the reactions we observe, the goals we want to achieve, and the values and intentions we feel" (Saphiere, 49).


Analysis: This week I want to talk about communication, because it is such a vital part of being a leader. Leaders use communication skills to help their members analyze their own performances and look at themselves as well as the overall group effort to improve the performance or desired results. The leader holds an important role of keeping communication flowing throughout the group. The importance of a leader understanding the communication styles of all members and realizing their interactions is described brilliantly in the article when he stated, "The coach also demonstrates the power of the "pause" button- the importance in intercultural interactions of taking a mental step backward, taking a deep breath, and calling for a break from the discussions at hand to better understand where each performer is coming from, what they are intending, and how to refocus on desired outcome" (Saphiere, 49)

Citation: Saphiere,D.H., Mikk, B.K., & Devries, B.I. (2005). Factors affecting communication style: Starring acts in the circus. Communication highwire (pp.47 - 82). Boston: Intercultural Press.

]]> Week Six tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/keise023/leadershipdefblog//15786.339235 2012-02-19T23:38:33Z 2012-02-19T23:45:32Z Week 5 Definition: I feel that to be a successful leader, one needs to realize the possibility of failure and also recognize when it occurs. Although it's not something we strive for as leaders, but when it happens it is... keise023 Week 5 Definition: I feel that to be a successful leader, one needs to realize the possibility of failure and also recognize when it occurs. Although it's not something we strive for as leaders, but when it happens it is best to acknowledge it and learn from the mistakes.

Week 6 Definition: I believe leadership requires using the individual qualities of each person in the group to achieve a common goal. Being a successful leader entails using the individual strengths of people and collaborating them effectively.

Analysis: This week I want to focus on how leadership involves individualism and group collaboration and how the two can coexist. Leadership is the collaboration of each individual's qualities. Astin used the metaphor of a music ensemble, in which the unique talents of each player collaborate for a common purpose: the song. Referring to music needing different aspects he states, "The unique beauty of ensemble music requires these differences." (Astin, 5) In this he is trying to say that collaboration requires differences amongst the group.

Citation: Astin, H. S., & Astin, A. W. (1996). A social change model of leadership development: Guidebook (version III). (pp. 4-27). Los Angeles: University of California Los Angeles Higher Education Research Institute.

]]> Week 5 Definition tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/keise023/leadershipdefblog//15786.338079 2012-02-12T14:34:06Z 2012-02-12T14:34:19Z Week 4 Definition: Naturally, when in a position of leadership, some form of conflict is going to arise. My definition for this week focuses on handling group conflict, and what needs to be done to resolve conflicting ideas. To me,... keise023 Week 4 Definition: Naturally, when in a position of leadership, some form of conflict is going to arise. My definition for this week focuses on handling group conflict, and what needs to be done to resolve conflicting ideas. To me, a good leader will encourage team members to handle conflicts with civility, employ mediation strategies, and confront the problem head on instead of ignoring it. Effective leaders will,"encourage processes to handle conflict that will promote inclusivity and empowerment."

Week 5 Definition: I feel that to be a successful leader, one needs to realize the possibility of failure and also recognize when it occurs. Although it's not something we strive for as leaders, but when it happens it is best to acknowledge it and learn from the mistakes.

Analysis: This weeks definition is changing ton include thoughts about failure, and how leaders deal with it. Failure is very real and is something that everyone experiences at some point in their lives. Failing to perform or something going wrong is part of life. How you deal with it and how you move on from it is what matters most because that's how you grow and learn from the past. As stated in the article, "how failure happens is central to understanding why it happens" (Gladwell, 88). Successful leaders understand when failure happens, how it happens, and make plans to learn from it.

