Developing a Leadership Philosophy Essay -- Developing a Philosophy of

Developing a Leadership PhilosophyIt is very telling that one of our hold activities focuses on reflection and communication. It is telling because these are the two characteristics emphasized throughout each of my leadership classes. Reflection deals with a leaders ability to interiorise learning. Communication incorporates a leaders ability to develop relationships and influence them effectively. I firmly believe both characteristics are the keys to effective leadership. A reckon of experts concur believing that a leader must start with knowledge of oneself and develop that into an ability to communicate, share ideas, visions, and listen to others.KNOWING ONESELFBolman and Deal (1994) summarize prudence and leadership as follows, management provides consistency, control, and efficiency. But leadership is needed to foster purpose, passion, and imagination (p.77). Fullan (2001) points to the Bolman and Deal description of leadership and focuses on the fostering of purpose. Fullan (2001) agrees with Sergiovannis thoughts that, authentic leaders anchor their practice in ideas, values, and commitments, exhibit distinctive qualities of style and substance, and can be trusted to be morally diligent in advancing the enterprises lead (p.14). Fullan (2001) posits that the moral purpose of a leader and the success of an organization are synonymous.FINDING A MORAL COMPASSWhere does a leader materialize his/her moral purpose? Bolman and Deal (2001) write that a leader must lead from something deep in his/her heart (p.23). For me, my moral purpose/compass is deep rooted in my Christian faith. I have a firm belief in what is right and wrong, ethical and unethical. These concepts are not ambiguous for me. I have resour... ...pose to elevate others, to give what one has to help others realize their potential, grow, and achieve their goals.Works CitedBolman, L.G. & Deal, T.E. (1994). Looking for leadership Another search partys report.educational Administration Quarte rly, 30(1), 77-96.Fullan, Michael. (2001). Leading in a culture of change. San Francisco Jossey-Bass.Guiney, E. (2001). Coaching isnt just for athletes The role of teacher leaders. Phi Delta Kappan, 82(10), 740-743.Maxwell, John C. (1998). The 21 irrefutable laws of leadership come about them and peoplewill follow you. Nashville, TN Thomas Nelson Publishers.Warren, Rick. (2002). A purpose driven life. Grand Rapids, MI Zondervan.*John Maxwells principles are adapted from The important Leader Unleashing the Power in People nationwide satellite simulcast from Atlanta, Georgia, 29 April 2005.