To me, leadership is the ability to lead a person or group of people using knowledge and
skills learned over time to reach goal or objectives together in an effective manner.
Providing direction in a way that is clear and concise, to achieve goals or deadlines in a
timely manner. When problems or issues arise, finding solutions that are constructive and
have a positive outcome for all. Often times we hear of managers who direct employees
based on what they want. To be effective at leadership, it is important to look at the desired
results, assess the tools or personnel needed to accomplish the task and get the correct
resources. Once the basic resources are established provide clear expectations with goals and
accountability. Gather the team frequently and provide opportunity for all in the group/team
to have a chance to present ideas and findings. People who feel appreciated or part of a team
tend to be more productive and enthusiastic in group setting.
I was genuinely surprised that I scored fairly high in leadership skills. For years I have
always said I am not a leader. I would rather do work behind the scenes and contribute to the
team overall. Looking back over the last few years in my current position, I now see that I
have been mentoring other team members and sharing experience and knowledge so others
can excel. I have always said we are all in this together. Just last week, the Purchasing
Manager for my division asked if I had ever thought of being mentored for leadership as she
believed I had qualities and characteristics of a leader. I didn't think much about it until I
took the assessment .I believe that leaders who have taken time to develop and grow skills
do make better leaders. Learning never truly stops. In addition to basic knowledge about the
work he or she does, basic skills and principals change over time. New techniques are
introduced that facilitate equity and inclusion along with ideas on how to keep people
engaged and provide effective leadership in a changing society.To effectively mentor equity
and inclusion in leadership you have to lead by example. People come from all different
backgrounds, cultures, skill sets etc., and it is important to treat each one the same. Embrace
the differences of everyone and work together as a team. When adversity arises, it needs to
be addressed so it doesn't grow into hostility or anger. Finally, I think that each person on a
team should feel they are being treated the same and that they are appreciated for what they
bring to a team. Personally, I would define leadership as the ability to demonstrate my
passion for a group or cause and inspire others to not only feel the same way but to work for
the same purpose, mission, or vision for that group or cause. Leadership is definitely an art.
In order to inspire an individual and then a whole group, you have to be able to relate to
people and draw them in to pay attention and then see your passion. People understand and
see things in many different levels and ways. A leader needs to utilize any method in the art
field, whether it be creativity, visual presentations, speech, or even theatrical. It just depends
on the situation and group type. But to be able to do this is definitely an art.
Reflecting on the self-assessment, I believe I do have what it takes to be a leader. In fact, I
have probably been doing it for many years. The thing is I do not see leadership as being in
charge or the "one" with all the answers. I have been leading my children, my family, my
church groups, and even in the workplace. But not because I sought to be the leader, just
because I care about people and want the best for them and what I am passionate about. I
love my kids and am passionate about helping them be the best they can be and respect
others. I also learn from my mistakes and do not hide them from those around me. It helps
in the growth and being an example. We definitely need growth and development to become
more inclusive leaders. If we do not grow, where are we leading them to. To lead we have to
keep walking or everyone following will stop when we do, if that makes sense.In order to
mentor aspiring leaders to appreciate diversity and inclusion, I think you would have
demonstrate it in your leadership traits. You would have to make sure it is understood that in
your group, everyone is on the same team and respect is given so it is expected to be
received. When situations arise for learning, it should be handled as a growth opportunity
and be handled as discretely as possible. No one appreciates being called out. Again, if you
give respect from the leadership, it will flow through and the cycle will continue. That is a
leadership calling. Leadership is a savvy concoction of interaction that compels others to act
in a certain way, which includes clear communication, motivation, and setting the tone and
direction for various situations.
The art of leadership flourishes on the ability to work well with others in different capacities
to achieve goals. That is hard to do if you despise teamwork or feel like you work better
alone. Immersing yourself into a group project where you are not the leader but have to be
committed to the outcome gives you a better understanding of not only helping others
accomplish a goal together, but additionally what skills are necessary to earn the right to
lead a group with the support of the subordinates and give them the confidence to complete
the task.
