Leadership Essay
Running head: LEADERSHIP ESSAY
Leadership Essay
Sharon Golston
Grand Canyon University
Theories of Leadership
CHL-520
P Clifford Eason
December 12, 2011
Leadership Essay
Thousands of definitions have been written to identify characteristics that effective leaders should possess; however it is impossible for leaders to be effective if they are unable to understand that true leaders are called by Christ, are servants to Christ, and must seek the vision of Christ. Through Christ, leaders recognize and address the needs of their followers by elevating and empowering them, and will inevitably fail if they allow themselves to simply rule and not consider the moral and ethical implication of their work (Burns, 2003). This essay will examine (a) what defines a good leader, (b) what constitutes an ideal leader, (c) pitfalls of leadership that should be avoided by good leaders, (d)problems leaders are encountering with managing diverse work forces and ever-changing technology, (e) five dysfunctional leadership styles as explained in the book titled Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership. What defines a good leader?
Good leaders are possessed with the desire and will power to become an effective leader. Good leaders make a practice of self-development and improving leadership skills through continual study, training, education, and experience. Good leaders have a vision of the future and where they are prepared to lead their organizations to maximize opportunities. Good leaders are both motivated and motivators. These leaders are able to challenge themselves and accomplish new tasks while promoting trust by using communication that is open, readily admitting that they are sometimes challenged by new tasks, and asking and receiving assistance when needed. Good leaders practice integrity in all that they do in their personal and professional lives. Good leaders identify the need for change and work to facilitate change that is ongoing,
Leadership Essay
Sharon Golston
Grand Canyon University
Theories of Leadership
CHL-520
P Clifford Eason
December 12, 2011
Leadership Essay
Thousands of definitions have been written to identify characteristics that effective leaders should possess; however it is impossible for leaders to be effective if they are unable to understand that true leaders are called by Christ, are servants to Christ, and must seek the vision of Christ. Through Christ, leaders recognize and address the needs of their followers by elevating and empowering them, and will inevitably fail if they allow themselves to simply rule and not consider the moral and ethical implication of their work (Burns, 2003). This essay will examine (a) what defines a good leader, (b) what constitutes an ideal leader, (c) pitfalls of leadership that should be avoided by good leaders, (d)problems leaders are encountering with managing diverse work forces and ever-changing technology, (e) five dysfunctional leadership styles as explained in the book titled Overcoming the Dark Side of Leadership. What defines a good leader?
Good leaders are possessed with the desire and will power to become an effective leader. Good leaders make a practice of self-development and improving leadership skills through continual study, training, education, and experience. Good leaders have a vision of the future and where they are prepared to lead their organizations to maximize opportunities. Good leaders are both motivated and motivators. These leaders are able to challenge themselves and accomplish new tasks while promoting trust by using communication that is open, readily admitting that they are sometimes challenged by new tasks, and asking and receiving assistance when needed. Good leaders practice integrity in all that they do in their personal and professional lives. Good leaders identify the need for change and work to facilitate change that is ongoing,
References: 7 Ways to facilitate change within your organization. (2005). Bizmanualz. Retrieved from http://www.bizmanualz.com/information/2005/03/11/7-ways-to-facilitate-change-within-your-organization.html Blackaby, H., & Blackaby, R. (2001). Spiritual leadership: moving people on to god’s agenda. Nashville, Tennessee: Broadman & Holman. Burns, J. M. (2003). Transforming Leadership. New York, NY 10003: Grove Press. De Swardt, G. (2006). What makes good leaders go bad? Shills Portal, 35(150), Maccoby, M. (2000). Narcissistic leaders: the incredible pros, the inevitable cons. Harvard Business Review McIntosh, G., & Rima, S. (2007). Overcoming the dark side of leadership: how to become an effective leader by confronting potential failures (2 ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books.