Assignment 2: Leader Profile Many Argue That The Single Larg

Assignment 2 Leader Profilemany Argue That The Single Largest Variabl

Choose one leader you consider to be effective. This can be a leader you are personally aware of, or someone you don’t know, but have observed to be an effective leader. Write a paper addressing the following: Explain how this leader has influenced you and why you think he or she is effective. Analyze what characteristics or qualities this person possesses that affected you most. Rate this leader by using a leadership scorecard. This can be a developed scorecard, or one you develop yourself. If you use a developed scorecard, please be sure to cite the sources of the scorecard. Once you have identified your scorecard, rate your leader. You decide what scores to include (for example, scale of 1–5, 5 being the highest) but be sure to assess the leader holistically across the critical leadership competencies you feel are most important (for example, visioning, empowering, strategy development and communication). Critique this individual’s skills against what you have learned about leadership so far in this course.

Consider the following: How well does he/she meet the practices covered in your required readings? How well has he/she adapted to the challenges facing leaders today? If you could recommend changes to his/her leadership approach, philosophy, and style, what would you suggest? Why? Using the assigned readings, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet including general organizational sources like the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek, or Harvard Business Review, build a leadership profile of the leader you selected. Include information from personal experiences as well as general postings on the selected leader from Internet sources such as blogs. Be sure to include 2–3 additional resources not already included in the required readings in support of your leadership profile. Write a 3–5-page paper in Word format. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. Use the following file naming convention: LastnameFirstInitial_M2_A2.doc.

Paper For Above instruction

Leadership plays a crucial role in the success and sustainability of organizations. Recognizing and analyzing effective leadership requires a comprehensive understanding of the qualities, behaviors, and strategies that make certain leaders stand out. In this paper, I will profile a leader I admire greatly, discuss how they have influenced me, evaluate their effectiveness using a leadership scorecard, and critique their skills based on scholarly principles learned through coursework and research.

The leader I have chosen for this profile is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a historical figure whose leadership during the Civil Rights Movement exemplifies transformative leadership. His unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and nonviolent protest has left an indelible mark on society and continues to influence leadership paradigms today. Dr. King’s leadership has personally inspired me through his perseverance, moral clarity, and ability to mobilize diverse groups towards a common goal.

Influence and Effectiveness

Martin Luther King Jr.'s influence on me stems from his capacity to lead with conviction and moral integrity. His famous “I Have a Dream” speech and his consistent advocacy for nonviolent resistance demonstrate a leader who remains committed to ethical principles amidst societal turmoil. His ability to articulate a compelling vision for racial equality and mobilize a movement signifies an effective leader who can inspire action and foster hope. His leadership exemplifies resilience, strategic communication, and moral authority — qualities that continue to inspire my own leadership aspirations.

Characteristics and Qualities

Among the many qualities Dr. King possessed, three stand out as most impactful: vision, empathy, and strategic communication. His clear vision for a racially integrated society provided a unifying goal that transcended individual interests. Empathy allowed him to connect deeply with the struggles of marginalized communities, fostering trust and solidarity. His mastery of strategic communication enabled him to galvanize support and garner national and international attention for civil rights causes. Additionally, his moral courage to confront injustice, even at great personal risk, exemplifies authentic leadership rooted in ethical conviction.

Leadership Scorecard and Rating

Using a leadership scorecard adapted from Kouzes and Posner’s model of exemplary leadership, which includes Vision, Inspiration, Communication, and Resilience, I rated Dr. King as follows:

• Vision: 5 – His visionary leadership was essential in shaping the Civil Rights Movement.
• Inspiration: 5 – His word and actions inspired millions to act nonviolently for justice.
• Communication: 4 – His speeches and writings effectively communicated complex ideas simply and powerfully.
• Resilience: 5 – Despite facing threats, imprisonment, and violence, his perseverance remained unshaken.

Overall, I would rate Dr. King highly across these competencies, emphasizing his exceptional ability to lead with moral clarity, strategic foresight, and emotional resilience.

Critique and Alignment with Leadership Principles

Dr. King’s leadership aligns well with many principles discussed in leadership literature, such as transformational leadership and ethical leadership. His focus on inspiring shared vision aligns with Burns’ concept of transformational leadership, motivating followers to transcend self-interest for a collective purpose. His emphasis on moral integrity is consistent with authentic leadership models, which highlight the importance of values and ethics.

However, modern leadership challenges, such as navigating organizational complexities and technological changes, were less prominent during his era. If I were to suggest improvements, I would recommend integrating more adaptive leadership strategies into his approach to address evolving societal issues more effectively. For instance, leveraging technology and social media to mobilize support could have amplified his reach and influence in today’s digital age.

Additionally, cultivating more inclusive leadership practices could ensure diverse voices are represented within movements, enhancing legitimacy and impact. Such adaptations would align with contemporary leadership theories emphasizing agility, inclusiveness, and innovation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. epitomizes transformational and authentic leadership qualities that have left a lasting legacy. His moral courage, visionary outlook, and strategic communication continue to serve as a benchmark for effective leadership. While his approach was highly effective given the context, integrating adaptive and inclusive strategies could further enhance leadership effectiveness in today's complex environment. Reflecting on his leadership inspires me to develop qualities of resilience, ethical commitment, and strategic vision in my own leadership journey.

References

• Bass, B. M., & Steidlmeier, P. (1999). Ethical Leadership and Corporate Social Responsibility. California Management Review, 40(4), 19-28.
• Burns, J. M. (1978). Transforming Leadership. Harper & Row.
• Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2012). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations. Jossey-Bass.
• Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage Publications.
• Brown, M. E., & Treviño, L. K. (2006). Ethical Leadership: A Review and Future Directions. The Leadership Quarterly, 17(6), 595–616.
• Goleman, D. (2000). Leadership That Gets Results. Harvard Business Review, 78(2), 78-90.
• Maxwell, J. C. (2007). The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Thomas Nelson.
• Yukl, G. (2013). Leadership in Organizations. Pearson Education.
• Hackman, M. Z., & Johnson, C. E. (2013). Leadership: A Communication Perspective. Waveland Press.
• Harvard Business Review. (2020). The Future of Leadership. Harvard Business Publishing.