Leadership Challenge

1. Philosophy of the Leadership Challenge

Research reveals eight key principles about leadership:

1. Leadership Is Everyone’s Business: Being an effective leader is not limited to a few charismatic

young people. It is not a gene or an inheritance. The theory that only a select few can lead

others to greatness is just plain wrong. Leadership is not a position or rank, but a responsibility

people choose to embrace throughout their lives.

2. Leadership Is Learned: Leadership is a process that ordinary people use when they are bringing

out the best in themselves and others. It is an identifiable set of skills and abilities that is

available to everyone.

3. Leadership Is a Relationship: At the heart of leadership is the ability to connect with others,

understand their hopes and dreams, and engage them in pulling together for a shared dream of

the future. Leaders understand that every relationship contributes to their ability to be

successful.

4. Leadership Development Is Self-Development: Engineers have computers, painters have

brushes and paints, musicians have instruments. Leaders have only themselves: that is their

instrument. The journey begins with an exploration of who you are from the inside out.

5. Learning to Lead Is an Ongoing Process: Learning to lead is a journey, not a single event or

destination. You may occupy many leadership roles throughout your life. Each will deepen your

understanding of what it takes to engage others and what it takes to inspire others to make

extraordinary things happen with people in your life. The context in which you lead will change,

and with each change comes deeper learning. The best leaders are the best learners.

6. Leadership Requires Deliberate Practice: Excellence in anything— whether it’s music, sports, or

academics— requires deliberate practice. Leadership is no exception. You will need to devote

time to becoming the best leader you can be.

7. Leadership Is an Aspiration and a Choice: Leaders have countless chances to make a difference.

If a person wants to lead others and is willing to do the work, he or she can lead.

8. Leadership Makes a Difference: Every leader can make a profound difference in the lives of

others. To do that, you have to believe in yourself and in your capacity to have a positive

influence on others.

Reflection 1: What is leadership? (50 points)

There are many different definitions of leadership:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=definition+of+leadership

 Research and state your definition of leadership (1 sentence in your own words –

don’t simply copy another definition) (20 points)

 Reflection: 100 word discussion of alternative definitions of leadership (look at

different definitions of leadership online) and the factors/issues that shaped you

own final definition. What words stand out in your own definition (20 points)

 Include proper citation footnotes/Bibliography (10 points)