DQ 1-1

DQ 1-1

Responses

1

Class,

Leadership appears in many different manifestations and is a difficult concept to put into words, the text identifies 4 components that can be considered hallmarks of leadership. That leadership is a process (1) that involves influence (2) in groups (3) with common goals (4) (Northouse, 2019). Leaders can obtain and exert their influence in many ways, but the basic mechanics are generally the same, chief among the components being influence. Without influence or power there can be no leadership, followers may exert a degree of influence back to a leader however the primary path is from leader to follower.

With this, leadership styles, techniques, and power sources may need to change even with the same leader. Leaders and those aspiring to must understand this, because to exert influence the the right combination of these must be used to be most effective. For example, with a group that has self motivation and quality informal leadership will require a much different strategy than a group that does not have these qualities. For this reason, I rank the group itself is a close second in importance to the concept of leadership.

Northouse, P. G. (2019) Leading Public Organizations. Custom Ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE

2.

A: The four components identified as central to leadership are process, influence, groups, and common goals. Leadership is a process and so is building the relationship between leaders and followers. Leadership involves the ability to influence your followers, it occurs in groups working toward the same concept and having mutual purpose. I think the leadership component I would identify the most with is influence. I have always been able to influence my peers. When I commit to something, or make a decision, those around me tend to support me or lead the way with me without question. I believe that this is a result of my charisma and the trust that I build with my peers.

Baker, S. D. (2007). Followership: The Theoretical Foundation of a Contemporary Construct. Journal of Leadership & Organizational Studies, 14(1), 50–60. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002831207304343

3

A1.There are a number of famous leaders who offer their opinion as to what makes a great leader, but there are four components that help to define leadership. To begin with, leadership is a process (1), leadership involves influence (2), leadership occurs in groups (3), and finally, leadership involves common goals (4), (Northouse, 2019). These four components are central to characterizing leadership.

From my perspective, I see the component that fits my view of leadership best as leadership involves influence. Influence occurs because of all different types of reasons. Sometimes leaders have influence because of their knowledge, sometimes it’s their status that gives the power and sometimes it is simply personality and charisma. To me, influence is key.

Northouse, P. (2019) Leading Public Organizations. Custom Ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE