Leadership

One notable insight I have gained about leadership roles is the variety that exists among them. However, they ultimately share a common purpose: to serve and facilitate the growth of others. As mentioned by McKinsey, leadership encompasses a set of mindsets and behaviors that align individuals toward a collective direction, enabling collaboration to achieve shared goals and adapt to evolving environments.

Leaders possess several key characteristics, including the ability to motivate and inspire individuals to exceed expectations. They excel in communication, actively engaging in both speaking and listening to others. They make informed decisions by leveraging their knowledge and understanding of group dynamics. Additionally, they foster collaboration by encouraging teamwork and the sharing of knowledge. Lastly, they promote growth by supporting individuals in their professional development.

Effective leaders possess self-awareness, prioritize personal development, and uphold strong ethical values in their actions. They demonstrate empathy by listening and understanding their employees' needs and maintaining clear communication.

There are ten prevalent types of leaders: (Business School 101, 2024).

1. Autocratic: This leader makes decisions independently and expects subordinates to adhere to their directives.

2. Democratic: This leadership style involves team members in the decision-making process, actively seeking their input and feedback.

3. Laissez-faire: This leader adopts a hands-off approach, granting team members considerable autonomy in their roles.

4. Transactional: This style emphasizes a structured exchange between leaders and their followers, prioritizing rewards for high performance and consequences for underperformance.

5. Transformational: These leaders inspire and motivate their teams by articulating a compelling vision, fostering creativity and innovation, and focusing on the development of team members.

6. Servant: This leader prioritizes the well-being and growth of their team, leading by serving the needs of others.

7. Charismatic: This leader possesses a magnetic and persuasive personality that attracts and energizes their followers.

8. Authentic: Authentic leaders remain true to themselves, their values, and their principles.

9. Situational: These leaders adapt their leadership style based on the specific needs of the situation or individual team members.

10. Strategic: This leadership style is centered on long-term planning, vision, and setting the overall direction of the organization.

I aspire to be both a transformational leader and a servant leader. I believe that integrating these leadership styles can enhance effectiveness in my role as a leader.

Transformational leaders motivate employees by fostering a deeper connection that transcends mere exchanges and rewards. This approach has the potential to elevate my team’s intrinsic motivation by articulating the significance and purpose of the school's objectives. Adopting a transformational leadership style will encourage me and my team to exceed established expectations as we work collaboratively toward a shared vision (University of Massachusetts Global, 2021).

The servant leadership style can enhance employee motivation and foster creativity and innovation. This approach will allow me as a leader to empower employees by granting them ownership and a degree of control over their work. As a result, this can:

• Strengthen the organizational culture

• Reduce voluntary turnover

• Increase employee engagement and commitment

I intend to encourage others to explore and enhance their understanding of technology. With the rapid evolution of technology globally, particularly in educational settings, it is crucial for us as educators to embrace it as a valuable tool rather than viewing it as a replacement for traditional methods.

For instance, we can collaborate and communicate effectively through platforms such as Google Drive, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. These tools enable us to work together in addressing challenges. By integrating technology into the workplace, we can increase productivity and efficiency, as digital tools, applications, and systems facilitate the completion of tasks more swiftly and effectively.

I believe that various leadership styles serve the purpose of inspiring others to take on leadership roles themselves. For instance, when I first entered the education field, my primary goal was to secure a position that offered flexible hours, allowing me to spend more time with my children. However, the leaders at my campus recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue further education to become a teacher. Two years into my teaching career, I was presented with an opportunity to take on a leadership role as the 504/Testing Coordinator. Over nearly four years in this position, I discovered my passion for helping not only students but also adults strive to be the best versions of themselves.

I am currently pursuing a master's degree with the intention of becoming an assistant principal or a curriculum coordinator—both of which are leadership positions.

I find great fulfillment in motivating others to realize their potential and to contribute positively to student success.

Business School 101, B. (2024, February 12). 10 Most Common Types of Leadership Styles (With Real-World Examples) | From A Business Professor. YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NY82yptNp5E&t=439s

University of Massachusetts Global, U. of M. G. (2021, April). What is transformational leadership and why is it effective?: UMass Global.

www.umassglobal.edu. https://www.umassglobal.edu/news-and-

events/blog/what-is-transformational leadership#:~:text=Transformational%20leaders%20thrive%20on%20personal,be%20continually%20learning%20and%20improving.