1. Learn: Read the content below and complete the reflection and critical thinking questions.

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1 Leadership Steps in this module: 1. Learn: Read the content below and complete the reflection and critical thinking questions. Step 1 - Learn Introduction Whether in classes or in the professional world leadership skills are greatly valued. The ability to work well with and empower others, develop, and effectively execute plans and ideas are vital to professional development. This section will guide you through defining what your leadership style is and allowing you to develop stronger leadership skills. Quote: Nelson Mandela What your Leadership Style? Lewin s Leadership Styles In 1939, leaderships were first defined by a group of researchers lead by psychologist Kurt Lewin. This team observed and studied how youth leadership effected activity groups. From their observations they determined three styles of leadership that are the most common and the easiest to identify.

2 Authoritarian Leadership Style - A leadership style in which the leader dictates policies and procedures, decides what goals are to be achieved, and directs and controls all activates without any meaningful participation by the subordinates. Lewin s team found that this was the most unsatisfactory leadership style with the youth groups. Democratic Leadership Style - A leadership style in which one person takes control and does some delegating of tasks, but is open to group input, often allowing the group to make decisions and collectively assign tasks. This type of leader guides rather than directs. This style was the most popular leadership style amongst the groups and received a very positive response. Delegative approach - The person in charge steps back and did nothing. The researchers found that these groups may work situationally when involving a group of highly qualified experts. Otherwise the delegative groups was seen to lead to poorly defined roles and lack of motivation. Critical Thinking Question Although one style was favored above the others, can you explain different situations in which all of these styles? What type of leaders are you? What type of leader do you want to be? Situational Leadership Styles Situational theories of leadership emphasize the significant influence of the environment and the current situation on leadership actions and methods used. In other words, based on what is going on in the group, you should choose the most appropriate leadership style to help move them forward. Hershey and Blanchard's Leadership Styles Hershey and Blanchard's model is one of the best-known situational theories. First published in 1969, this model describes four primary styles of leadership. 1. Directing style is characterized by giving orders and expecting obedience, but this method offers little in the way of guidance and assistance group wise. 2. The selling style involves leaders convincing followers to buy into their ideas and messages.

3 3. Coaching Style involves giving LOTS of orders, but leaders will also offer a good amount of supportive behavior. 4. The participating style is characterized by the leader encouraging the group members to take a more active role in the decision-making process. 5. The Delegating style involves taking a hands-off approach to leadership and giving group members free range to make the majority of decisions. Development Stages As explained in a previous section there are quite a few different types of leadership styles and approaches. Now it s your turn to not only identify your leadership style, but, clarify your values, and solidify what you think it takes to be an effective leader. Defining a leader o Leadership means bringing out the best in others around them o Leadership focuses on giving a serving o Leadership requires ambition o Leadership requires a positive attitude o Leadership requires being able to relate and reach others What do you think a good leader is? What makes someone a bad leader? Who are leaders that you personally look up to? What qualities or values do they have that make them good leaders? What values do you have and how do they play a role in how you lead?

4 How will you use leadership skills and experience in the workplace. Give examples? Give an example of a leader you admire. Explain why and what qualities they possess that you hope to obtain as a leader. Set the example be the example As a leader you will be placed in positions where you must be the example of professionalism and etiquette. As an example, you must remember to hold yourself to the same standards that you expect out of others you work with. Remember no one is perfect! o In your own words define standards or credibility What is setting an example? In what ways could you as a leader, set the example? Tip from the Pros If you don t know what is expected of you don t be afraid to ask a superior. What do you need from me What needs to be done What should the end result be? Can I do something differently Never assume that what you perceive to be the status quo is what is expected. Go the extra mile! o Do you hold yourself to the same standards that you expect from others? If so what are those standards? If not how does that hurt your credibility and change how others view you as a leader? How can you change?

5 o When reviewing your values from the previous section, would people know what they are by how you interact with them or would they be shocked? Explain your answer.

6 Leadership Cases Studies Read through the following scenarios and look at the possible solutions. After a solution is chosen explain why you chose your response. The Slacker It is the week before a major presentation and your group is pulling together final information and materials. Over the past few weeks you have noticed that one team member has not been doing their share of the work, which is starting to cause some grumbling within the group. With the presentation coming up soon you really need everyone to contribute. As a leader how to you handle the team member that is slacking off? Do you A. Call them out during a group meeting. B. Pull them to the side and express your concerns. C. Hold an intervention for the team member to assess why they might not be trying as hard. D. Ask your professor if you could just drop them from the project. Squad Goals Your supervisors has placed you in charge of a client project at your job and has told you to pick 4 members of the staff as your support team. This is not only a great honor, but a wonderful opportunity to show that you know how to organize, implement major tasks, and grow as a leader. While considering your team members two co-workers that have become your close friends overhear that you are putting together a team and want to be a part of the project. Although they are your friends you know from past experience that don t work well in groups and have a tendency to get off topic and lack focus in some areas. There are a few other candidates that have similar skills and may do better in a team setting that are also available to you. This leadership position could be the start of a great career move and a source of more opportunities. Do you A. Choose your friends and make sure that the other two people chosen are highly skilled to help compensate for their lack of focus. B. Choose the friends but sit both friends down and explain what is expected of them and the importance of the project. Use this as a teachable moment for them.

7 C. Don t choose your friends. This is a big opportunity for you and you need to prove you can perform this task in the most professional way possible. D. Don t choose your friends and don t involve anyone else. If you do this project alone you will impress your superiors. E. Other/Alternative thought