Assignment task: Respond to at least two colleagues with a thoughtful question or suggestion that builds on your colleague's post.
1-pierre-
At the beginning of this course, I believed leadership was mainly about guiding others and making decisions. However, my perspective has expanded. I now understand that leadership involves emotional intelligence, self-awareness, followership, and the ability to empower others. A good leader isn't just someone in charge. They are someone who listens, builds trust, and encourages growth in others (Northouse, 2020).
My definition of leadership has also changed because of the followership assessment I completed. I learned that I am an "exemplary follower," meaning I am actively engaged, independent, and committed to helping my team succeed (Kelley, 1992). Because of this, I would look for a supervisor who values collaboration, supports autonomy, and encourages feedback even if it involves disagreement. I would not thrive under a controlling or passive leader. I need someone who challenges me but also respects my voice.
One important thing I've learned about myself as a leader is that I avoid conflict too often. I tend to prioritize peace and harmony, but this can prevent issues from being resolved (Northouse, 2021). I now see that good leaders must be assertive and willing to address difficult situations directly. This awareness will help me grow by focusing on developing confidence and communication skills to manage conflict effectively. Need Assignment Help?
References:
Kelley, R. E. (1992). The power of followership: How to create leaders people want to follow and followers who lead themselves. Doubleday.
Northouse, P. G. (2020). Introduction to leadership: Concepts and practice (5th ed.). SAGE.
Northouse, P. G. (2021). Leadership: Theory and practice (9th ed.). SAGE.
2-savanna-
Evolving Perspectives on Leadership
Over the course of this class, my understanding of leadership has expanded from a traditional view centered on authority and decision-making to a more nuanced and relational perspective. Initially, I defined leadership as the ability to guide others toward a shared goal through direction and motivation. While this definition still holds some truth, I now see leadership as a dynamic process that involves collaboration, emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to empower others. As Clark and Corbett (2018) explain, leadership is not limited to formal roles but is instead about influence, integrity, and service qualities that can be developed and expressed at all levels.
Reflecting on my Followership Assessment from Week 2, I identified as a "Partner" follower someone who is highly engaged, independent, and willing to challenge leadership when necessary. Because of this, I value a supervisor who encourages open communication, invites feedback, and respects differing viewpoints. I would also seek a leader who demonstrates transparency, consistency, and a clear ethical framework someone who leads by example and fosters professional growth through mentorship and support rather than control.
One significant insight I've gained about myself is that leadership is not only about guiding others but also about self-awareness. I've learned that I tend to lead through relationship-building and shared problem-solving rather than authority. Recognizing this has helped me appreciate the value of servant leadership and collaborative practice, which are especially important in the social work profession.
Reference:
Clark, E. J., & Corbett, B. S. (2018). What is a leader? Are you one? Can you become one? The New Social Worker, 25(1), 16-17.