Saturday, January 23, 2010

A Life-Long Student of Leadership

Greetings, dear ones,
As you all know, I am graduating from college this year (hallelujah!!!) This quarter, I am enrolled in one of the most difficult/interesting courses I have ever taken: Strategic Leadership.
Lord willing, I will be managing people in a professional setting in just a short year (if not before). I so badly want to be an effective and successful leader, but have a limited idea of what being a manager would look like for me personally.
So, here are few questions for you, blog readers, that I have been thinking about as I grapple with this complex topic of leadership (please share your answers!)....

What is it about certain leaders that is so intoxicating to us?

How should my my behavior change when leading Christians vs. non-Christians?

How do I want my followers to view me as a leader?

What will my leadership style be? Will I have just one?

I sign off this blog as a life-long student of leadership.



3 comments:

Unknown said...

Should your behavior change when leading Christians vs. non-Christians?

E.A.B said...

-Most great leaders in history were skilled orators. They embodied the values of their country, organization, movement, group, etc… that they lead. They seem to be un-phased by daunting challenges and rise to meet those challenges. We are drawn to them for their strength of character and resolve. They actively engage problems in order to solve them instead of just managing them. They seem to work for the good of the whole instead of just for themselves.
-I do not think your behavior needs to change when dealing with Christians vs. non-Christians, but I think your faith should affect how you lead and how you treat your followers as opposed to a non-Christian leader.
-I think you want to be respected by your followers. Being well liked is great, but demanding their respect is what will make you more affective as a leader.
-Leadership style: ruthless dictator……hahaha jk

The Westmoor Club said...

I love ebeaton's answer. At the end of the day I won't be so eloquent but for a short answer.....
What is it about certain leaders that is so intoxicating to us?
Their passion and ability to inspire and lead in a strong and direct compassionate manner. The best do this while remaining calm cool and collected with a smile on their face that makes you always feel good, even when you are in the doghouse, lol.

How should my my behavior change when leading Christians vs. non-Christians?
Shouldn't it's part of managing - which is all about relationships and treating people the the "right" way which is common across all religions.

How do I want my followers to view me as a leader?
Strong, and confident with a sense of trust and honesty, fair yet someone who who will be truthful and supportive and one who always strives for continuous improvement.

What will my leadership style be?
I sens that your leadership style will be absolutely terrific!

Will I have just one? Yes and it's known as contingency management - ie your style is what the situation calls for but it's based on the principles above - fair, supportive, diplomatic etc.

Welcome to ACK, we are glad you are here!