A Wise Person Once Said...

"Leadership" as Influenced by Saphiere and Sessions

2012-04-15T21:52:09Z

Last Week's Definition:The definition of leadership is relative. Individual values, varying perspectives, differing cultural backgrounds, and even the state of the world at the time change the ways leaders as well as followers interpret the role. A collaborative understanding of what leadership means must be established before a leader can pursue progress. A great leader is intelligent, confident and understanding. The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. The steepest challenge for a leader is the task of maintaining this image while in the face of dilemma. The ability to adapt to these challenges and sustain a sense of teamwork toward organizational goals, missions, and objectives is a sign of excellent leadership. However, should there be a need for change, a leader must also understand methods to discipline and motivate their followers. Keeping a realistic perspective and tackling one issue at a time are responsible and effective tactics useful in accomplishing such success.

This Week's Definition: The definition of leadership is relative. Individual values, varying perspectives, differing cultural backgrounds, and even the state of the world at the time change the ways leaders as well as followers interpret the role. A collaborative understanding of what leadership means must be established before a leader can pursue progress. A great leader is intelligent, confident and understanding. The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. The steepest challenge for a leader is the task of maintaining this image while in the face of dilemma through tactful presentations. The ability to adapt to these challenges and sustain a sense of teamwork toward organizational goals, missions, and objectives is a sign of excellent leadership. However, should there be a need for change, a leader must also understand methods to discipline and motivate their followers. Keeping a realistic perspective and tackling one issue at a time are responsible and effective tactics useful in accomplishing such success.

Analysis of the Differences Between Definitions: This week's definition is altered just slightly in order to accommodate the insightful methods of Saphiere. She explains the complexities of communication in relation to the artful conduction of a circus. Her solutions are in-depth and are flexible to various individual's personalities, however, "maintaining an image of trust through tactful presentation" sums up the main points of Saphiere's argument. Through the use of one's own repertoire, values, goals, and understanding of self-concepts a leader can put on quite the show. Thus, resulting in successful and imperative communication. In addition, Sessions' article addressed conditions specific to leaders in the online realm of communication. The same leadership qualities are required from such a leader as those in face-to-face interactions, so I found no need to mention it within the definition. Sessions is represented in that a leader must have the ability to adapt to online conditions in this case.

"Leadership" as Influenced by Boyatzis

2012-04-10T00:10:17Z

Last Week's Definition: The definition of leadership is relative. Individual values, varying perspectives, differing cultural backgrounds, and even the state of the world at the time change the ways leaders as well as followers interpret the role. A collaborative understanding of what leadership means must be established before a leader can pursue progress. A great leader is intelligent, confident and understands how to deploy the appropriate regimen for change. The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. The steepest challenge for a leader is the task of maintaining this image while in the face of dilemma. The ability to adapt to these challenges and sustain a sense of teamwork toward organizational goals, missions, and objectives is a sign of excellent leadership. Keeping a realistic perspective and tackling one issue at a time are responsible and effective tactics useful in accomplishing such success.

This Week's Definition:The definition of leadership is relative. Individual values, varying perspectives, differing cultural backgrounds, and even the state of the world at the time change the ways leaders as well as followers interpret the role. A collaborative understanding of what leadership means must be established before a leader can pursue progress. A great leader is intelligent, confident and understanding. The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. The steepest challenge for a leader is the task of maintaining this image while in the face of dilemma. The ability to adapt to these challenges and sustain a sense of teamwork toward organizational goals, missions, and objectives is a sign of excellent leadership. However, should there be a need for change, a leader must also understand methods to discipline and motivate their followers. Keeping a realistic perspective and tackling one issue at a time are responsible and effective tactics useful in accomplishing such success.

