Raghavendhra Rao
Jack Welch Management Institute
Dr. Paul Katsampes
Course Number: JWI 510: Leading in the 21st Century
Date: October 26, 2014
Abstract
LEADERSHIP is the buzz word in today’s world. Everyone aspires to be a leader. However there is no magic formula to become a leader or a blood test to know if we have become a leader. It is an evolutionary process. This paper tells the story of some of the defining moments that shaped my ongoing leadership journey. The list of attributes for a leader is endless. Most importantly, moral and ethical integrity should be at the core of every leader. Influencing and Collaboration are my primary strengths. In my decades of experience, these qualities have …show more content…
Leadership development is the single biggest challenge and the biggest opportunity facing organizations today. My aspirations are to professionally build my effectiveness as a leader to be seen as someone others want to work for. There are many different ways to become a leader. Having a good role model shapes our vision of great leadership. Jack’s principles and eight essential rules provide a framework and professional guidelines to help aspiring leaders grow leadership skills. The following sections explore my strengths and areas of development helping me develop a realistic evaluation of my strengths and limitations resulting in an informed understanding of my unique leadership style.
My Leadership Strengths At the beginning of my career, I had assumed leadership was only reserved for supervisory roles in top management. I soon recognized the importance of good leadership at every level of the organization including individual contributors. Fresh out of college, my first big moment arrived within a few months of starting my first job in India. I was entrusted with the responsibility of managing an offshore project and came to America. This was an icebreaker and set the ball rolling on my leadership …show more content…
Jack offers proven methodologies to become a leader. Leadership is an evolution and not a revolution. Having the right emotional intelligence and balance gives an effective leader discretion and wisdom to apply the best logic according to the situation. These qualities set great leaders apart from the rest. My personal connection to developing leadership extends beyond my professional experience, to volunteering at community events and conducting free meditation programs. I meet with various local community leaders and get a unique perspective of the challenges facing today’s world. Volunteering provides me with a platform to organize public programs and gives me a unique opportunity to transform people and connect with the community, realizing my passion of making the world a better place. In my opinion practice is more important than the precept. Leaders need to walk the talk. In closing I feel a good balance between physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well being kindles the art of perfection and drive to great leadership. Leaders focus on a holistic view of the whole ecosystem including people who form the heart and soul of an organization. These leaders create a spirit of harmony and steer the ship forward for the benevolence of the collective teams. Becoming an effective leader no longer needs to remain a dream. With a better understanding of one’s own leadership style,