Leadership
Learn to Lead
All individuals have a story of their own but what leads to success in leadership? The answer may vary but wisdom, intelligence, and creativity are leadership qualities that makes a successful leader. A successful leader synthesizes the WIC approach through compelling stories (Sternberg, 2008). Stories are social constructions of individual experiences with beginning, middle, and end (Sternberg, 2008). People view leaders through their stories; all stories covey a message that has a plot, theme, and characteristics. Find out yours, explore through this website to learn more on leadership. Enjoy!
5. Demonstrate an understanding of applying personal leadership styles into professional practice.
Importance of Non-Verbal Communication
Difference between BOSS and LEADER
Leadership and Relationships
Strong leaders continuously learn
Be observant: look people in the eyes while you converse with them. Make note of not only the words expressed in the conversation but the impact of these words. Is the listener making eye contact while you are speaking (this indicates acceptance and understanding). The opposite of this is if they are looking elsewhere for example; to the side or down while you speak. Also, keep track of where they position themselves; are they too far away from you? These signs could indicate disagreement or that your counterpart is reacting emotionally to what you are saying.
(Stark, 2013)
Ask questions: When unsure about what emotion you are reading, ask questions like, “Is this something you can support?” “Do you have concerns about moving forward in this direction?” Or, “What part of this approach concerns you the most?” will give you greater understanding as to what emotion or challenge your teammates may be experiencing.
(Stark, 2013)
Listen: After asking questions, focus on listening and engaging the speaker in further dialogue. The more questions you ask, the better your understanding will be of nonverbal communication
(Stark, 2013)
Recognize the importance of implicit needs: What needs to be done? When the project must be completed? Who is responsible? etc. Explicit needs are straightforward. It’s the implicit needs in any working relationship that are more complicated, but will give you a better understanding of the nonverbal signals being expressed. Being able to accurately interpret the implicit need, will give you a much greater ability to decode the nonverbal communication that is being expressed.
(Stark, 2013)
Confirm understanding: Being observant; asking questions; listening to the responses; and trying to understand needs to be present when communication. These steps will not only help you achieve positive outcomes, but strengthen workplace relationships. ”
(Stark, 2013)
Leaders intent on staying current with the latest technologies and organizational trends whereas in the past; it was good enough to attend an occasional seminar or get specialized training. Today, leaders recognize that learning must be continuous and not relegated strictly to formal training programs. Self-directed learners identify their best learning style and work accordingly. For some, it may mean reading books, listening to tapes, or taking classes. Continuously expanding knowledge.
Great leaders have a fascination with people and display openness to learning from anyone they encounter, whether the person is someone who shines shoes or heads up a company. Having no preconceived ideas about where knowledge will come from enables these leaders to be receptive to new ideas and solutions, regardless of their source.
Leaders committed to being lifelong learners know the value of being a great listener. These leaders listen more than they speak. They listen with an open mind and do not prejudge what the speaker is saying. They question the speaker to get further information and for clarification on the subject matter. Finally, they demonstrate a genuine interest in what the speaker has to offer and thank him or her for sharing knowledge and expertise.
Leaders who are committed to continuous learning are great role models for those around them. Typically, these leaders display a fascination with learning and are enthusiastic about finding better ways of doing things. These leaders challenge the status quo and encourage others to stay current with changes. They tend to have an energizing impact on the work environment, resulting in employees becoming excited about learning more themselves.
Leaders committed to lifelong learning are good teachers. They clearly convey to those who work with them that continued learning is a requirement for continued success, both personally and organizationally. Further, they demonstrate, in a variety of ways, their belief that employees have what it takes to learn new technologies and ways of doing things. Finally, they have the patience to teach, or coach, employees as they learn new subject matter.
Finally, we have noted that when leaders display excitement about learning and a commitment to being a continuous learner, they may experience greater job security. Leaders who embrace change, learn, and adapt accordingly will always be in high demand.
“Take charge of your learning! View learning as an opportunity to expand your horizons and enhance your contributions to both your employees and your company. Your attitude about learning will, to a great extent, determine not only your responses, but to a large part, your employees’ openness to change and learning. Display a genuine excitement about learning and not only will you feel more enthusiastic, but your employees will be more energized and positive in response to the ever increasing demands placed on them right now. A leader who can accomplish that feat will see the positive effects on the business and their employees”
(Stark, 2013)
Now, its time for a TEST
Please click on the icon posted above or below as "Assessment Info". Good Luck!
Good leaders change organizations; great leaders change people. People are at the heart of any organization, particularly a school, and it is only through changing people—nurturing and challenging them, helping them grow and develop, creating a culture in which they all learn—that an organization can flourish. Leadership is about relationships.
Leaders increase a group's productivity by helping everyone in the group become more effective. Whatever the task or goal, a great leader helps everyone improve. A leader begins by setting the vision but doesn't stop there. A leader listens, understands, motivates, reinforces, and makes the tough decisions. A leader passes out praise when things go well and takes responsibility and picks up the pieces when things fall apart. Leadership is about relationships.Leaders don't lead by issuing mandates.
(Hoerr, 2005)
Leaders communicate well and often, and they listen to others. Listening doesn't mean abdicating responsibility or failing to play a leadership role. Listening means incorporating others' ideas and talents and energies into forging a vision. Sometimes leadership is obvious, but that is not always so. As Dwight D. Eisenhower observed, “Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” Good leaders bring out the best in others. Leadership is about relationships.
Academicians often distinguish between leadership and management. Leadership, they say, is creating the vision, dealing with those outside the organization, and inspiring others. Management is executing the vision, dealing with employees, and maintaining standards. Perhaps some leaders don't manage, but that is not my experience. The strong leaders I've known were strong because they could lead and manage. Yes, leaders do create the vision, deal with external parties, and inspire. But leaders also execute the strategies that make the vision a reality, deal with the employees, and follow through to ensure that the right things are done in the right way. Leadership is about relationships.
(Hoerr, 2005)