Mary LeVoir

Emerging definition of Leadership #10

2012-12-07T22:18:39Z

Last week's final definition
Leadership ability needs to be based not on what people look like, but on what a person has, and will do when put in a position of leadership. Leadership requires mass amounts of flexibility, developing new behaviors and creating a desirable, sustainable change; which is an intentional effort. This desired change is attained by encouraging interactions between individuals, groups and within organizations. Leaders help develop new behaviors by learning from current or ongoing experiences.

This week's definition
Leadership requires mass amounts of flexibility, developing new behaviors and creating a desirable, sustainable change; which is an intentional effort. This desired change is attained by encouraging interactions between individuals, groups and within organizations. Leadership also derives from a strong base of communication between leader and follower. This effective communication comes from being able to revise the communication style depending on the situation.

Analysis between differences in definitions
This weeks reading by Saphiere, D. H., Mikk, B. K., & Devries, B. I. (2005). "Factors
Affecting Communication Style: Starring acts in the circus" taught me the importance and complexity of communication within leadership situations. I understand now that although communication processes are complex, it is important to realize that mistakes are expected to be made. I found this reading to be very effective and comforting as I face many different communication situations daily. I learned that although communication is an everyday task, it not always approached the same way.
I still find value in the idea that leadership should develop a need for change, hens why I have included in into my weekly definition again. Although I also found value in the reading from, Sessions, L. F. (2010) about online communication. It did not change the way I would overall define leadership, but I found it to be the most applicable, however, to my current situation within this class. I enjoyed both readings this week and hope that they will aid me as I continue my journey of leadership.

Citations

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.

Sessions, L. F. (2010). How offline gatherings affect online communities: When virtual community members 'meet up'. Information, Communication & Society, 13(3), 375-395. doi:10.1080/13691180903468954

Emerging definition of Leadership #9

2012-12-01T18:03:41Z

Last week's final definition
Leadership ability needs to be based not on what people look like, but on what a person has, and will do when put in a position of leadership. Leadership must not be defined by racism or prejudice, as it commonly is. Leadership also frequently occurs in group settings. When this is the case, leadership is process-oriented, following many stages before reaching the end goal.

This week's definition
Leadership ability needs to be based not on what people look like, but on what a person has, and will do when put in a position of leadership. Leadership requires mass amounts of flexibility, developing new behaviors and creating a desirable, sustainable change; which is an intentional effort. This desired change is attained by encouraging interactions between individuals, groups and within organizations. Leaders help develop new behaviors by learning from current or ongoing experiences.

Analysis between differences in definitions
This weeks reading, An Overview of Intentional Change From a Complexity Perspective, written by Richard Boyatzis, gave me an alternative way to view leadership. I now understand that leadership can impact change in an individual, a group, an organization or a community.
I still find much value in leadership not be determined by appearance, however, my definition has change greatly from last week. I learned the importance of change in many circumstances, and I also learned the role leaders play in this change. "It may involve trying something different in a current setting, reflecting on what occurs, and experimenting further in this setting." Boyatzis, R. E. (2006) The most valuable thing I learned this week is that change is an intentional effort, and it is the job of a leader to encourage this effort. I found this weeks reading to be very valuable, especially in terms of relating this to group work.

Citations

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

Emerging definition of Leadership #8

2012-11-25T03:26:01Z

Last week's final definition
Leadership ability needs to be based not on what people look like, but on what a person has, and will do when put in a position of leadership. Leadership must not be defined by racism or prejudice, as it commonly is. Leadership can be seen form many different perspectives and it is vital to be educated about each before forming an opinion about what a leader truly is.

This week's definition
Leadership ability needs to be based not on what people look like, but on what a person has, and will do when put in a position of leadership. Leadership must not be defined by racism or prejudice, as it commonly is. Leadership also frequently occurs in group settings. When this is the case, leadership is process-oriented, following many stages before reaching the end goal.

