Philosophy A person’s philosophy is important because it demonstrates who they are. My definition of leadership is a person that “influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal” (Northouse, 2013, p. 5). Leadership is about influencing others both directly and indirectly. I believe that a leader demonstrates respect to others regardless of who the person is. Also, they have strong ethical values and commit to serving others.
My definition has been influenced by the inspirational leaders in my life. When we follow inspirational leaders they take us to a place we have never imagined. In the field of early childhood education, it is imperative that leaders help inspire others. Northouse (2013) stated, “research found that high-quality exchanges between leaders and followers produced multiple positive outcomes” (p.182). As an early childhood education lead teacher, this is important because it means there is a greater commitment. Also, as leader I understand that I need to apply theories that will help me effectively lead others. …show more content…
Next, I will discuss the three leadership theories that have most influenced my thinking on leadership and leaders. The first theory is the LMX theory which “addresses leadership as a process centered on the interactions between leaders and followers” (Northouse, 2013, p. 182). The LMX theory makes the leader-member relationship the pivotal concept in the leadership process. This type of “interaction result in followers feeling better, and helping the organization prospers” (Northouse, 2013, p. 182). The second theory is style approach. Blake and Mouton’s leadership grid helped me to comprehend that a leader plays a critical role in an organization. For instance, the two important factors those are considered are concern for production and concern for people which are apparent by a team manager (Northouse, 2013, p. 78). Additionally, the third theory I plan to apply is situational leadership. I believe it will be beneficial in resolving the current challenge I am facing as a leader. Applying this theory will also help me to base my conduct on the demands of a particular situation. I learned that Situational leadership classifies leadership into four styles. According to Northouse (2013) effective leadership occurs when the “leader can accurately diagnose the development level of subordinates in a task situation and then exhibit the prescribed leadership style that matches that situation” (p.119). This class has helped me to have a deeper understanding about the difference between a manager and a leader. A leader sets direction, sets goals, and find ways to achieve those goals. A manager sets the current and existing state of affair. I will now compare and contrast leadership and management (Northouse, 2013, p.12): The value of a manager is that they plan, budget, organize, and solve problem. …show more content…
The value of a leader is that they establish direction, motivate and inspire other. Also, they satisfy unmet needs of their followers and help them grow professionally. Now, that I am knowledgeable about both approaches from the knowledge I have acquired from this course. I plan to be a leader instead of a manger since I aspire to motivate others. I comprehend that I have a choice as an administrator to be a leader or manager. As I decide the type of leader I want to be I have learned to listen to our song. We need to be able to follow our song that is within us. As Bolman & Deal (2011) stated, “we need to hear from our heart instead of our head” (p.56). As a lead teacher, I need to be able to look inside because that is what will “carry us through both exhilaration and heartache” (Bolman & Deal, 2011, p. 62). Moreover, a leader demonstrates great qualities and characteristics that them an effective leader. For instance, as a leader, we need to be a role model, implement these beliefs, and have strong ethical values. The NAEYC (n.d) Program Administrator Definition and Competencies stated that one of the core competencies is personal and professional self -awareness. As an effective leader one needs to be able to manage “their thoughts and emotions at their workplace and focus on continuing professional development” (Bell, 2016, p.1). We need to have “knowledge of one’s own beliefs, values, and philosophical stance” (NAEYC, 2016). This will help us be inspirational leaders. Also, it will assist us to effectively meet the needs of the families we serve. According to NAEYC (2006), as leaders, we are called upon to share our “professional knowledge, communicate respect for the skills, knowledge, and share our expertise as we teach our staff” (p.
My definition has been influenced by the inspirational leaders in my life. When we follow inspirational leaders they take us to a place we have never imagined. In the field of early childhood education, it is imperative that leaders help inspire others. Northouse (2013) stated, “research found that high-quality exchanges between leaders and followers produced multiple positive outcomes” (p.182). As an early childhood education lead teacher, this is important because it means there is a greater commitment. Also, as leader I understand that I need to apply theories that will help me effectively lead others. …show more content…
Next, I will discuss the three leadership theories that have most influenced my thinking on leadership and leaders. The first theory is the LMX theory which “addresses leadership as a process centered on the interactions between leaders and followers” (Northouse, 2013, p. 182). The LMX theory makes the leader-member relationship the pivotal concept in the leadership process. This type of “interaction result in followers feeling better, and helping the organization prospers” (Northouse, 2013, p. 182). The second theory is style approach. Blake and Mouton’s leadership grid helped me to comprehend that a leader plays a critical role in an organization. For instance, the two important factors those are considered are concern for production and concern for people which are apparent by a team manager (Northouse, 2013, p. 78). Additionally, the third theory I plan to apply is situational leadership. I believe it will be beneficial in resolving the current challenge I am facing as a leader. Applying this theory will also help me to base my conduct on the demands of a particular situation. I learned that Situational leadership classifies leadership into four styles. According to Northouse (2013) effective leadership occurs when the “leader can accurately diagnose the development level of subordinates in a task situation and then exhibit the prescribed leadership style that matches that situation” (p.119). This class has helped me to have a deeper understanding about the difference between a manager and a leader. A leader sets direction, sets goals, and find ways to achieve those goals. A manager sets the current and existing state of affair. I will now compare and contrast leadership and management (Northouse, 2013, p.12): The value of a manager is that they plan, budget, organize, and solve problem. …show more content…
The value of a leader is that they establish direction, motivate and inspire other. Also, they satisfy unmet needs of their followers and help them grow professionally. Now, that I am knowledgeable about both approaches from the knowledge I have acquired from this course. I plan to be a leader instead of a manger since I aspire to motivate others. I comprehend that I have a choice as an administrator to be a leader or manager. As I decide the type of leader I want to be I have learned to listen to our song. We need to be able to follow our song that is within us. As Bolman & Deal (2011) stated, “we need to hear from our heart instead of our head” (p.56). As a lead teacher, I need to be able to look inside because that is what will “carry us through both exhilaration and heartache” (Bolman & Deal, 2011, p. 62). Moreover, a leader demonstrates great qualities and characteristics that them an effective leader. For instance, as a leader, we need to be a role model, implement these beliefs, and have strong ethical values. The NAEYC (n.d) Program Administrator Definition and Competencies stated that one of the core competencies is personal and professional self -awareness. As an effective leader one needs to be able to manage “their thoughts and emotions at their workplace and focus on continuing professional development” (Bell, 2016, p.1). We need to have “knowledge of one’s own beliefs, values, and philosophical stance” (NAEYC, 2016). This will help us be inspirational leaders. Also, it will assist us to effectively meet the needs of the families we serve. According to NAEYC (2006), as leaders, we are called upon to share our “professional knowledge, communicate respect for the skills, knowledge, and share our expertise as we teach our staff” (p.