Personal Leadership Philosophy
My Personal Leadership Philosophy
My definition of leadership
My father once told me that, “everything we do— be it in academia, at work, social or family life—we are guided by principles, beliefs and values that collectively form our ideology of life.” I believe that every leader, to a certain extent, is shaped through her individual personal experience. Although in some cases, we may not realize to what extent our personal assumptions and beliefs shape our ability to lead or be led.
In my opinion the term leadership is a very broad and various definitions are given by authors. One definition of leadership is that it is “ the process of developing and communicating a vision for the future, motivating people and gaining their commitment and engagement”. (Armstrong & Stephens, 2004:5) Lumby& Coleman 2007:1 ( as cited in Lumby & Morrison,2010:6) define leadership as “the conduct of emotions, thought and actions which are designed to influence others in a chosen direction”.
I agree with the above authors on their working definition of leadership. Both definitions focus on an important element , people. One cannot lead without followers. My personal definition of leadership is that it is the power to influence individuals through communication, motivation and trust to perform tasks to achieve a specific goal.
I believe that there are certain core values that an effective leader should have, which I will discuss in detail. My personal leadership philosophy will also discuss the role of a leader in an organization, and the characteristics of an effective leader. As well as leadership theories.
Personal Leadership Philosophy
My understanding of the concept leadership, is that it involves, planning, organizing, directing and controlling. An effective leader achieves the above through communication and interpersonal relationships that take into account each individuals’ strengths and weaknesses.
Leadership is about custodianship and responsibility for
My definition of leadership
My father once told me that, “everything we do— be it in academia, at work, social or family life—we are guided by principles, beliefs and values that collectively form our ideology of life.” I believe that every leader, to a certain extent, is shaped through her individual personal experience. Although in some cases, we may not realize to what extent our personal assumptions and beliefs shape our ability to lead or be led.
In my opinion the term leadership is a very broad and various definitions are given by authors. One definition of leadership is that it is “ the process of developing and communicating a vision for the future, motivating people and gaining their commitment and engagement”. (Armstrong & Stephens, 2004:5) Lumby& Coleman 2007:1 ( as cited in Lumby & Morrison,2010:6) define leadership as “the conduct of emotions, thought and actions which are designed to influence others in a chosen direction”.
I agree with the above authors on their working definition of leadership. Both definitions focus on an important element , people. One cannot lead without followers. My personal definition of leadership is that it is the power to influence individuals through communication, motivation and trust to perform tasks to achieve a specific goal.
I believe that there are certain core values that an effective leader should have, which I will discuss in detail. My personal leadership philosophy will also discuss the role of a leader in an organization, and the characteristics of an effective leader. As well as leadership theories.
Personal Leadership Philosophy
My understanding of the concept leadership, is that it involves, planning, organizing, directing and controlling. An effective leader achieves the above through communication and interpersonal relationships that take into account each individuals’ strengths and weaknesses.
Leadership is about custodianship and responsibility for
References: Maddock,R.; Fulton, R.1998. Motivation, Emotions, and Leadership: The Silent Side of Management. USA: Greenwood publishing. Available on http://books.google.co.za/books?hl=en&lr=&id=E0iUa4wS5HUC&oi=fnd&pg=PR9&dq=media+management+and+leadership&ots=xJCF4G2rxe&sig=OSgomJtNOJwEfs5Pxl1Bk3vpCnA#v=onepage&q=media%20management%20and%20leadership&f=false [Accessed on 6 August 2012] Morrioson,M., Lumby, J., Maringe, F.,Bhopal, K. & Dyke, M. 2007. Diversity, Identity and Leadership. Centre for excellence in leadership. Available on www.lums.lancs.ac.uk/files/.10.pdf [Accessed on 6 August 2012] Knippenberg, D.& Hogg, M. 2003. Leadership &power : identity processes in groups and organizations. London: Sage publishers. Available on http://books.google.co.za/books?hl=en&lr=&id=3g93IW0IBOUC&oi=fnd&pg=PR8&dq=power+in+leadership&ots=Ad1EK-zY1i&sig=IJLd0_NRbAHWYSE64FA_xa4vDmo&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=power%20in%20leadership&f=false [Accessed on 6 August 2012] Warrick, D. 1981. Leadership styles and their consequences. Journal of experiential learning and simulation 3-4:155-172. Njini, K.2012.personal conversation. Bal, V.,Campbell, M.,Steed.J.& Meddings, K. 2011. Role of power in effective leadership. Centre for creative leadership. Available on www.ccl.org/leadership/research/roleOfpower.pdf [Accessed on 6 August 2012]