Personal Understanding of Leadership - Essay Example

At first, when we were young, as the leader and head of the family, my father defined the goals for each member and even the strategies to fulfill these goals. For instance, both parents collaboratively decided on the school where we are to be enrolled and the means to support us. The goal was for us to finish our studies and to provide the direction to eventually become self-sustaining and self-reliant. As a leader, he also assumed the roles of a coach, a mentor, a guidance counsellor and a disciplinarian. He was both an authoritarian leader and at the same time, a democratic leader where he encouraged us to voice out our opinions and to participate in decision-making processes that would be beneficial for the whole family.
When I started school, my teachers became my leaders in the academic setting. Again, teachers from various grade levels have identified course objectives and designed various instructional approaches with the use of instructional materials that would assist in achieving the defined goals. As leaders, my teachers became my mentors, coach, guidance counselors in terms of academic performance, and providers of knowledge, and developers of skills. Especially in higher education, as I pursued the Police Leadership Program, my professors in the course provided opportunities for learning advanced modules in areas where I need to focus on. As leaders, my professors provided the direction and guidance through course modules, lessons, concrete examples, and by giving home works and scenarios that would develop my cognitive and analytical skills, as well as the leadership skills needed for law enforcement officers. My professors have prepared personal and professional development programs that would enable us to become future leaders.
Finally, in the work setting, as a police officer in Saudi Arabia, I was able to get the first-hand experience of leadership from my supervisors. They are the true leaders in a law enforcement agency where functions expected from leaders were observed. These functions included planning, organizing, directing, and controlling various aspects of the organization’s departments. I learned from them the need to understand policies and procedures, as well as to abide by ethical, moral and legal standards. I learned the importance of setting goals that are specific and measurable, as well as achievable and within a given time frame. As leaders, they motivated us to exert exemplary efforts, not only to undertake the responsibilities expected from us; but more so, to surpass what we have to do in such a way that we achieve the defined goals with efficiency, effectiveness and with minimum use of resources to maximize our potentials.
Leadership Skills
From these various experiences of leadership roles, I recognized that there are common or similar leadership skills that have been observed to consider these leaders as effective. From my experience with having considered my father as a leader, he manifested traits such as firm resolve, determination, commitment, support for our personal needs and aspirations, and exuding a leadership style that is flexible according to the situation. Sometimes, he is an authoritarian leader; at other times, he is a democratic leader. He encourages open communication where we are not afraid to express what we feel or what we need. He is encouraging, charismatic and acknowledges us when we have done a great job.
In the academic setting, the most effective leaders (teachers) were noted to possess traits such as intelligence, charisma, encouragement, enjoining students to participate, appreciating good efforts, motivates students to learn, and acknowledges exemplary academic performance. Likewise, I observed that some teachers were authoritarian but this style is needed when students were misbehaving and need more direct control and guidance. On the other hand, other teachers are supportive and participative; as well as exhibit traits like my parents. They are supportive and provides coaching and counseling, as needed.
Finally, in the work setting, I observe that effective leaders are those who are firm; yet recognizes the strengths of the workers and encourages others to perform well through motivation. These leaders encourage the participation of subordinates; solicit our inputs and comments, and assists in further professional growth and development. I observe that the leaders who are most effective are those who show genuine interest in the development of workers through providing opportunities for varied responsibilities and by delegating work –indicating that they trust workers to do the tasks that are required. These leaders show due respect to the workers and make the work environment fun and exciting to be in.
Conclusion
Overall, my personal understanding of leadership, therefore, includes recognizing
that leaders exhibit different roles and styles depending on the subordinates and the situation. Likewise, there are common leadership skills that make one leader more effective than another. I believe it is the way that these leaders are able to motivate their workers towards achieving defined goals in ways that, not only do the organizations benefits but also the workers through providing opportunities for growth and development. Finally, I also believe that leadership is a process. This means that it could be continually developed through training programs and through continuous learning about new theories and concepts on leadership. As such, I envision becoming a leader in the near future. Through what I have observed from those I acknowledged as leaders in my life, I could learn from their leadership styles, roles, and traits that would eventually make me an effective leader. This is my personal understanding of leadership.