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Traits of Leadership over a Lifetime

Life has it stages and leadership skills move through those stages with the person. As people change and grow there will be different emphasis on leadership skills as challenges are mastered and new knowledge presented. Despite the changes of life there are some similarities across the stages that run the course throughout a lifetime (Nelson, Schroeder & Welpman, 2014).  In the beginning of a leader’s life rudimentary skills form in the home and create a foundation for leadership. As life continues this framework is used as a place where new knowledge is learned, incorporated, and then utilized to achieve goals. The process of learning, challenging and developing continues throughout a person’s career.  Leaders are unique creatures when compared to many other people. They are always seeking to develop and grow regardless of the circumstances they are in. Even though the stages of their life change they seem to hold consistent characteristics that continue to push them to

Book Review: Leadership Theory and Practice

Leadership Theory and Practice by Northouse is an excellent book that will lead one though varying kinds of leadership skills, abilities, and theories. It gives a broad understanding of leading leadership theories and provides an excellent overview of the various contexts of leadership behavior and vantage points. It is written at an executive and graduate level due to its theoretical explanations but is well structured and uses standard language. It would be wise to include the book in leadership courses or personal libraries.  The book has a number of important concepts such as the trait approach to leadership, skills approach, style approach, situational approach, contingency theory, path-goal theory, leader-member exchange, transformational leadership, team leadership, psychodynamic approach, women and leadership, culture and leadership, and leadership ethics. Each concept benefits the readers in terms of various leadership definitions and perspectives. The book has a

The Essential Skills of Strategic Leadership

Strategic thinkers are important for the success of organizations as well as the nation. When influential power, strategic thinking, and resources are aligned the possibilities and potential solutions to complex problems are endless. Through the Wharton school and consulting practices the researchers Schoemaker , Krupp & Howland have identified six leadership skills that apply to any leader that wants to capitalize on uncertainty (2013).   Their conclusions state that strategic leadership, based upon 20,000 executives, is a result of the abilities to anticipate, challenge, interpret, decide, align and learn.   Anticipation: It is the ability of leaders to see the market and the possible changes and challenges the organization will face in the future. They do this through staying ahead of market trends, learning about market adaptations, and connecting with those who are leading the field. The majority of leaders are poor at understanding ambiguous threats and challenges ar

Personal Definition of Leadership

The transformational leader who is passionate about distance learning has an opportunity to be a part of a societal change process.   America and the global community are going through a paradigm shift in regards to public perception of distance learning.   Alone, one person cannot initiate and coordinate a national or global societal change, but individually, a transformational leader can establish a vision, create a passion, and develop a leadership plan.   As I reflect on my own personal leadership plan in the field of distance education, a three-step approach was taken.   Self-reflection, honest feedback, and continual learning were the components that I used in designing my personal leadership plan. Bennis, leadership author and guru, defined leadership as “ the capacity to create a compelling vision and translate it into action and sustain it ” (2003, p. 1).   Leadership can be learned.   If one has the desire to be a leader, one can be.   " Like John Kotter, Prof Be