Write A Leadership Autobiography Reflecting On Yourself

Write A Leadership Autobiography In Which You Reflect On Your Past A

Write a “leadership autobiography” in which you reflect on your past and present leadership experiences. Add the following utilizing the Six Bases of Power (French & Raven, 1962). Incorporate the following questions into your narrative: What people have had a significant impact on you? What leadership traits do they possess? What skills have they developed and how? What are their growth areas? You should submit a Word document containing your "leadership autobiography". You must format your paper according to APA style.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Leadership is a dynamic and influential aspect of human interaction that shapes individuals' personal development and impacts organizational success. My leadership journey has been significantly influenced by various individuals and experiences that have allowed me to reflect on and develop my leadership traits and skills. This autobiography explores my past and present leadership experiences, emphasizing the application of French and Raven’s Six Bases of Power (1962) and answering key questions about influential figures, their traits, skills, and growth areas.

Influential People and Their Leadership Traits

Throughout my life, several individuals have played pivotal roles in shaping my leadership understanding and abilities. My first influential figure was my high school teacher, Mrs. Johnson, whose leadership traits included integrity, empathy, and clear communication. Her ability to motivate students and foster a collaborative environment exemplified expert and referent power, inspiring me to value expertise and personal appeal in leadership. Her unwavering commitment to student success cultivated my initial interest in participative leadership.

Another significant influence was my supervisor during my internship at a local nonprofit organization, Mr. Lee. His leadership traits encompassed decisiveness, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence. Through his use of legitimate and expert power, he delegated responsibilities effectively, empowering team members while maintaining accountability. Observing his conflict resolution skills and his capacity to inspire trust contributed to my understanding of the importance of relational competence in leadership.

My current manager, Ms. Patel, embodies transformational leadership with traits such as innovation, adaptability, and vision. Her skill in communicating a compelling organizational mission leverages referent and legitimate power, motivating teams to exceed expectations. Her emphasis on professional growth and mentorship has fostered a supportive environment conducive to learning and innovation.

Development of Skills and Areas for Growth

Each of these leaders has contributed to my skill development in areas such as communication, emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and ethical decision-making. Mrs. Johnson encouraged participative decision-making, which improved my collaborative skills. Mr. Lee’s strategic approach to problem-solving helped me develop critical thinking skills, while Ms. Patel’s transformational style promoted my capacity for motivating others and managing change.

However, growth areas identified through reflection include enhancing my influence through more effective use of expert and referent power and developing assertiveness. While I possess foundational skills, I recognize the need to refine my ability to inspire trust and admiration consistently, especially in high-pressure situations. Additionally, expanding my understanding of formal legitimate power could improve my capacity to lead larger teams effectively.

Application of Six Bases of Power

In my leadership journey, I have observed and practiced the application of French and Raven’s six bases of power:

• Legitimate Power: Derived from formal authority, this power was evident when my supervisor delegated responsibilities, instilling confidence in my abilities.
• Expert Power: Gained from knowledge and skills, which I developed through continual learning and mentorship, especially from my managers and educators.
• Referent Power: Based on personal traits and respect, it influenced my admiration for transformational leaders like Ms. Patel.
• Coercive Power: Less emphasized in my leadership style, but occasionally used when enforcing policies or deadlines.
• Reward Power: Recognized in my managers’ use of recognition and incentives to motivate teams.
• Information Power: Acquired through the control of information crucial for decision-making and strategic planning.

My evolving understanding of these power bases has helped me adapt my leadership style to different contexts, emphasizing ethical use of power to inspire and motivate others effectively.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my leadership past and present, I recognize the vital impact of influential figures who have embodied various leadership traits and skills, leveraging the different bases of power. These experiences have guided my development as a leader capable of fostering positive change, motivating teams, and continuous self-improvement. Acknowledging my growth areas encourages me to cultivate greater assertiveness and mastery of influence strategies to enhance my effectiveness as a leader. As I continue to grow, I remain committed to core values of integrity, empathy, and innovation that underpin my leadership philosophy.

References

• French, J. R., & Raven, B. (1962). The bases of social power._in D. Cartwright (Ed.), _Studies in social power_ (pp. 150-167). University of Michigan.
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• Kotter, J. P. (2012). _Leading change_. Harvard Business Review Press.
• Goleman, D. (2000). Leadership that gets results. _Harvard Business Review_, 78(2), 78-90.
• Avolio, B. J., & Bass, B. M. (1998). _Transformational leadership: Theory, research, and practice_. Sage Publications.
• McClelland, D. C. (1975). _Power: The inner experience_. Free Press.
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• Hackman, M. Z., & Johnson, C. E. (2013). _Leadership: A communication perspective_. Waveland Press.