Analysis between the differences in definitions
This week, my definition of leadership has not changed much. I still see much importance in basing leadership ability in ones skills rather than appearance. Although I find value and relevance in reading about working in groups, it did not change much in the way I would overall define leadership. However, when working in groups, I learned that leadership is process-oriented. The past readings have done a great job of challenging the way I view leadership. As for this week, I found it more helpful than challenging and I truly enjoyed both readings and educating myself about "the characteristics of groups, the way groups develop, and the dynamics among group members." Komives, Lucas, and McMahon (1998).

Citations
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.

Emerging definition of Leadership #7

2012-11-18T02:49:40Z

Last week's final definition
No matter the circumstance, it is important for a leader to mentally distance themselves from a situation in order to truly figure out what is happening. Leadership is defined when a person is able to maintain a balance between making interventions, observing the impacts, and then continuing to take action. This process is necessary in leadership and in efforts to improve the situation currently being dealt with.

This week's definition
Leadership ability needs to be based not on what people look like, but on what a person has, and will do when put in a position of leadership. Leadership must not be defined by racism or prejudice, as it commonly is. Leadership can be seen form many different perspectives and it is vital to be educated about each before forming an opinion about what a leader truly is.

Analysis between the difference in definitions
My definition from last week somewhat differs form this week. Last week I learned the importance of taking yourself out of a situation in order to truly understand the problem. This week, I learned the importance of seeing the problem before forming an opinion. For this very reason, I now understand how vital it is not to fall for "The Warren Harding error." Gladwell, M. (2005). The varying opinions in my course readings have really challenged me in defining leadership and continue to do so every week.

Citations
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.

Emerging definition of Leadership #6

2012-11-03T22:02:56Z

Last weeks final definition
Leadership is necessary in a times of crisis. During a crisis, leadership is being prepared and willing to deal with an environment of urgency and uncertainty. Leadsership requires the development of new skills, and always take advantage of the need for change. It is also important to understand that the "crisis" present may very well be permanent, and it is the job of a leader to immediately take action, rather than waiting for a calm period. The reality is, a calm period may never occur.

This weeks definition
No matter the circumstance, it is important for a leader to mentally distance themselves from a situation in order to truly figure out what is happening. Leadership is defined when a person is able to maintain a balance between making interventions, observing the impacts, and then continuing to take action. This process is necessary in leadership and in efforts to improve the situation currently being dealt with.

Analysis of the differences in definitions
Both of my definitions deal with being caught in a situation, the difference comes in how to deal with the circumstance. Last weeks definition, I stated that during a situation, it is necessary to develop new skills and be willing to recognize the need for change. This week Heifetz, R.A & Linsky, M. (2002) have taught me that in order to effectively change a situation, the correct thing to do would be to take a step back and see it from a new perspective. The readings this week have been extremely valuable in adjusting my definition of leadership by helping me see it from a different angle. I did not disagree with either of the readings for this week and found them both to be very useful.

Citations

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.

Emerging Definition of Leadership #5

2012-10-24T20:25:00Z

Last week's final definition
Because of this weeks strong emphasis on ethics, I have learned the correlation between ethics and leadership. I believe that being able to continually develop your ethical standards through decision making is a vital step that will help you mature in your leadership skills. In order to be considered a leader, one must actively put the good of others above themselves.

This weeks definition
Leadership is necessary in a time of economic crisis. During a crisis, a leadership is being prepared and willing to deal with an environment of urgency and uncertainty. Leadsership requires the development of new skills, and always take advantage of the need for change.

Analysis of the differences in definitions
Last week, I was so focused on the ethical aspect of leadership, which I am now thankful that I understand. However, I am pleased to say that this week I learned that Leadership is more than putting others before yourself. Heifetz, R., Grashow, A., & Linsky, M. (2009) talk about how during a crisis, leaders must be willing to step up, take action and develop the skills necessary to lead their crowd to the desired result.

