My Explanation of Leadership
Leadership is .... I hit a blank, what is leadership? Simply put there is no single set definition for leadership. As Northhouse states 'After decades of dissonance, leadership scholars agree on one thing: They can't come up with a common definition for leadership' (Northhouse, 2016). In reality, we all view leadership as a different thing based on our perspectives and experiences. However, Northhouse (2016) identified a few central components of leadership, it's a process, it occurs in groups, involves common goals, it's a process and it involves influence.
My image of leadership reflects my own understanding and view of leadership, as being a Team Leader myself my understanding of leadership changed drastically after stepping into the position myself. I used to think leadership was simply about having an authoritarian leadership style, I tell, they do. However after some experience my definition of leadership changed, I now consider leadership as a position where you lead not just by telling your team what to do but rather by getting to know each individual and understanding what they need to succeed and how I can then better lead them to achieve our goals. Three key words stuck out to me. Accountability, Perseverance and Collaborative. I consider these my foundation of being a leader and my core values. (Carlson, 2015) presents core values as 'the things you deem most important in every facet of your life.'.
I believe being a leader means being accountable, my team = my responsibility, my decisions and my outcomes as a result of my decisions. Leadership requires perseverance, maintaining the same effort and commitment over time even when faced with challenges, being the leader your team can turn to. Lastly, being a leader requires collaboration. You can't lead a team without people to follow you. I look to these as my core values and hope to be an authentic leader.
According to Gardner et. al. (2011), authentic leaders are "... aware of the context in which they operate; and who are confident, hopeful, resilient and of high moral character."
Your perspective of leadership was very insightful, drawing from your personal experiences of being in leadership role.
ReplyDeleteYour comment regarding the broad definitions of leadership from Northhouse (2016) and everyone having a different view of leadership is very accurate as people have varying experiences, perspectives and upbringings. It is interesting, however, that influence seems to a consistent theme across different perspectives.
Your point that leadership goes beyond authority and involves leading by example and through your core values (Carlson, 2015) is an excellent view for leaders who wish to guide with accountability, collaboration and trust.
I really enjoyed reading your reflection, more so when you explored your understanding of leadership before entering a team leader position. The transition in understanding that transformed leadership from being viewed as a position of authority to a position that encourages connection, collaboration, and accountability embodies true experiential learning.
ReplyDeleteYour application of Gardner et al. (2011) definition of authentic leadership is right on target. I appreciate how you related your three values, accountability, perseverance, and collaboration, to your own personal practice as a leader. It shows a great deal of self-awareness, which Avolio and Gardner (2005) identified as central to authentic leadership, in which leaders’ behaviors are based upon internal values.
I could also relate your reflection to Goleman’s (1998) term ‘emotional intelligence’ because, to understand team members’ needs, you need to empathise because collaboration encompasses both a relationship aspect and an emotional component.