Belle Wheelan Leadership Style Analysis

Often times there is a distinct quality or characteristic of leadership or management, although it would seem at times the two can be virtually intertwined. Successful people cannot be categorized into simply just one role- for effective, and successful leadership both skills are needed. At times the role of a leader can be the task at hand or the role of a manager can be the ability to inspire people. Managers are not limited to management and leaders are not confined to leadership, there are characteristics and qualities of each role. After reviewing articles of leadership qualities and through inner self awareness, the ability to identify three characteristics of leadership, and how to further develop those characteristics while in the program have become clear.
In reviewing the article Lessons in Leadership:10 Qualities of a Strong Community Leader by Belle Wheelan (2012) the main point of the article is to help the reader understand the fundamentals of leaderships. Belle’s (2012) provides ten characteristics she has found to help lead to success as a leader in her community. Belle (2012) further states that leadership is about being the person assigned the duties of helping to ensure an organization moves forward. Belle (2012) also notes that leadership is not only about motivating others, she notes it is at times
being the person to carry the burden of the charge.
One characteristic Belle (2012) discusses is ambiguity. Ambiguity is important because as a leader, the ability to be open enough to hear more than one interpretation can be necessary at times. The ability to hear the things that are both being spoken and not being spoken, as a leader; can help to provide positive solutions and outcomes. Belle (2012) asserts the need to be able to understand information in a limited context as crucial.
I would like to learn to master the skill of ambiguity as I go through the Master of Management and Organizational Leadership (MMOL) program by further developing my critical thinking skills. For me, it will help to learn to not just solve the problem in front of me but to develop the awareness of seeing the other situations that could arise from the circumstances in front of me. I can work to develop this skill by attempting to ask more question, listen more carefully, and to re-evaluate the information in for further questions.
Another skill Belle (2012) claims as an important attribute to have, although is sometimes difficult to learn; is patience. Belle (2012) argues as a leader being driven and fast paced is a common trait, although that can hamper your ability to allow others the ability to grow. Belle (2012) further identifies part of being an effective leader is creating opportunities for others to grow in their roles, and allowing for the time that may take to accomplish this. Belle (2012) further asserts, there is pleasure in being apart in others growth and development. She further claims the theory of focusing on others development rather than becoming impatient creates organizational growth (Belle, 2012).
Through the MMOL program I hope to learn the ability to practice patience within my learning teams. I currently can identify my weaknesses at work within this area, and can see the value in developing this skill. I will attempt to slow my impatience by stopping and asking others if there is anything I can do to help while allowing them the process of mastering the task at hand as well. I also can identify how when I am stressed I appear or become impatient. I can see how such a characteristic as a leader, can be harmful to a team. I am hoping to gain the ability to manage my outward appearance of stress in more professional manner.
The third characteristic Belle (2012) suggested was influence. Leaders have the ability to influence others through authority, it is best to achieve this through motivation. Belle (2012) asserts through compiling facts and information it is easier to secure unions within teams to reach a common goal. Belle (2012) claims, that offering support also has the ability to influence others in a manner that cultivates feeling of success.
I would like to develop this skill in the MMOL program by learning to be more of a servant leader at times. I have seen in my current employment the advantage of supporting others and the impact support has on a team. While in the program I hope to further develop the ability to cultivate growth in my team members by supportive to them and helping to influence their capacity as a student in the leadership program.
In closing it is easy to see how the distinct qualities and characteristics of leadership or management, are at times intertwined with one another.
Both leaders and managers simply cannot be restricted to one role, if they are to be of maximum service and success. After reviewing several articles of leadership qualities and through inner self reflection, the ability to identify three characteristics of leadership, and how to further develop those characteristics while in the program have become apparent. The goal while in the MMOL program is for me to identify leadership, the style of leader I strive to be, and work to developing those
skills.