This paper explores the experiences I have undergone through a freshman college course centered on leadership. I will be reflecting on varying leadership theories that have influenced me, as well as classroom experiences that have provided me with accurate representations of leadership. In doing so, the book Leadership: Theory and Practice by Peter G. Northouse will be frequently referenced. Additionally I will further delve into how I will use what I have learned throughout the course in my career as a pharmacist.
My Leadership Experience Upon receiving my schedule for my first semester of college, I noticed that I was enrolled in the First-Year Foundations course Learning Through Leadership. Initially, I had not given the course much thought, …show more content…
This is why I could never imagine myself taking the role of an active leader. Reading Leadership: Theory and Practice by Northouse changed this outlook dramatically. Initially, the book began with the trait approach which reinforced my attitude that I lacked some of the traits required of a leader. The following chapter went on the look at the skills approach. I found this approach to leadership highly inspirational. The skills approach differs from all others due to the fact that it “puts emphasis on skills and abilities that can be learned and developed” (Northouse). This outlook is unique because it makes leadership a quality available to anyone, rather than just those born with the required qualities highlighted through the traits approach. Of the approaches mentioned in the book, I found this to be the most influential. In supplementing my leadership skills, I found it enriching to witness two known leaders exemplify the qualities of good …show more content…
In this profession, I will be regularly seen as a leader, and will employ many of the leadership theories discussed throughout the course. For instance, as a retail pharmacist I will be looking over pharmacy technicians and possibly even other pharmacists. In doing so, situational leadership will regularly be accentuated. As implied, situational leadership relies mainly on the premise that varying situations demand varying types of leadership (Northouse). In situations where a quick turnaround is essential, an authoritarian leadership style will be favored. In this case, tasks as well as deadlines would be delegated. In other cases when a deadline may not be so expeditious, a laissez-faire approach may be adopted. In addition, this job would often require me to use a participative or democratic style of leadership. Participative leadership considers the opinions and inputs of peers in the decision making process (Participative Leadership). Although as the pharmacist the final decisions rest in my hands, it will be important to allow employees to play a role in the process. This serves as a major morale booster for employees because it provides them with a sense of value (Rasnick,
My Leadership Experience Upon receiving my schedule for my first semester of college, I noticed that I was enrolled in the First-Year Foundations course Learning Through Leadership. Initially, I had not given the course much thought, …show more content…
This is why I could never imagine myself taking the role of an active leader. Reading Leadership: Theory and Practice by Northouse changed this outlook dramatically. Initially, the book began with the trait approach which reinforced my attitude that I lacked some of the traits required of a leader. The following chapter went on the look at the skills approach. I found this approach to leadership highly inspirational. The skills approach differs from all others due to the fact that it “puts emphasis on skills and abilities that can be learned and developed” (Northouse). This outlook is unique because it makes leadership a quality available to anyone, rather than just those born with the required qualities highlighted through the traits approach. Of the approaches mentioned in the book, I found this to be the most influential. In supplementing my leadership skills, I found it enriching to witness two known leaders exemplify the qualities of good …show more content…
In this profession, I will be regularly seen as a leader, and will employ many of the leadership theories discussed throughout the course. For instance, as a retail pharmacist I will be looking over pharmacy technicians and possibly even other pharmacists. In doing so, situational leadership will regularly be accentuated. As implied, situational leadership relies mainly on the premise that varying situations demand varying types of leadership (Northouse). In situations where a quick turnaround is essential, an authoritarian leadership style will be favored. In this case, tasks as well as deadlines would be delegated. In other cases when a deadline may not be so expeditious, a laissez-faire approach may be adopted. In addition, this job would often require me to use a participative or democratic style of leadership. Participative leadership considers the opinions and inputs of peers in the decision making process (Participative Leadership). Although as the pharmacist the final decisions rest in my hands, it will be important to allow employees to play a role in the process. This serves as a major morale booster for employees because it provides them with a sense of value (Rasnick,