According to the survey, I am moderately positioned to be a leader. Often times I step back
from leadership roles, because although I am confident about the goal and how to reach it, I
struggle with being charismatic enough to compel people to follow my lead without
affecting as a dictator. I highly question my own direction and I am generally a perfectionist,
changing direction on a whim if I see a better path to achievement. That can be confusing
for others and ruin my credibility.
Anyone can benefit from leadership growth and development. You may be called on to be a
leader with no notice and need to pull off a hefty goal. This training can help you
communicate the needs of the project or task to be completed in a very succinct and easy to
understand way so that you immediately get the help you need from the right people without
wasting time putting people to work just for the sake of teamwork. You have to be able to
identify strengths in others and utilize them to the advantage of the team.
Communication is key. Understanding the strengths of your team and communicating needs
to them efficiently will save time and creates efficiency with the right people working on the
right things. I define leadership as having the skills and ability to look out for the health and
welfare on their people they’re in charge of. Leadership must be willing to provide growth
in each individual and have them strive to be the best they can be. Leadership means you
must set the example and lead from the front and placing your pride aside and be willing to
get your hands dirty and never ask anyone to do anything that you’re not willing to do
yourself. Leadership is building a team to accomplish the overall goal.Some methods that
come to mind to the extent that leadership in art is being flexible and able to communicate
and being able to assist people regardless of the time or issue. Another way is always sought
improvement through trainings and mentoring programs to be an effective leader. I agree
with the self-assessment, and I know that I’m ready to lead in the workplace due to having
the experience of being a leader within the military and workplace in the past. I have
obtained the knowledge, training, skills to be a leader. I think people need growth and
development to become inclusive leaders. Due to the changes today, leaders need to be able
to adapt and apply those skills to help their people grow on the job and in their persona
life.Diversity is very important for leaders to understand the history and backgrounds of all
the different cultures that can be used as a positive. Diversity brings different mindsets and
ideas to accomplish mission and team goals that may have not been thought of. Our
organization host a diversity inclusion seminar each month to celebrate different cultures to
provide awareness that has been successful. I define leadership as having the skills and
ability to look out for the health and welfare on their people they’re in charge of. Leadership
must be willing to provide growth in each individual and have them strive to be the best they
can be. Leadership means you must set the example and lead from the front and placing your
pride aside and be willing to get your hands dirty and never ask anyone to do anything that
you’re not willing to do yourself. Leadership is building a team to accomplish the overall
goal .Some methods that come to mind to the extent that leadership in art is being flexible
and able to communicate and being able to assist people regardless of the time or issue.
Another way is always sought improvement through trainings and mentoring programs to be
an effective leader .I agree with the self-assessment, and I know that I’m ready to lead in the
workplace due to having the experience of being a leader within the military and workplace
in the past. I have obtained the knowledge, training, skills to be a leader .I think people need
growth and development to become inclusive leaders. Due to the changes today, leaders
need to be able to adapt and apply those skills to help their people grow on the job and in
their persona life.Diversity is very important for leaders to understand the history and
backgrounds of all the different cultures that can be used as a positive. Diversity brings
different mindsets and ideas to accomplish mission and team goals that may have not been
thought of. Our organization host a diversity inclusion seminar each month to celebrate
different cultures to provide awareness that has been successful. I define leadership as the
ability to direct individuals and groups of employees in dedicated environments, form a
cohesive bond to learn, grow and collaborate with each other.To the extent that leadership is
an art, what methods come to mind for improving one’s “art of leadership” now? A great
leader will adapt and use methods to influence, engage, coach and communicate effectively
to achieve goals. Through continued use of these techniques, leaders will increase their
confidence, listening skills, plan appropriately, and create a supportive workplace
environment. After the assessment, my belief that I have what it takes to lead in the
workplace in good. I do feel that everyone has a level of skills that set them apart, and with
increased learning, you can develop into a great leader.I think entry level and seasoned
people need growth and development to become more inclusive leaders. Teaching skills to
become inclusive involve understanding how the different traits of ethnicities work to
collaborate and complete tasks as one entity. Education is the perfect tool to coach or mentor
aspiring leaders to better appreciate diversity and inclusion. My current employer has
created an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusive (ED&I) committee, to teach employees the value
of diversity and inclusiveness. Learning how ethnicities and their historical traits are adapted
helps to appreciate how diversity and inclusion enhances the workplace environment.
