Process Theory Blog

Week 6: Process Theory

            The relational leadership model according to the reading has five components; two of them are inclusive and ethical. Some of the things the inclusive component refers to is to know yourself and other, being open to differences, and listening. It’s important to know yourself and others because it helps you better understand a situation and how to assess it. By open to differences you can achieve your goals better by being more open minded to new ideas. Having the skill to listen to problems will help you lead better in different situations. For example, if you are trying to work with a large group of people on project you have to be able to understand these people, be open to new suggestions, and listen to them if you want to accomplish your goal. I have had to learn to understand my students at work, be open to trying new techniques with them, and listen to them in order to perform well at my job. If I do not keep an open mind to their different attitudes towards school I won’t be able to help them if I just assume they are all alike. To be ethical is to understand the values of others, be able to confront behavior, and be trusting. Being ethical comes with taking into consideration different belief systems, being moral, confronting different types of reactions, and trusting others. For example, if you are working as a teacher you need to be able to understand the different values of your students when teaching certain subjects. As well as being able to confront bad behavior when necessary and trust your students sometimes. In my experience I have found that if I need to take into consideration the values of each of my students when I am introducing political views because each student comes from a different background with a different set of values and beliefs. I also have to be able to confront bad behavior a lot and be able to act appropriately. Sometimes I also need to just trust my students to do the right thing and trust my instincts as well. In class we discussed the social change model which is inclusive and sees leadership as a process rather than just a position. This model is focused a lot more on empowering others and being to understand them better to empower them. I am very inclusive at work and try very hard to get to know and understand my students before taking action. This model sees leadership as the process that leads to change occurring through inclusive components of leadership being utilized. Instead of leadership being a role for one person to take on, leadership is a process that helps others achieve greatness and bring about change. An example of this can be seen in charitable organizations that work together. When I take on responsibility as a leader in study groups I try to help others achieve a common goal by working together.

Week Four

Behavioral and Situational Theories Blog

           

The behavioral theory composes of two important tenets: leadership can be learned, and predisposed traits do not make a leader, but rather leadership traits are learned. Basically a leader is not born, but rather a leader is made. We learn through trial and error how to be a leader. It’s hard pin point exactly what traits make a leader because not every leader is the same An example of this theory can be seen from situations where people are thrown into roles of leadership sometimes and they must learn over time and their mistakes how to be a good leader. The situational theory says that different situations demand different types of leadership and that a effective conforms to such situations. There are two types of situations that this theory applies to directing and coaching. When you are directing you have to tell others what to do and how to do things. You have to make important decisions and solve problems. This pertains more to the business world where the manager or person in charge must direct their team or members on how they want things done. The manager or person in charge must be able to solve problems and make vital decisions. When you are coaching there is two way communication with both you and your members discussing the situation, but ultimately you make the final decision. A coach does lead their team or members, but both parties has input in decisions pertaining to the team or group. A sports coach does have to tell their team what to do, but the team gets discuss alternative options with the coach.

The reading talks about a three-skill approach: technical, human, and conceptual. Technical skill is about having knowledge and proficiency about a certain work or activity. Technical skill applies to working in places such computer software companies where you must know how to program software and to use it. If you are a leader of such a company you must know the basics to teach people how to do their job and solve problems. Human skill requires the knowledge and ability to work with other people. Basically it’s a people skill that helps you work well with your peers and superiors and get your work done. Having good human skills as a leader helps you get people to work effectively and together. Conceptual skill is the ability to work with an idea. A leader must be able to understand the basic concept of a problem and formulate an idea to solve that problem. A manager must understand what the company wants and be able to work with that goal.

I have been in situations where I have had to learn to become a better leader at work. I started off not knowing my students and as time went on I figured ways to be a better tutor. I also have had to know the material (technical skill) that I am tutoring in to do my job.

Week Three

Week Three: Great Man and Trait Theories

          The Great Man Theory is a very broad and basic conception that puts the characteristics of a leader under a stereotype. According to this theory a great leader is born from a wealthy, royal family. A leader is a heroic, political figure that emerges in the time of great need. This kind of leader only really exists in fairy tales, because in real life great leaders come from a variety of backgrounds. While fairy tales and stories from our childhood greatly influence what we believe a true hero or leader must be, in reality a leader is not born. The type of leader the Great Man Theory refers to is a hero such King Arthur and Hercules. While King Arthur did exist, he was not born into his position of power. Alexander the Great may have been born into his leadership role because of his father’s legacy, but he had tutors and teachers to show him the way. One part of this theory I can relate to is that sometimes in times of need a leader does have to arise. In my case I have had to take on a role of authority when working in groups or situations where there is no order. I cannot say I was a great leader, but I took charge of the situation because a leader was needed and usually the work got done in a timely manner.

          The trait theory states that are certain desired traits a great leader should possess, while it has been greatly disputed whether or not these traits make someone a good leader. One thing that really stood out from the research is that leaders in one situation may not necessarily leaders in another situation. For example, the character traits Rosa Parks possessed may not have been enough to help her win over Nazi Germany the way Adolf Hitler was able to. The same with the latter, Hitler’s traits would not have sufficient or appropriate to lead a civil rights movement. I can see this as true in my life because the way I take charge with my students at work may not be the right way in going about with people my own age. Especially if my peers are older than me and do not need the same voice of authority to get their work done as my students do. One more thing I noticed was that the five major leadership traits actually are important in being an effective leader. A leader should have the same IQ as their followers so they can understand them. A leader needs to be confident in their decisions if they want them backed up by the people. A leader should be determined and keep fighting to get things done. A leader should have integrity and a set of principles if they want to be respected by their followers. Lastly a leader should be sociable and able to communicate with the people. If my students didn’t respect me and couldn’t feel comfortable with me, they would not listen to me.