Citations
Heifetz, R., Grashow, A., & Linsky, M. (2009). "Leadership in a (permanent) crisis." Harvard Business Review, 87(7), 62-69. Retrieved from http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=keh&AN=41997981&site=ehost-livee

Emerging Definition of Leadership #4

2012-10-24T20:24:03Z

Last week's final definition:
My experiences this week have taught me that there is no such thing as a natural born leader. After reading Terry (2001) this concept was clearly demonstrated to me by hearing both sides of the argument of a naturally born leader. I believe that Leadership is something that is learned over time through people and experience. I also learned form Lee and King (2001) I now believe that leadership is largely due to understanding the root of your actions along with your core values.

This weeks definition:
Because of this weeks strong emphasis on ethics, I have learned the correlation between ethics and leadership. I believe that being able to continually develop your ethical standards through decision making is a vital step that will help you mature in your leadership skills. In order to be considered a leader, one must actively put the good of others above themselves.

Analysis of the differences in the definitions:
Last week, I discovered that leadership is something acquired over time, along with the development of ones core values. The importance of core values was stressed again this week with a strong emphasis on ethics in accordance to leadership. This correlation is seen clearly in Kidder (2003) when he exposes the dilemma paradigms of "right versus right." After reading both articles, my definition of leadership expanded with the notion that being a leader also means to be selfless. "human behavior has consequences for the welfare of others" (Paul, 2006)

Citations

Paul, R., & Elder, L. (2006). "The Function of Ethics -- and Its Main Impediement." Understanding the Foundations of Ethical Reasoning (pp. 4 - 36). Dillon Beach, CA: Foundation for Critical Thinking.

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

Emerging Leadership Definition #3

2012-10-24T20:21:27Z

Last weeks final definition
As the course has continued on, and I have completed the readings, I realized that my definition of Leadership is changing. One of the most recent articles read left a lasting impact on me. A definition given by investor Warren Buffett states, "A leader is someone who can get things done through other people." (Rath, Conchie, 2009, p. 79) This reading taught me that people are not born leaders, but have to earn their followers by creating a sense of trust, compassion, stability and hope. Leadership can also take on many different styles. There is not one specific way to lead, but depending on the situation, some forms can be more beneficial than others.

This weeks definition
My experiences this week have taught me that there is no such thing as a natural born leader. After reading Terry (2001) this concept was clearly demonstrated to me by hearing both sides of the argument of a naturally born leader. I believe that Leadership is something that is learned over time through people and experience. I also learned form Lee and King (2001) I know believe that leadership is largely due to understanding the root of your actions along with your core values.

Analysis of the differences of the definitions
After reading this weeks articles I have a better understanding for where Leadership comes form. My opinions have not necessarily changed, but strengthened. I have learned why I believe what I believe. The course readings expose me to many different opinions and allow me to form my own. Terry (2001) helped me confirm my opinion that leadership is made with this statement, "I have no doubt that leadership can be taught. We learn from experience. That's what maturity is about."

Citations

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.

Terry, R. (2001). "Deciding what you believe." Seven zones for leadership: Acting authentically in stability and chaos (pp. 20 - 40). Mountain View, CA: Davies-Black Publishing, Inc.

Emerging Definition of Leadership

2012-09-29T04:46:51Z

As the course has continued on, and I have completed the readings, I realized that my definition of Leadership is changing. One of the most recent articles read left a lasting impact on me. A definition given by investor Warren Buffett states, "A leader is someone who can get things done through other people." (Rath, Conchie, 2009, p. 79) This reading taught me that people are not born leaders, but have to earn their followers by creating a sense of trust, compassion, stability and hope. Leadership can also take on many different styles. There is not one specific way to lead, but depending on the situation, some forms can be more beneficial than others.

Citations

Goleman, Daniel (200)."Leadership that Gets Results." Harvard Business Review, 78(2), 78-90.

Rath, T. & Conchie, B. (2009). "Understanding why people follow." Strengths based leadership: Great leaders, teams, and why people follow. (pp. 79 - 85). New York: Gallup Press.

What Leadership means to me

2012-09-05T20:50:51Z

Throughout my life, I have always believed that being a leader is a naturally born position. As I have matured, I learned that being a leader means to take initiative in all situations. It means becoming confident in what you believe, and being able to influence others through your actions. Leaders have followers.