Stepping into Leadership

 

1. Thinking about Leadership

 

1.1 Introduction

 

For centuries people have speculated on and theorised about leaders and leadership. Are leaders born or made? What is effective leadership? Is it possible to learn to be a leader?

This module invites you to think about it for yourself, observe leadership around you and to start to formulate a picture of the leader you are now and the leader that you want to be in the future.

The module consists of 5 pages of content. Use the "Continue the course" links at the bottom of each page to work through the pages in order. To choose another module use the buttons at the bottom of the page.

Before we look at some of the main theories and models around leadership, please take a little time to reflect and make notes for yourself on the following questions.

 

Your first thoughts

Thinking about someone you have admired in a leadership role (someone you have met, not a distant or historical figure like Gandhi or Mandela):

• What things did they do and say that made them effective?
• If they had any weaknesses, what were these?
• Point to a single thing where they made a difference to you.

Now, thinking about someone you have seen who was not effective in a leadership role:

• What things did they do and say that made them ineffective?
• If they had some strengths, what were they?
• If you could give them advice on how to be a better leader, what would that be?

Make a note of words and short phrases that you associate with strong leadership and weak leadership.

You can use the Stepping Into Leadership Course Workbook to record your thoughts.

 

Continue the course with 1.2 Leadership theories