Leadership Experiences Leadership Stands Out as One

Leadership Experiences

Leadership stands out as one of the most discussed topics in both business and organizations. It is almost impossible to turn on a television, open a newspaper, or attend a conference without an issue touching on leadership occurs. Several definitions have been put forth in a bid to explore the concept and elements of leadership. However, there seems to be a consensus on the aspect that leadership enlists the ability to influence people into achieving a common goal. There are also some misleading notions that leadership role was only reserved for some individual. Nonetheless, experience and examples from my place of work indicate that it is a quality, which can be acquired through learning and practicing. In this study, I reflect on some of the instances in my workplace that justify the fact that leadership is learned through experiences. In addition, I discuss the development process of good leaders using examples from my workplace.

Leadership is defined as having the prerequisite knowledge, skills, and attitudes to influence others into achieving a common goal. In light of this definition, it is evidently clear that the knowledge aspect of leadership can be taught (Hughes, Ginnet & Curphy, 2011, p.24). After working for several years in the procurement department, I have come to realize that my knowledge on various issues concerning procurement has significantly increased. When I arrived at the department, it was almost impossible for me to carry out any duty without following instructions from my senior. However, after immersing myself for a considerable time in the field, I developed the self-drive that makes me carry out duties without necessarily being asked. As such, I began by leading myself. As such, I am equally able to offer professional leadership to other members in the departments on various aspects that they do not understand. From my experience, it is true to conclude the knowledge aspect of leadership can be transmitted from one person to another through either formal education or more often through life experience. Similarly, gaining leadership skills can be acquired through coaching and mentoring. For instance, after working under my senior at my workplace, I came to realize that he had great communication skills. My senior was keen in ensuring that relevant information is passed on to the juniors as soon as possible to avoid misinformation. Furthermore, he treated every person with equality and did not shy from offering correction where necessary. Over time, I have come to realize that I have imitated most of his traits. This has been motivated by the fact that I consider him as my personal mentor (Conger & Riggio, 2006, p.62).

Development of good leaders

It takes good leaders to develop good leaders. This is one fact that I have realized from my experience as a procurement officer. Most of the junior members in the department desire to attain leadership roles at one time of service in their respective departments. In order to achieve this, there needs to be structures in place that would offer them a platform to emulate the current leaders by trying to fit into their shoes. This does not imply competition for the top job, but instead calls for humility as one gradually progress through the various ranks in the work place. A department led by a good leader is most likely to develop good leaders than the one with ineffective leadership. Most junior employees look up to their leaders for direction. A leader who is willing to interact and share relevant information with his junior serves more as a motivation than the one who bosses people around. The former leader is best described as a servant leader. In this view, the first stage in the development of good leaders is the availability of leaders who are role models (Carter, Ulrich & Goldsmith, 2004, p.34).