Analysis of the Differences Between Definitions: Although I have a great urge to simplify my definition, each sentence of last week's definition evokes memories of wise words written by past week's readings, which I cannot disregard as of yet. However, this week's definition also includes, "should there be a need for change, a leader must also understand methods to discipline and motivate their followers." This refers to Boyatzis' (2006) article which identifies the difficulties behind sustaining and achieving desired change. It is understood that Boyatzis' methods and psychological analyses are accompanied by many other theorists with ways of influencing and maintaining change. So, I make a point to not mention specific methods for provoking change, however this sentence leaves room for necessary interpretation. As class weeks come to an end I intend to compress this definition, however desire to develop the role of "change" as I find it is an essential part of leadership.

"Leadership" as Influenced by Gladwell, Tatum, and Kezar

2012-03-29T00:30:36Z

Last Week's Definition:The definition of leadership is relative. Individual values and ideas of the leader and members of the team as well as the state of the world at the time affect the role of leadership within an organization. Effective leadership requires a collaborative understanding of what leadership means, the leader's individual values, as well as the deployment of the appropriate regimen for change. The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. The steepest challenge for a leader is the task of maintaining this image while in the face of dilemma. The ability to adapt to these challenges and sustain a sense of teamwork toward organizational goals, missions, and objectives is a sign of excellent leadership. Keeping a realistic perspective and tackling one issue at a time are responsible and effective tactics useful in accomplishing such success.

This Week's Definition: The definition of leadership is relative. Individual values, varying perspectives, differing cultural backgrounds, and even the state of the world at the time change the ways leaders as well as followers interpret the role. A collaborative understanding of what leadership means must be established before a leader can pursue progress. A great leader is intelligent, confident and understands how to deploy the appropriate regimen for change. The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. The steepest challenge for a leader is the task of maintaining this image while in the face of dilemma. The ability to adapt to these challenges and sustain a sense of teamwork toward organizational goals, missions, and objectives is a sign of excellent leadership. Keeping a realistic perspective and tackling one issue at a time are responsible and effective tactics useful in accomplishing such success.

Analysis of the Differences Between Definitions: Last week's definition did not have to change in order to accommodate the wise words of Kezar (2000) who wrote about the importance of understanding the individual definitions of leadership held by all members of a team. However, this week's definition addresses the additional challenges of leadership put in place due to cultural differences. Although the definition does not go into detail, differing cultural backgrounds refers to both Kezar's points as well as Tatum's (1997) who highlights the challenges of racism. Lastly, Gladwell's (2005) Warren Harding Error, which discusses the common misconception that because someone looks the part of a leader doesn't mean they should be one, is addressed when detailing certain qualities a leader should posses. The previous definition did not assign personality traits of a leader, but only mentioned how an audience should receive them. Now the definition restricts any further Warren Harding misconceptions.

"Leadership" as Influenced by Heifetz & Linsky and Kegan & Lahey

2012-03-08T20:46:12Z

Last Week's Definition: The definition of leadership is relative. Individual values and ideas of the leader and members of the team as well as the state of the world at the time affect the role of leadership within an organization. Effective leadership requires a collaborative understanding of what leadership means, the leader's individual values, as well as the deployment of the appropriate regimen for change. The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. The steepest challenge for a leader is the task of maintaining this image while in the face of dilemma. The ability to adapt to these challenges and sustain a sense of teamwork toward organizational goals, missions, and objectives is a sign of excellent leadership.

This Week's Definition of Leadership: The definition of leadership is relative. Individual values and ideas of the leader and members of the team as well as the state of the world at the time affect the role of leadership within an organization. Effective leadership requires a collaborative understanding of what leadership means, the leader's individual values, as well as the deployment of the appropriate regimen for change. The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. The steepest challenge for a leader is the task of maintaining this image while in the face of dilemma. The ability to adapt to these challenges and sustain a sense of teamwork toward organizational goals, missions, and objectives is a sign of excellent leadership. Keeping a realistic perspective and tackling one issue at a time are responsible and effective tactics useful in accomplishing such success.

