Developing a Leadership Philosophy Essay -- Developing a Philosophy of

Developing a Leadership PhilosophyIt 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 all(prenominal) of my leading classes. Reflection deals with a leaders ability to attribute learning. Communication incorporates a leaders ability to develop relationships and limit them effectively. I firmly believe both characteristics are the keys to effective leadership. A number of experts concur believing that a leader must lead with knowledge of oneself and develop that into an ability to communicate, share ideas, visions, and listen to others.KNOWING ONESELFBolman and freshet (1994) summarize management and leadership as follows, management provides consistency, control, and efficiency. But leadership is needed to foster resolve, passion, and imagination (p.77). Fullan (2001) points to the Bolman and Deal description of leadership and focuses on the fostering of socia l function. Fullan (2001) agrees with Sergiovannis thoughts that, 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 COMPASSWhere does a leader find his/her moral purpose? Bolman and Deal (2001) write that a leader must lead from something intricate in his/her heart (p.23). For me, my moral purpose/compass is deeply grow in my Christian faith. I have a firm effect 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 reach out their goals.Works CitedBolman, L.G. & Deal, T.E. (1994). Looking for leadership Another search partys report.Educational Adm inistration Quarterly, 30(1), 77-96.Fullan, Michael. (2001). Leading in a culture of change. San Francisco Jossey-Bass.Guiney, E. (2001). learn isnt just for athletes The role of teacher leaders. Phi Delta Kappan, 82(10), 740-743.Maxwell, John C. (1998). The 21 positivist laws of leadership Follow them and peoplewill follow you. Nashville, TN Thomas Nelson Publishers.Warren, Rick. (2002). A purpose driven life. Grand Rapids, MI Zondervan.*John Maxwells principles are adapted from The Influential Leader Unleashing the Power in mint nationwide satellite simulcast from Atlanta, Georgia, 29 April 2005.