Developing a Leadership Philosophy Essay -- Developing a Philosophy of

Developing a Leadership Philosophy It is very telling that one of our last activities focuses on reflection and communication. It is telling because these are the two characteristics emphasized throughout each of my leadership classes. Reflection deals with a leader’s ability to internalize learning. Communication incorporates a leader’s ability to develop relationships and influence them effectively. I firmly believe both characteristics are the keys to effective leadership. A number of experts concur believing that a leader must start with knowledge of oneself and develop that into an ability to communicate, share ideas, visions, and listen to others. KNOWING ONESELF Bolman and Deal (1994) summarize management and leadership as follows, â€Å"management provides consistency, control, and efficiency. But leadership is needed to foster purpose, passion, and imagination† (p.77). Fullan (2001) points to the Bolman and Deal description of leadership and focuses on the fostering of purpose. Fullan (2001) agrees with Sergiovanni’s thoughts that, â€Å"authentic leaders anchor their practice in ideas, values, and commitments, exhibit distinctive qualities of style and substance, and can be trusted to be morally diligent in advancing the enterprises lead† (p.14). Fullan (2001) posits that the moral purpose of a leader and the success of an organization are synonymous. FINDING A MORAL COMPASS Where does a leader find his/her moral purpose? Bolman and Deal (2001) write that a leader must â€Å"lead from something deep in [his/her] heart† (p.23). For me, my moral purpose/compass is deeply rooted in my Christian faith. I have a firm belief in what is right and wrong, ethical and unethical. These concepts are not ambiguous for me. I have resour... ...pose to elevate others, to give what one has to help others realize their potential, grow, and achieve their goals. Works Cited Bolman, L.G. & Deal, T.E. (1994). Looking for leadership: Another search party’s report. Educational Administration Quarterly, 30(1), 77-96. Fullan, Michael. (2001). Leading in a culture of change. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Guiney, E. (2001). Coaching isn’t just for athletes: The role of teacher leaders. Phi Delta Kappan, 82(10), 740-743. Maxwell, John C. (1998). The 21 irrefutable laws of leadership: Follow them and people will follow you. Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson Publishers. Warren, Rick. (2002). A purpose driven life. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. *John Maxwell’s principles are adapted from â€Å"The Influential Leader: Unleashing the Power in People† nationwide satellite simulcast from Atlanta, Georgia, 29 April 2005.