Analysis of the Differences in Definitions: This week's definition is merely slightly varied from it's preceding definition. The additional last sentence is influenced by the advice given by Heifetz & Linsky and Kegan & Lahey. Heifetz and Linsky (2002) discuss taking yourself out of the hustle and bustle to get a refreshed perspective, "from the balcony," rather than, "from the dance floor," (p. 1). This advice applies to a leader taking a step back when caught up in confusion. Leaving the situation and assessing it with a fresh mind will result in better more universally fair solutions. Often when, "on the dance floor for too long," a narrow minded and self indulgent view can fog someone's judgement, a "view from the balcony," will create the realistic perspective I mentioned in this week's definition. Kegan and Lahey's advice is showcased through the statement stated, "tackling one issue at a time," within this week's definition. When it comes to team improvement, Kegan and Lahey (2009) suggest, "identifying each person's One-Big-Thing," (p.63). This refers to a leader's instruction to their team members. Suggesting each member focus on their one main issue can lead to an overall improvement of the team. Tackling one issue at a time is a more realistic method for change than attempting to change everything at once.

"Leadership" as Influenced by Heifetz, Grashow and Linsky

2012-02-21T00:00:32Z

Last Week's Definition: The definition of leadership is relative. Individual values and ideas of the leader and members of the team affect the role of leadership within an organization. Effective leadership requires a collaborative understanding of what leadership means, the leaders individual values, as well as the deployment of the affective regimen. The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. The steepest challenge for a leader is the task of maintaining this image while in the face of dilemma. The ability to sustain a group of people long enough to achieve organizational goals, missions, and objectives together is a sign of excellent leadership.

This Week's Definition: The definition of leadership is relative. Individual values and ideas of the leader and members of the team as well as the state of the world at the time affect the role of leadership within an organization. Effective leadership requires a collaborative understanding of what leadership means, the leader's individual values, as well as the deployment of the appropriate regimen for change. The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. The steepest challenge for a leader is the task of maintaining. this image while in the face of dilemma. The ability to adapt to these challenges and sustain a sense of teamwork toward organizational goals, missions, and objectives is a sign of excellent leadership.

Analysis of the Differences in Definitions: Leadership in a (Permanent) Crisis brought up previously undisclosed worldly impacts on the environments within which leaders reign. The world is ever changing and so to should the ways we handle ourselves in everyday life. The past definition drew upon the importance of internal factors and this week important external factors were added. Secondly, Heifetz (2009) defines, "the art of leadership in today's world involves orchestrating the inevitable conflict, chaos, and confusion of change so that the disturbance is productive rather than destructive," (p. 66). Not only do these leaders need to guide their teams through difficult times, but then must adapt so to prevent repetition. Adaptability is the most important aspect of this week's readings as it applies to successful leadership, especially in a business environment.

"Leadership" as Influenced by Kidder and Paul & Elder

2012-02-19T02:53:58Z

Last Week's Definition: The definition of leadership is relative. Individual values and ideas of the leader and members of the team affect the role of leadership within an organization. Affective leadership requires a collaborative understanding of what leadership means, the leaders individual values, as well as the deployment of the 5 leadership styles (appropriate for varying situations). Goleman (2000) lists the 5 styles of leadership as follows: Coercive, Authoritative, Affiliative, Democratic, and Pacesetting). The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. Roth (2009) declares,"the most effective leaders rally a broader group of people toward an organizations goals, mission, and objectives," (p.79). Leadership does not exist without a cause that benefits the entire team.

This Weeks Definition: The definition of leadership is relative. Individual values and ideas of the leader and members of the team affect the role of leadership within an organization. Affective leadership requires a collaborative understanding of what leadership means, the leaders individual values, as well as the deployment of the affective regimen. The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. The steepest challenge for a leader is the task of maintaining this image while in the face of dilemma. The ability to sustain a group of people long enough to achieve organizational goals, missions, and objectives together is a sign of excellent leadership.

Analysis of the Differences in Definitions This week's definition is much less wordy for I took last weeks teacher comments to heart and considered whether I advocated for what Goleman had to say. Although I agree that there are various ways to solve situations, I don't completely back his implications that these are the 5 best practices. Leadership is not a science and not every leadership moment can be anticipated with a previously attempted solution. Secondly, I find that collectivism is a strong asset for a team and a leader's choices have a direct affect on team spirit. This week's readings were not directed solely at leaders, however I saw it necessary to include aspects of dilemma in my re-definition for leaders who do not falter at the sight of challenges are powerful.

