What Does Leadership Means to me Part II

Sherma Edwards
DEPM 604 Section 9040
24 April 2014

Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to serve as a revision of the original Part 1 essay,
while highlighting on some insights and facts that may have changed. Emphasis will be
made on lessons learnt in this Management and Leadership in Distance Education and Elearning class and the aspects of the course that will not only help in our current work
environment but emphasize on the vast wealth of knowledge gained from the course
readings, discussions and interview process.
Assessment and Reflection
In part I of the essay, it was defined that leadership was a very distinctive subject,
as there is no one clear definition of a leader. The characteristics and traits of any leader
do tend to vary and the perception of this remains the same in part II. Leadership consists
of effective strategies and high quality towards a goal and not just excellent
management (Kotter, 2012 p. 20). Therefore, every organization is different and
leadership needs to learn how to effectively merge or maneuver any given task while
trying to meet the needs of followers and maintaining the organizations vision at the
same time. Leaders need to consistently reiterate all goals and purposes for the better
good and success of any establishment. He or she also needs to be precise when assessing
any situation and react with appropriate leadership style.
Good leaders must develop certain characteristics and traits that are beneficial to
followers. One trait thats very important today is open-mindedness and a willingness to
adapt. Change is a never-ending process and its a constant battle for survival (Kotter,
2012). In order to succeed, a leader needs to maintain both short-term and long-term yet
realistic goals. Each decision needs to be analytic, planned, prepared, while involving

followers. Leaders main focus needs to be on customer satisfaction, compensation,

motivating others, globalization, empowerment, adjusting to shift in culture, diversity,
applying feedback and most importantly willing to change. A globalized economy is
creating both more hazards and more opportunities for everyone, forcing firms to make
dramatic improvements not only to compete and prosper but also to merely survive
(Kotter, 2012, P. 25) The authors statement is very powerful, pointing out that there are
not only competition but challenges and change is constant and leaders must always
dwell on this concept.
Leadership has definitely emerged, and leaders need to stay abreast with
literature, focus on some commonalties and differences as well as learning from
experiences. Every situation varies, so different techniques would result in likely
dissimilar consequences or circumstances, as its important to learn by trail and error.
Deming, Follett and Taylors philosophy as well as other existing literature will also help
to improve and attain some solid skills sets for an aspiring leader. Demings perspectives
tinted the need for a break down of barriers between various units of any organization and
the quality or work is necessary (Phelps, Parayitam & Olson, 2007). Taylor discusses
efficiency and the need to train and evaluate performance while Folletts theory stresses
empowerment, decision-making, cross-functional teamwork and conflict resolution as a
means to improve value and production. As a result, each underlying concept of theories
is very valuable.
In part I essay, other traits of a good leader examined was honesty,
trustworthiness, ethics, analytic, problem solver, people person persona, speak, look and
dress to also professionally. All of these are great characteristics but leaders must also try

to maintain consistency, learn to communicate effectively, be knowledgeable, available,

innovate, set high standards, aware of diversity and be collaborative. There is no I in
team and all parties need to work together. Leaders main purpose is to establish growth,
sanctity and an environment comfortable for followers in achieving that common goal
while obeying protocol.
Conclusion
This Management and Leadership in Distance Education and E-learning class
have been very demanding, challenging, engaging, fun and very insightful. The aspect of
this course will help any experienced or aspiring leader. As reflected and assessed, a
massive amount of ideas have been discussed in this program. Not only was there an
opportunity to read and interact in the virtual classroom but also an interview was
conducted with a practitioner in distance education.
John Kotters book, Leading Change was very easy to read, his style of writing
made reading enjoyable and his perspective will be beneficial for my career and the
organization in which I currently work. I have already started sharing and practicing
lessons learnt. The experiences taught each class member that leadership consists of
effect strategic planning, visioning process with specified goals and the awareness of
change. Hence, experience, research and learning from others can only enhance
leadership or skills. These attributes I hope to instill in others, as it is mandatory to be a
transformational leader and guide through the rapid change process within distance
education.

References
Kotter, J. P. (2012). Leading change. Boston: Harvard Business Review Press.
Phelps, L; Parayitam, S; Olson, B. (2007). Edwards Deming, Mary P. Follett and
Frederick W. Taylor; reconciliation of differences in organizational and strategic
leadership. Academy of Strategic Management Journal, Jan 2007, Vol. 6, p1-14.