University:
University of Alberta
Course:
INT D 135 | Popular Representations of Leadership
Academic year:

2023
Views:

102

Pages:

2
Author:

Ciara T.

Discussion Qustions From Lecture 1 - Introduction To Leadership: 1. Defining Leadership: Question: How would you define leadership in your own words, considering its various elements such as vision, influence, communication, motivation, and decision-making? Answer: Whenever I think of leadership, I consider it the practice of steering people or a company in the right direction. Fostering and managing an effective team is like conducting an orchestra where the conductor is required to have the vision of the music sheet (goal), the ability to coax everyone into formulating a harmonized group (team), effective communication to ensure that everyone performs to the conductor’s plan, motivation to maintain the spirit high for everyone and the final decisive the initiative to play on despite the odds of the symphony. 2. Vision in Leadership: Question: Why is having a specific vision important for a leader, and how can a leader effectively communicate this vision to their team? Answer: A specific vision is not just a formula, it is like a light house in the midst of turbulent sea of activities and events. Some of the ways in which a leader can put it into practice include sharing a vision in form of a picture of the future in visuals, parables, goals or slogans, and narratives that people in that team can identify with, and support. 3. Influence and Motivation: Question: In what ways can a leader influence and motivate their followers to achieve common objectives? Answer: Leader Influence and motivation are as necessary to an organization as the fuel and the engine of a car. A person can only convert by inspiring, thus the following are key leadership approaches: role modeling, establishing credibility, and empathy. Motivations can be catered through use of rewards, training and development, and using the task to relate with the followers personal needs and interests. 4. Historical Leadership: Question: Compare and contrast the leadership styles of ancient leaders like pharaohs and modern transformational leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. What lessons can modern leaders learn from these historical figures? Answer: In the past, leaders in different societies such as the pharaohs, were entitled to rule by dint of divinity and administrative escalation; the core values being dominance and authority. On the other hand, leaders who worked for change such as the Indian leader Gandhi exercised leadership through persuasion, use of non-violence, and comprehension of justice systems. - Today’s leaders can find the methods of courage and empathy, as well as guarantees and expectations of ethical behaviors, similar to the values of ancient leaders, besides the tissue and power of encouraging the changes non-violently from the transformational leaders. 5. Modern Leadership Theories: Question: How do modern leadership theories such as servant leadership and authentic leadership differ from traditional leadership models? Creative Answer: For example, the present day leadership theories such as servant leadership emphasize the needs of the subordinates as opposed to the leader’s self-interests. Thus, authenticity of leadership concentrates on individualism, openness and organizational integrity. These approaches differ from the past models where the organizations employ hierarchy and command and control leadership styles that are common today’s world.