In an effort to determine which leadership theory most closely match my leadership style, I had to first discover my leadership style. The analysis and interpretation from the "What’s My Leadership Style? Questionnaire" during week two gave me the answer. I scored low for task-orientation concerns, and high on people-oriented approach. I focus "on group interactions and the needs of individual members" (Self-Assessment Library, 2008). According to the analysis, I have to be cautious that I am not too laissez-faire as this may affect productivity, but the staff will be content.
With this information in hand, I began to review the leadership material available on the University of Phoenix student web-site. Using information fron the SEDL and ChangingMinds.org sites, I was able to narrow the leadership theory choices down find one that I believe fit my current leadership style. The Changing Minds site stated, "The style that individuals use will be based on a combination of their beliefs, values and preferences, as well as the organizational culture and norms which will encourage some styles and discourage others." I was raised Roman Catholic and attended Catholic school for 12 years. Part of the norm and culture at our school was community service and helping those less fortunate than ourseleves. I believe the Servant Leadership theory most closely matches my assessment, values, preferences, and beliefs.
I keep hearing the phrase, "Help me, help you." I feel it is my moral duty to help others improve and achieve success. I feel responsible for those I lead. I was taught and believe that helping society is everyone's responsibilty, not just government agencies.
The servant leader serves others, rather than others serving the leader. Serving others thus comes by helping them to achieve and improve. Changing Minds says criteria of servant leadership includes that "The people served grow as individuals, becoming 'healthier, wiser, more autonomous and more likely themselves to become servants' ." I would have to say that I was raised on the receiving end of this type of leadership and am currently in a position to pay it forward. I was taught that a teacher was a public servant who wants to service the community they live in by educating and influencing the youth of that community.
This style will benefit my school, because I am committed to the growth of students and colleagues. Community building will assist in collaborative efforts by faculty and allow trust to be built among colleagues. Those practicing the Servant Leadership theory support environments that "empower and encourage service." After all, isn't the teaching profession all about service to others?
References:
Self-Assessment Library: What's My Leadership Style? (2008) Pearson Prentice Hall.
Upper Saddle River, NJ. Retrieved from http://media.pearsoncmg.com
SEDL (2013). Leadership Characteristics that Facilitate Change. Retrieved from
Changing Minds.org (2002-2013). Leadership. Retrieved from
http://changingminds.org/disciplines/leadership/leadership.htm
http://changingminds.org/disciplines/leadership/leadership.htm
I really enjoyed reading your post Tammy. It is obvious you put a lot of time and thought into it. I also share your commitment to community service. Helping others is very important in my AFJROTC Program. The fact that you feel morally responsible to help others demonstrates you have a "calling" to serve in the field of education. Well done!
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