Citation: Gladwell, M. (2000). "The Art of Failure: Why Some People Choke and Others Panic." The New Yorker, 84-92. Retrieved from http://www.gladwell.com/pdf/choking.pdf

]]> Definition Week 4 tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/keise023/leadershipdefblog//15786.336841 2012-02-05T16:52:32Z 2012-02-05T17:16:43Z Week 3 Definition: To me, leadership consists of two vital parts, and without both, it is not leadership, but rather management or something entirely different. Leadership consists of (1) the creating of a vision for the future and (2) inspiring,... keise023 Week 3 Definition: To me, leadership consists of two vital parts, and without both, it is not leadership, but rather management or something entirely different. Leadership consists of (1) the creating of a vision for the future and (2) inspiring, engaging and encouraging others to make that vision a reality. Both of these parts need to be there to define a leader. There must also be a personal desire for leadership. As said in the reading, "Without internal clarity about what you want for your life, your leadership will lack clear purpose, and you may find yourself leading others to a place you don't necessarily want to go" (Lee & King, 32).

Week 4 Definition: Naturally, when in a position of leadership, some form of conflict is going to arise. My definition for this week focuses on handling group conflict, and what needs to be done to resolve conflicting ideas. To me, a good leader will encourage team members to handle conflicts with civility, employ mediation strategies, and confront the problem head on instead of ignoring it. Effective leaders will,"encourage processes to handle conflict that will promote inclusivity and empowerment."

Citation: 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

Analysis: My definition of leadership expanded this week to include how effective leaders handle conflict. I feel that to lead any group, whether it be short-term or long-term, leaders must know effective ways to handle conflict, because it can arise out of any situation and can quickly debilitate a group. To create a vision or accomplish a task, there will almost always be some form of conflict that comes up, and leaders need to treat that with civility and know good mediation and conflict resolution skills.

]]> Leadership Definitions Weeks 1, 2 & 3 tag:blog.lib.umn.edu,2012:/keise023/leadershipdefblog//15786.336543 2012-02-02T23:30:04Z 2012-02-02T23:32:27Z Week 1 Definition: To me, leadership is being able to encourage, engage and motivate others in a community or group to accomplish desired results, whether they be physical, mental or emotional results. Week 2 Definition: Leadership is having the ability... keise023 Week 1 Definition: To me, leadership is being able to encourage, engage and motivate others in a community or group to accomplish desired results, whether they be physical, mental or emotional results.

Week 2 Definition: Leadership is having the ability to take yourself out of the situation and look at the picture as a whole, then returning to the situation and applying what you learned by observing to better improve the situation or achieve the desired results. As said in the reading, gaining a "balcony" perspective allows you to, "see the subtleties that normally go right by us" (Heifetz & Linsky, 52).
As in an example from the reading, "Lee gained not only freedom from those views. but also a more accurate and complete picture of re.a1ity, which then became the basis for his leadership." I also believe leadership can take many forms, and there are a variety of leadership styles.

Analysis: This weeks definition changed because it incorporated the quality of being able to take yourself out of a situation and see all the parts working as a whole. The "getting on the balcony" concept from the reading really made me think of how important being able to take yourself out then put yourself back in situations is when being a leader. Also, I learned that there are different styles of leaders, and that people can exhibit traits of one or more styles, sometimes as a combination.

Citation:
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.


Week 3 Definition: To me, leadership consists of two vital parts, and without both, it is not leadership, but rather management or something entirely different. Leadership consists of (1) the creating of a vision for the future and (2) inspiring, engaging and encouraging others to make that vision a reality. Both of these parts need to be there to define a leader. There must also be a personal desire for leadership. As said in the reading, "Without internal clarity about what you want for your life, your leadership will lack clear purpose, and you may find yourself leading others to a place you don't necessarily want to go" (Lee & King, 32).

Analysis: My definition changed this week to include that leadership includes two vital parts. It also changed to add that, to be an effective leader, one must have a personal vision about what your purpose as a leader is. It combines your personal vision into your leadership vision. I've learned this week that you need to incorporate your personal goals and motives to your leadership goals in order for those visions to be fulfilled completely.

Citation:

Lee, R. J. & King, S. N. (2001). Base your leadership values on personal values. Discovering the leader in you: A guide to realizing your personal leadership potential. (Pp. 55 -70). San Francisco: Jossey-­‐Bass.

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