Each Student Will Select A Biography Of A Contemporary Or Pa

Each Student Will Select A Biography Of A Contemporary Or Past Leader

Each student will select a biography of a contemporary or past leader (Dr. King) and report on the significant contribution the individual made. The leader can be from any field—political, business, religion, science, public, or emergency administration, etc.—with the caveat that the student must be able to answer specific questions about leadership. You need to pick a leader you admire or wish to investigate further. Find one that is relevant and useful to you and what you envision doing with your life or find one whose ideas are very thought-provoking and that you have a deep intellectual curiosity for.

I am looking more for an analysis of a leadership philosophy than I am about a book report about the events in a leader’s life. Your paper should be at least 3 pages long, single space. Below, questions are provided to help guide and organize your thoughts. You do not need to respond to each question.

  1. Where is the individual coming from—the world of politics, business, military, religion, etc.? Here is where you would include a book report-type summary (no more than 1 page).
  2. What is the particular philosophy of leadership?
  3. What are the roots, assumptions, values, and objectives?
  4. How does the leader’s background shape the philosophy?
  5. How do the times in which the leader lived or live influence it?
  6. Is leadership about accumulating power and influence?
  7. Does the leader believe that all people are inherently good?
  8. Does the leader believe that strong individuals are needed because most people are weak and pathetic?
  9. What ultimately should the reader be able to understand about the leader after having read the biography?
  10. Finally, please provide your own assessment of the value of the leader’s philosophy. Here you will combine what you learned with how it applies to you personally. How can this philosophy help you specifically?

Paper For Above instruction

This assignment invites students to craft a reflective and analytical paper centered on a leadership biography of their choosing. The primary goal is to delve into the underlying philosophy of leadership exhibited by their selected leader, moving beyond mere recounting of biographical events. Instead, the focus is on understanding how this leader’s background, values, and contextual factors influence their leadership approach, and how this philosophy can be meaningful personally and professionally.

In selecting a leader, students should consider individuals from diverse fields—such as politics, business, religion, science, or public service—whose leadership style and philosophy resonate with their own interests and aspirations. Choosing a leader who inspires curiosity or offers insights relevant to the student’s future plans will foster a more meaningful analysis. For example, leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela, or contemporary figures such as Elon Musk, depending on their leadership approach and philosophical underpinnings, can serve as compelling subjects for study.

The core component of the paper involves analyzing the leadership philosophy of the chosen individual. This involves exploring the leader’s roots—such as their background, cultural influences, and formative experiences—and understanding how these shape their approach to leadership. Students should examine whether the leader perceives leadership as primarily about influence, power, service, or another paradigm. They should also consider the leader’s assumptions about human nature—whether they see people as inherently good or flawed—and whether they believe that strong leadership is necessary due to perceived societal weaknesses.

The analysis should also address the influence of the historical or social context during the leader’s life, evaluating how the times and circumstances affected their leadership approach. This contextual understanding enables students to critique the adaptability or rigidity of the leader’s philosophy and to assess its relevance today.

Moreover, students are encouraged to reflect on what they believe a reader should understand about the leader after studying their biography. This involves synthesizing insights about the leader’s values, motivations, and methods. Finally, the student should offer a personal evaluation of the leadership philosophy’s value—how it resonates with their own worldview, and how it might guide their future actions or career. This personal connection demonstrates critical engagement and practical application.

References

  • Burns, J. M. (1978). Leadership. Harper & Row.
  • Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice. Sage Publications.
  • King, M. L. Jr. (1963). I Have a Dream. Delivered at the Lincoln Memorial.
  • Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and Greatness. Paulist Press.
  • Bass, B. M. (1990). Leadership and Performance Beyond Expectations. Free Press.
  • Maxwell, J. C. (2007). The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. Thomas Nelson.
  • Mandela, N. (1994). Long Walk to Freedom. Little, Brown & Co.
  • Musk, E. (2014). Interview on leadership principles. Time Magazine.
  • Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2017). Reframing Organizations: Artistry, Choice, and Leadership. Jossey-Bass.
  • De Pree, M. (1989). Leadership Is an Art. Jossey-Bass.

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