After several weeks of learning about leadership and speaking with leaders of both the private sector and community service, I gained a greater knowledge of what leadership is all about. I believe leaders are not born, but made. After reading text from James Kouzes and Barry Posner I discovered the four main characteristics that people want in their leaders. According to their survey, the common person is more willing to follow a leader who is honest, forward-looking, competent, and inspiring. Through practice I hope to improve as a leader in these areas. I learned that leading sometimes means going first, living the behaviors you want others to adopt. Essentially, leading from the front. Followers will believe not what they hear leaders say but what they see leader do on a daily basis. Most of all I learned how significant it is to be credible. In my leadership class I have completed some assignments late, but after learning how important a track record is to one’s credibility, I will complete assignments on time from now on. Ultimately, this class has shed new light on my view of what is means to be a leader and through observing and practicing I am becoming an even better leader.
Two good final posts here, Michael. Your interview was well reported. I would have liked to see a good introduction so we knew who it was you interviewed. Also, being able to write it in narrative form rather than Q & A form would have allowed for you to make more connections back to our class discussions.
ReplyDeleteI think your reflection on how your opinion of leadership has changed is well framed. Keep up the good work!