As Cited In Our Text, Rost (1991) Noted That There Are More ✓ Solved

As cited in our text, Rost (1991) noted that there are over 100

As cited in our text, Rost (1991) noted that there are over 100 definitions of leadership in the literature specific to the topic of leadership. You will review these and build a personal working definition of leadership. List at least two leadership concepts that you feel are most important or appealing to you, and what about each concept you find appealing. Reflect on the leader you described in our discussion and provide an example of skills to showcase which leadership aspects were demonstrated by this person. Share which aspects of leadership you feel you use most often when you act in a leadership role. In at least two to three sentences, share your working definition of leadership and why you think this definition is best as you plan to grow your leadership skills.

Paper For Above Instructions

Leadership is a multifaceted concept that has been defined in various ways throughout history and across different contexts. As per Rost (1991), there are over 100 definitions of leadership, highlighting the complexity and diversity of thought surrounding this topic. For the purpose of this paper, I will establish a working definition of leadership that resonates with my insights and experiences while exploring two leadership concepts that I find particularly significant and appealing.

Important Leadership Concepts

One leadership concept that appeals to me is Relational Leadership. This approach emphasizes the importance of relationships and partnerships between leaders and followers. What I find particularly appealing about Relational Leadership is its focus on communication and mutual respect. Strong working relationships are paramount for fostering a collaborative environment, where team members feel valued and heard. Effective leaders who engage in relational practices often create spaces that promote trust, empathy, and openness, facilitating shared decision-making and empowerment within teams (Uhl-Bien et al., 2014).

The second concept I find significant is Transformational Leadership. This leadership style inspires and motivates followers by creating a vision for the future and encouraging them to exceed their own self-interest for the sake of the organization or community. Transformational leaders are characterized by their ability to provide intellectual stimulation, individualized consideration, and inspirational motivation (Bass & Avolio, 1994). The appeal of Transformational Leadership lies in its capacity to drive change and innovation while fostering personal and professional growth among followers. It aligns well with my values of integrity, vision, and creating meaningful impact within my leadership endeavors.

Reflections on a Leader

In our previous discussions, I reflected on a leader who has significantly influenced my understanding of leadership: my former supervisor, Jane. Jane demonstrated exceptional Emotional Intelligence, a crucial aspect of effective leadership. She always maintained an open-door policy, encouraging team members to express their thoughts and feelings. For instance, during a particularly stressful project deadline, Jane organized a team meeting to openly discuss the challenges we faced and encouraged us to share how we were feeling. By acknowledging our emotional states, she demonstrated empathy and connected with us on a personal level. This ability to foster an emotionally supportive environment motivated us to perform better and brought cohesiveness to our team.

Personal Leadership Aspects

When I assume a leadership role, I often find myself leaning towards Servant Leadership, which emphasizes the leader’s role in serving their followers. This approach resonates with me as I believe effective leadership is about empowering others and prioritizing their needs. I find joy in mentoring and supporting team members, ensuring they have the resources and encouragement necessary to excel. By adopting a Servant Leadership approach, I aim to create an inclusive atmosphere that promotes growth, collaboration, and shared success.

Working Definition of Leadership

My working definition of leadership is: "The ability to inspire, empower, and facilitate the growth of individuals within a community or organization to achieve collective goals." I believe this definition encapsulates the essence of leadership as it combines inspiration with empowerment, highlighting the role of a leader in nurturing talent and fostering collaboration. As I continue to develop my leadership skills, I hope to embody this definition by being a source of motivation for others, encouraging them to pursue their fullest potential, and contributing to a positive organizational culture.

Conclusion

In summary, leadership is a dynamic and evolving concept that can take many forms depending on the context and individuals involved. By exploring concepts such as Relational Leadership and Transformational Leadership, I have gained insights that will shape my understanding and practice of leadership. Reflecting on my personal experiences and defining my leadership style provides a foundation for growth as I embark on this journey of refining my leadership capacity.

References

• Bass, B. M., & Avolio, B. J. (1994). Improving Organizational Effectiveness through Transformational Leadership. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
• Rost, J. C. (1991). Leadership for the Twenty-First Century. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers.
• Uhl-Bien, M., Marion, R., & McKelvey, B. (2014). Complexity Leadership Theory: Shifting leadership from the industrial age to the knowledge era. The Leadership Quarterly, 15(1), 297-314.
• Greenleaf, R. K. (1970). The Servant as Leader. Center for Applied Studies.
• Bennis, W., & Nanus, B. (1985). Leaders: Strategies for Taking Charge. New York: Harper & Row.
• Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2012). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
• Heifetz, R. A. (1994). Leadership Without Easy Answers. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
• Zaccaro, S. J., & Banks, D. (2001). Leaders as members of teams: The effects of team member interactions on leader behavior. In M. E. Turner (Ed.), Groups at Work: Theory and Research. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. New York: Bantam Books.
• Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.