Learning what it takes to be a leader has been an interesting, self-discovery and most of all an enlightening journey. Throughout the course, a number of personal lessons have been learned. Some of the themes include what leadership is, recognizing my leadership traits and strengths, and leadership style and philosophy. I have learned that leadership is a trait because each person presents specific qualities that determine the way a person leads (Northouse, 2018).
In have also learned that leadership is a behavior, an ability, skill, relationship, and an influence process. Traits such as achievement, influence, integrity, and confidence among others are important traits in leadership (Northouse, 2018). Learning about the traits has helped me evaluate my leadership traits to establish how they would influence my leadership. In addition, an individual’s perception of people, job, and human nature creates an individual’s philosophy of leadership (Northouse, 2018). This theme has given me an understanding of how these influence my performance in leadership.
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I identify with McGregor’s Theory Y of leadership. Theory Y leaders see people as able and interested in work and do not attempt to control employees (Northouse, 2018). I believe work is natural and that people are responsible and self-controlled towards the goals they are committed to. Theory Y leaders believe that the average individual has an innate resourcefulness and if given an opportunity will assume responsibility (Northouse, 2018). Towards developing my leadership, I intend to learn and develop leadership skills so that I become a competent leader in the future.
However, I still have two questions related to becoming a leader and I will need to research extensively in order to find answers. If leadership is a trait, does it mean that all effective leaders inherit leadership? Does hierarchy play any positive role in leadership? Learning about leadership has been a great, fascinating and educative journey. I would advise an incoming OLCU 325 student to come with an open mind ready to explore leadership from different dimensions and evaluate oneself in the context of leadership.
Reference
Northouse, P. G. (2018). Introduction to leadership: concepts and practice . Los Angeles: SAGE.