"Leadership" as Influenced by Terry and Lee & King

2012-02-09T21:00:18Z

Last Week's Definition: Affective leadership requires the collaborative deployment of the 5 various leadership styles, each of which are appropriate for varying situations. Goleman (2000) lists the 5 styles of leadership as follows: Coercive, Authoritative, Affiliative, Democratic, and Pacesetting). The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. Roth (2009) declares,"the most effective leaders rally a broader group of people toward an organizations goals, mission, and objectives," ( p.79). Leadership does not exist without a cause that benefits the entire team.

This Week's Definition: The definition of leadership is relative. Individual values and ideas of the leader and members of the team affect the role of leadership within an organization. Affective leadership requires a collaborative understanding of what leadership means, the leaders individual values, as well as the deployment of the 5 leadership styles (appropriate for varying situations). Goleman (2000) lists the 5 styles of leadership as follows: Coercive, Authoritative, Affiliative, Democratic, and Pacesetting). The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. Roth (2009) declares,"the most effective leaders rally a broader group of people toward an organizations goals, mission, and objectives," (p.79). Leadership does not exist without a cause that benefits the entire team.

Analysis of the Differences in the Definitions: As opposed to its former definition, this week's definition includes aspects of relativity according the values held by group members and those of the leader him/her-self. Lee and King recognize that values are the guiding force that determines a leader's idea of what is important and therefore determines their plan of action. They emphasize the importance of establishing these values as a leader so to never stray from them while going about duties. This is not to overbear the importance of the organization's idea of what leadership is to entail. Terry (2001) states that, "selection, promotion, organizational assessment, and futuring are all affected by what the team establishes to mean by leadership," (p. 39).

"Leadership" as Influenced by Goleman and Roth

2012-02-04T20:19:30Z

Last Week's Definition: Leadership is the collaborative process of guiding by instruction and making an example of one's self in an effort to cause desired action by an audience. The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, authority, power, and persuasion, however is not always accomplished intentionally. It is normally performed by a smaller entity onto a larger, such as a council of leaders onto a population. Leadership does not exist without a cause and, unfortunately, this is not always a positive one.

This Week's Definition: Affective leadership requires the collaborative deployment of the 5 various leadership styles, each of which are appropriate for varying situations. Goleman (2000) lists the 5 styles of leadership as follows: Coercive, Authoritative, Affiliative, Democratic, and Pacesetting) The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, compassion, stability, and hope in order to engage followers. Roth (2009) declares,"the most effective leaders rally a broader group of people toward an organizations goals, mission, and objectives," ( p.79). Leadership does not exist without a cause that benefits the entire team.

Analysis in the Differences of Definitions: Since reading the perspectives of Goleman and Roth, my definition has adopted more specific aspects of leadership as well as omitted inappropriate statements. Where as before I had addressed a collaboration of only two very specific styles of leadership, the new definition identifies with Goleman's categories of styles. His style breakdown better defines leadership tactics which all include aspects of guiding and setting an example, however emphasis the varying ways in which these are accomplished. Secondly, this new definition replaces what I personally looked for in a leadership environment and replaced it with the scientifically proven requirements Roth discovered the population identified with. Lastly, the elimination of, "a leadership cause is not always a positive one," was a decision based on the idea that a leader with negative intentions could be better titled a(n) Tyrant or Oppressor.

Leardership in My Mind

2012-01-19T20:26:47Z

Leadership is the collaborative process of guiding by instruction and making an example of one's self in an effort to cause desired action by an audience. The practice of leadership requires a certain amount of established trust, authority, power, and persuasion, however is not always accomplished intentionally. It is normally performed by a smaller entity onto a larger, such as a council of leaders onto a population. Leadership does not exist without a cause and, unfortunately, this is not always a positive one.