Learning More...

I found a few blogs and articles on leadership that I think are relevant to our class. Some use the key terms we have learned throughout our college careers, while others offer some great leadership tactics and advice.

This blog's mantra is to explain the different leadership styles, skills and development.  You will recognize a lot material in it from other classes.  A very simple and easy read: http://www.leadership-blog.co.uk/

This blog site is my favorite thus far.  Great advice for developing yourself as a leader--now and in the future.  It also recommends books and other articles on the subject: http://www.leadershipnow.com/leadingblog/

Click this link for thousands of articles on leadership that are narrowed down by subject.

PMAI

Everyone has a story.  The Pearson-Marr Archetype Indicator (PMAI) is an instrument created from years of research that help identify where you are in your personal journey and what "character(s)" you are playing in this stage in your life.  The archetypes that you score highest on represent gifts you have, social strengths and leadership qualities.  For more information on PMAI click here

The archetype that I scored the highest on was the Jester, which I think is pretty accurate.  In short, the Jester is one who enjoys life and work.  I also believe that the Jester lives in the now--he does not dwell on the past or stress about the future.  Most importantly, the Jester can make light of difficult situations and enjoys making people laugh.  In my life right now, when I am given a challenge or given bad news, I try to find the "silver lining".

Appropriately, my shadow behavior is the Destroyer, which almost sounds like the opposite of the Jester.  The Destroyer lets go and puts an end to bad situations.  

Using the PMAI has helped me to grasp a better understanding of who I am, and where I am in my story.  I also know that my personal story is spiral, and I may take on another archetype in the future depending on my situations.  I have learned about other archetypes, and have a better understanding of why people are the way they are.  This is crucial in being a strong leader--you have to understand people's behavior when assigning the appropriate tasks and methods of instruction.

Leadership Traits

"Managers are people who do things right, while leaders are people who do the right thing.” — Warren Bennis, Ph.D. On Becoming a Leader

Leaders do things many others are afraid to do

In my search to find the traits that I admire in a leader, I look to people throughout my life that I have found to be experts at being leaders, and have inspired me to mock these traits.  These innate qualities that have made me think, “Wow.  I want to be like that guy!"

Honesty -  never deceitful to get the job done.  They build trust by holding a high level of integrity and openness.  They are firm, yet kind.

Intelligence - They know knowledge is power.  They are knowledgeable on things because they always have a thirst to learn more.

Insightfulness - Have the ability to see themselves as others see them.  They strive for self-improvement.

Courage - They take challenges others may think are impossible.  They are not afraid to take risks or losing.

Passion - They love what they do in the organization, and inspire subordinates to do the same.

Long Range Vision - Set goals and have a clear vision of the future. 

Pros and Cons of Trait-Based Leadership

Were these men born with the traits to make a leader?

Pros:  

Since trait-based leadership argues leaders cannot be created and instead are born, we can easily distinguish the difference between leaders and followers.  If a person does not possess the common traits of a leader, i.e. charisma, intelligent, etc. then they can seek jobs in organizations that do not require them to be leaders.  On the other hand, if a person does possess the traits of a leader, they can easily accomplish the attainment of management positions in their firm. 

Cons: 

Many leaders throughout time have proved that they were born with the capacity to become a leader.  However, even though they possessed the key traits to climb the corporate ladder, they may not have the trait of honesty and integrity, and the officers of Enron are a great example.  Also, it can be quite discouraging to someone that does not encompass the criteria that makes a leader.  Also, it has not been proven that someone cannot develop or improve the traits they were born with. 

Leadership and me

Leaders Carry the Torch

Dictionary.com defines a leader as "a guiding or directing head."  However, when I think about a leader, the definition is not quite that simple.  It is a multi-faceted and complex theory.  A trip to the bookstore will reveal that there are many different ideas of leadership—hundreds (perhaps thousands) of books have been written on the subject.  For an example on how complex it really is, just take a look at what Wikipedia offers on the subject.

The ideas of leadership have changed over time, as have mine. I used to once think that leadership was something you were born with.  In high school, my understanding of a leader was someone who got nominated for prom king or queen.  However, through my studies in college, I have learned that you can also learn to be a leader.  And through my work experience, it has become evident that there are some bad leaders out there.

The reason these “leaders” are not good at leading is because they never look inside themselves to discover the weaknesses in their management style.  Even though we may not always like to admit it, we all have faults, and when we recognize them, they can become opportunities for improvement.  A great leader knows that leadership requires constant development; personally and professionally.

A good leader can work with many personalities and is respected by all.  They inspire people around them to do the best they can to accomplish their shared vision.  Great leaders do not falter in a crisis—they shine—creating viable solutions to problems. 

Although leaders may not necessarily be born, not everyone will be a leader.  If you want to be a leader, or at least a good one, you must be motivated to be the best you can be.  Some people are ok with their roles as subordinates in firms, and that is what makes companies run.  But the leader is the one that coaches and mentors these individuals to be successful.              

Hello and Welcome!

My name is Heather Milley, and welcome to my blog aboutLeadership.  Although the term "leadership" seems pretty straight-forward, it is actually quite complex, and takes on different meanings to each individual. As you navigate through this website, you will grasp a comprehensive understanding of what makes a great leader to me.

Take the journey with me as I discover what kind of leader I want to be.

Enjoy!