An Introduction to Leadership
The study of leadership is much wider than I first realized. After reading these summaries over this first week it is apparent that my perspective has been shaped by my experiences and by the limited about of study which I have done to “teach” servant leadership. Thinking back on those occasions of teaching, I certainly did not have a broad enough perspective on the subject of leadership. The Jesuits view of leadership is new to me and it is a perspective I look forward to learning more about.
A New View on Leadership
In his book, Heroic Leadership, Chris Lowney describes the perspective of the Jesuits view of leadership. Their concept of leadership is less about the traits, behaviors, or relationships; rather …show more content…
Does culture change what a leader does? Do cultural expectations influence the ability of a leader? Who chooses the leadership? Does a leader move to the front because of his ability or because he is placed there by the group? How do we then teach leadership to others and eventually raise them up to a place of …show more content…
It does seem that when culture changes, our concept of leadership will change as well. Today, a leader is not given that position simply by the traits they have. Just in that statement, I find myself thinking, a leader cannot lead without followers, so therefore it is the group who creates the leader. But the leader needs to have some ability to “prove” himself to the group as their leader. So I am back to my original question, what impact does culture have on leadership?
Leadership Un-Defined
In consideration of changing cultures, perspectives, traits versus abilities, and preconceptions the definition of leadership is still a mystery to me. It would be nice if the definition would boil down to something as simple as the influence of a leader to move a group toward a common goal. It would certainly make the study of leadership, grasping the concepts, and teaching others much easier. In light of the number of definitions and the amount of work that has gone into leadership I am beginning to agree with several authors who propose that leadership is sociological in nature. Understanding that leadership is based on relationships between the leader and followers, the context of the group, and the goals. Jon L. Pierce and John W. Newstrom (2008) conclude, “Thus, the leadership process is fluid and not static nature.”
The study of leadership is much wider than I first realized. After reading these summaries over this first week it is apparent that my perspective has been shaped by my experiences and by the limited about of study which I have done to “teach” servant leadership. Thinking back on those occasions of teaching, I certainly did not have a broad enough perspective on the subject of leadership. The Jesuits view of leadership is new to me and it is a perspective I look forward to learning more about.
A New View on Leadership
In his book, Heroic Leadership, Chris Lowney describes the perspective of the Jesuits view of leadership. Their concept of leadership is less about the traits, behaviors, or relationships; rather …show more content…
Does culture change what a leader does? Do cultural expectations influence the ability of a leader? Who chooses the leadership? Does a leader move to the front because of his ability or because he is placed there by the group? How do we then teach leadership to others and eventually raise them up to a place of …show more content…
It does seem that when culture changes, our concept of leadership will change as well. Today, a leader is not given that position simply by the traits they have. Just in that statement, I find myself thinking, a leader cannot lead without followers, so therefore it is the group who creates the leader. But the leader needs to have some ability to “prove” himself to the group as their leader. So I am back to my original question, what impact does culture have on leadership?
Leadership Un-Defined
In consideration of changing cultures, perspectives, traits versus abilities, and preconceptions the definition of leadership is still a mystery to me. It would be nice if the definition would boil down to something as simple as the influence of a leader to move a group toward a common goal. It would certainly make the study of leadership, grasping the concepts, and teaching others much easier. In light of the number of definitions and the amount of work that has gone into leadership I am beginning to agree with several authors who propose that leadership is sociological in nature. Understanding that leadership is based on relationships between the leader and followers, the context of the group, and the goals. Jon L. Pierce and John W. Newstrom (2008) conclude, “Thus, the leadership process is fluid and not static nature.”