Module 1
Reflection Paper - Leadership
By Jason Fagerquist
Leadership is difficult to define. Leadership is a concept that probably carries many different reactions with many different kinds of people. However, we all feel we know good leadership when we see it, and we can often tell when good leadership is missing by the way a team or organization struggles without it. Ask yourself, Are you willing to do absolutely anything for the common good for your employer, your teammate, your family, your friend?
I feel that the following can identify effective leadership: Mission, Values, Planning and goal-setting, Delegating authority, Team building, Giving feedback, Coaching team members, Motivating people, Working for the team, and Resolving conflict.
Mission: A clear mission helps to focus the team so that they can ignore distractions and pay attention to what’s most important. I wanted to build a personal mission statement that not only showed an objective professionally, but at home also. “I will look for strengths in others, and the good in every situation. I will ensure that I do what I can to create a learning environment everywhere I go. I will live with the attitude of gratitude. I will repay every kindness shown to me. I will live, work, and play with renewed spirit.” If this does not help define leadership, it is definitely a great start.
Values: When a leader demonstrates values that sync with the company’s mission and the team’s goals, everyone can benefit. My ambition will help guide me to a sense of achievement. Balancing on a common ground of helping a striving business grow as well as being the best father and husband I can be. Having the confidence and believing that I did everything in my power to make a difference at work and at home, and consistently bringing it to the table. Will people follow in my footsteps? Will they look up to me? Will my children take the same course as