Translating Theory Into Practice

Leadership The concept of leadership is one that has for along time dominated the discussion and literature in the fields of organizational science and management .In the last couples of decades however, leadership as a concept has found its way into educational and school improvement literature and discussions (Bennett et al., 2003; Coleman and Earley, 2005). More specifically, there is an interest in the role that strategic leadership plays in the running of oerganizations.

The main focus however is the role of teachers and managers in the communication of organization vision to the stakeholders as well as the alignment of organizational vision with strategy (Davies & Ellison,2003). In this paper, I present a reflective account of my experience and views when it comes to the development of an effective leadership system within the transformational leadership framework. The definition of leadership The concept of leadership has no exact or definite definition.

This is due to the fact that leadership in itself is multifaceted (de Ver,2009,p.4). The concept of leadership can for instance be defined in terms of group processes (Bass,1990,p.11), as personality and its various effects (Bingham,1927),as the art of successfully inducing compliance (Munson,1921), as an exercise of one's influence (Nash,1929), as an act, as a behavior (Fiedler,1967), as a form of persuasion (Neustadt,1960),as a power relation (Bass,1990,p.15), as an instrument for achieving goals (Borgadus,1929),as a differentiated role (Paige,1977).

Jago (1982) on the other hand defined leadership in term of elements of process as well as property. In my view however, leadership is universal phenomenon which can be defined conclusively in the words of Bass (1990b,p.4) as an interaction between two or more members of a given group that usually involves the structuring as well as restructuring of given situation as well as expectations and perceptions of the members. In this process, leaders are regarded as agents of change.

Leadership is therefore noted to be in action whenever a given member of the group modifies the competencies and motivation of the other group members (Bass,1990,p.20). Never in my life had the concept of leadership made so much sense as it currently does in my managerial mind frame and engagement. The concept of leadership had for a long time been elusive to me.I am proud that today I am becoming an effective leader as a culmination of my experience and education of leadership as envisioned by Daft (2011).

I am an upcoming transformational leader. As a transformational leader, I am involved with projects that require that I effect changes in my students/followers. The challenge of my job is that I must bring about significant change since transformational leadership is characterized by the capacity to bring about a significant level of change within the organization or society (Daft,2005,p.153).As a Muslim, I have been involved in several projects in my society that demanded that I lead by example while realizing results.

The most conspicuous example of my transformational leadership skills at the society level was my engagement with the youth in the fight against drugs and disease (HIV / AIDS).As a leader and coordinator of one of our community-based organizations (CBO), I have had the mandate of organizing projects on behavioral change among the youth of Casablanca (Morocco). This has given me both leadership and managerial experience. However, I must mention that my initial stint with the concept of leadership was during my days in secondary school.

While in secondary school, I was used to teach young boys religious studies in what is called 'Madrasa'. This opportunity presented me with the chance to exercise my leadership skills. As a 'Madrasa' teacher, I had a chance of imparting practical knowledge on my followers (the young boys). I must say that I was really impressed with the outcome of my efforts. This motivation led me to consider a career as in leadership and management.

Leadership Skills and Goals As I mentioned earlier on, I aspire to be one of the best transformational leaders in the society.IN my quest for better leadership skills, I have come to learn of a few facts. I have learnt that every organization requires opposite and dependable leadership for it to be successful (Spinelli, 2006). As a leader, I have come to learn that it is the nature of every leader to aspire a certain level of change in individuals towards the attainment of a desired goal.

Leadership I have also come to learn, is a process that influences the employees and the leaders alike. The concept of leadership has therefore struck me as one that entwines leaders and employees as well as influencing organizational objectives while instilling change in people. It is indeed a fact that everyone is born a leader. This is expressed in the "Great Man" theory of a leader. The capacity to be a leader is therefore inherent (Daft,2011). This is because everyone is leading someone somewhere.

I have had a chance of being employed. The chance provided me with better insights into the concept of leadership. I came to learn that for one to be a good leader, one must be a good employee as well. The concept of leadership is therefore one that is complicated. Several scholars define the concept of leadership as involving planning, directing as well as guiding individuals towards a mutual goal.

I guess that this definition is a little bit flawed since to be a good leader, one must be ready to be guided too. The people you guide in conjunction with the processes must be in a position to guide the leaders too so that there is a balance in terms of process and.