Create A Word Draft Essay That Includes The Following Paragr ✓ Solved

Create a word draft essay that includes the following: Para

Paragraph 1: Identify your leadership preference(s) and describe why the different aspects appeal to you most. Include specific terms or examples from the resources to identify your preferences.

Paragraph 2: Describe what experiences you have as a leader, or your experience(s) with other leaders that support your preferences as areas you want to develop as a leader. You may include examples of leaders that have not demonstrated strengths in the areas you noted and how their lack of leadership in that area helped support your decision. (Sometimes we learn how to be a good leader by experiencing bad leadership).

Paragraph 3: Describe how you will use your strengths and preferences in leadership within at least one setting. You may not be leading a group at this time, but there are opportunities to act as a leader at work, at home, and in classes, so you can apply your understanding of your leadership in any of these settings.

Submit Leadership Preference Reflection paper draft to SmartThinking online tutoring for feedback.

SmartThinking will send you a confirmation email noting your submission as received. Upload a screen shot of the email confirmation in the assignment link. Note: Within three (3) days, a SmartThinking tutor will return your draft paper with suggested changes and edits. You are expected to incorporate the suggested feedback into your final draft due Week 4. KEEP A COPY OF THE FEEDBACK. You will need to upload the SmartThinking feedback with your final draft in Week 4.

Paper For Above Instructions

Leadership is a multifaceted concept that varies across different contexts and situations. Reflecting upon my leadership preferences, I observe that I gravitate towards transformational and servant leadership styles. These styles resonate with my values and beliefs about the nature of effective leadership. Transformational leadership appeals to me because it emphasizes inspiration, motivation, and the ability to lead through change. As noted by Bass & Riggio (2006), transformational leaders transform their followers towards achieving remarkable results by fostering commitment and a sense of purpose. For instance, when I participated in a community service project, I witnessed how a leader inspired volunteers to exceed their expectations and contribute positively to the cause. This experience highlighted the impact of cultivating a shared vision and connecting personal aspirations to collective goals.

Similarly, servant leadership speaks to my inclination to prioritize the growth and well-being of individuals and communities. Greenleaf (2002) describes servant leaders as those who focus on empowering others and placing their needs first, which fosters a supportive and collaborative environment. I recall a high school debate club president who exemplified servant leadership; she consistently sought our input and provided mentorship, encouraging us to reach our potential. Her selfless approach contrasted starkly with another leader in a different context who prioritized personal recognition over team development, demonstrating that poor leadership can reinforce the value of servitude and support within leadership.

In examining my experiences, I realize that both positive and negative examples have shaped my understanding of effective leadership. As a soccer team captain, I often reflected on the transformational aspect of my role by motivating my teammates through encouragement and setting a positive example in practice. Moreover, I learned the essence of servant leadership when I volunteered at a local shelter. By focusing on the needs of the people we served, our group established rapport and trust, which were essential for effective service delivery. These experiences solidified my belief in the importance of empathy, communication, and teamwork within any leadership approach.

Looking forward, I aim to use my identified strengths of empathy and effective communication in my leadership endeavors across various settings. Even when I am not in an official leadership position, opportunities abound to lead. For example, during group projects in school, I plan to facilitate open discussions, ensuring every member feels valued and heard. This approach not only encourages collaboration but also creates an inclusive environment where diverse ideas can flourish. By applying my understanding of transformational and servant leadership, I hope to inspire my peers and contribute to a positive group dynamic.

Outside the classroom, at my workplace, I can adopt these leadership styles even as a team member. By understanding and supporting my colleagues, I can help foster a culture of collaboration and support, driving us toward collective success. In family settings as well, I will take initiative to nurture open communication, ensuring every family member's voice is heard and respected. These practical applications of my leadership preferences will help reinforce the behaviors I aspire to exhibit as a leader.

In conclusion, reflecting on my leadership preferences has illuminated the paths I want to pursue in my growth as a leader. The interplay between personal experiences, observed behaviors, and identified leadership styles has shaped my understanding of effective leadership. Going forward, through the integration of transformational and servant leadership principles, I am confident that I will be able to positively influence those around me and contribute meaningfully to any group or organization I am part of.

References

• Bass, B. M., & Riggio, R. E. (2006). Transformational Leadership. 2nd ed. Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates.
• Greenleaf, R. K. (2002). Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness. New York, NY: Paulist Press.
• Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice. 8th ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
• Yukl, G. A. (2013). Leadership in Organizations. 8th ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education.
• Goleman, D. (2000). Leadership That Gets Results. Harvard Business Review, 78(2), 78-90.
• Kotter, J. P. (1996). Leading Change. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Business School Press.
• Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The Leadership Challenge: How to Make Extraordinary Things Happen in Organizations. 6th ed. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
• Burke, W. W. (2017). Organization Change: Theory and Practice. 4th ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
• Kelley, R. E. (1992). The Power of Followership. New York, NY: Doubleday.
• Heifetz, R. A., & Linsky, M. (2002). Leadership on the Line: Staying Alive Through the Dangers of Leading. Cambridge, MA: Harvard Business School Press.