My Leadership Map

This Map represents the knowledge I have gained this semester and in other classes on what kind of leader I want to be and the distinct characteristics that have crafted my leadership style.

My History: These are the things that have brought me to where I am today.  They represent my values and morals.  I have chosen to take the things from the past, and use mistakes and shortcomings as opportunities for growth.

My Vision:  The goals I have set for myself as a leader.  I know I must stick to a path.  As I leave SDSU and become a Manager In Training, I know I must begin with the end in mind.  I must constantly ask myself what do I need to accomplish my vison.

Leadership Theories:  Of all the theories we have learned, I see myself as a Transformational leader.  I want to mentor my followers to become leaders themselves.  I want to create a shared vision and inspire. However, I must be aware of all theories we have discussed and explore new ones as well.

My skills and strengths: I know I have various strengths: I am optimistic, driven, and charismatic.  Even though I know these traits make a great leader, I must build on them and be aware of the skills and traits I may be deficient in and build them as well.

Barriers:  I am aware that there will be things that may slow my leadership development--my fears, concerns and working with different personality types.  I must be able to see my fears and concerns and conquer them.  I also know there will be times I will work with people I amy not be fond of, but I must not let hender my ability to achieve success.

Acquiring Constant Knowledge:  Yes, I will say it again... Knowledge is power.  Enough Said.

I will always be evolving as a leader.  This map will help create the leader I want to be!

Servant Leadership

What is service leadership?  Do I want to be a servant leader?

Before I did any research on Servant Leadership, I assumed that the leader acts as a ”servant” to his or her followers. Think about the definition of servant-“a person employed by another, especially to perform domestic duties.” (dictionary.com) Doesn’t sound like a leader to me. However, the concept is actually quite different

Developed by Robert Greenleaf in 1970, Servant Leadership has become quite a popular and successful tool for managers and leaders alike.  The Servant Leader does not think about numbers or the bottom line.  The Servant Leaders thinks of his or her employees and their needs first.  They do this by helping their followers in any way until they have reached their highest potential.  Greenleaf thought that people that are served have more potential.  He states, "The servant-leader is servant first… It begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first. Then conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. That person is sharply different from one who is leader first, perhaps because of the need to assuage an unusual power drive or to acquire material possessions…The leader-first and the servant-first are two extreme types. Between them there are shadings and blends that are part of the infinite variety of human nature."

Servant leaders have very high moral values and a put a great amount of passion into developing their employees.  They are also very involved in developing a community outside the workplace.  They are great listeners, are empathetic and non-judgmental.  They see themselves equals to their employees.  Think of a pyramid:  the CEO would be at the top of the pyramid, the next level down would be the executives and so on.  In Servant Leadership, there would be no such hierarchy. Everyone would be on the same level.    

Not everyone can be this type of leader.  I think that compassion for others and putting their needs above your own is an innate quality.  I also think that this kind of leadership probably works well with leaders that work in the public sector or human rights.  I am not criticizing it, but where would our economy, or America even be if some leaders did not think of the needs of their shareholders first?  However, we all know what that kind of greed can do.  But that is another subject altogether.

If you want my opinion, I think that many styles of leadership are needed for different jobs.  Sometimes we need a take-charge style of leader, and sometimes we need a leader that puts other’s needs above all else.  But one thing they all must have: INTEGRITY.