Leadership Profile One: A Rising

Leadership Profile One: A Rising Star

Summary of the Situation

Over the holidays, I volunteered at the homeless shelter I have been working with for a number of years. I initially started volunteering there because I thought it would look good on my resume and transcript, but I made friends and bonded with some of the people at the organization. Therefore, I continued to work there enthusiastically on three separate occasions. This past occasion, I was called upon to coordinate some events for the homeless people at the shelter. I was entrusted with the opportunity to design programs and create activities for the people, something that I had only before watched other people do.

Outcome of the Situation

I was successful in designing programs that were accepted by people of all ages, genders, and ethnic backgrounds. Many of the shelter members congratulated me. Because the experience gave me confidence, I developed a newfound desire to serve in a leadership position in the future.

Summary of Theories, Approaches, Readings

Unlike trait theories of leadership, behavioral theories of leadership suggest that individuals can learn how to be good leaders. The main methods of learning how to become a good leader are through observational learning, and through rewards and consequences.

Summary of Connections Between Theory and Observation

In this case, I learned how to design the homeless shelter programs by watching and observing. By learning through example, I modeled my leadership behavior after my mentors at the homeless shelter. Therefore, I exhibited behavioral theory when serving as a leader.

Leadership Profile Two: LGBT

Summary of the Situation

My friend Andrea is a lesbian who came out of the closet during her last year in high school, right before leaving for college. Her parents were unsupportive, and so were most of the people she knew because she comes from a conservative community in a small town. At university, she sought out friends who were supportive and joined the LGBT club. One day, the regular leader of the club was not there, and no one knew what to do. Andrea took charge of the meeting, showing a video that she found on the Internet about bullying and sharing some of her experiences. This was followed by a Q&a session with the group.

Outcome of the Situation

As a result of stepping up to the plate to lead the LGBT meeting, Andrea is now a member of the leadership committee. She is a lot more willing to talk about her experiences, and she has started her own group for people who are ready to come out but have not come out of the closet yet. It is her goal to reduce the psychological pain that LGBT people feel as the result of social stigma.

Summary of Theories, Approaches, Readings

Contingency theories of leadership are situational in nature. The leader applies whichever traits and leadership styles to the situation, based on what is needed by the group. The success of the leader depends on the contingencies of the situation -- all the complex variables that can be involved. Trait theory explains the various leadership styles that different people demonstrate based on their personality traits.