Conceptualizing Leadership

In chapter 3, the authors “present a relational model of leadership to consider in building your own personal philosophy.” Over the first five weeks of the semester we have reviewed the components of relational leadership, applied concepts to a teams workshop and start the reflection process through an exploration of CliftonStrengths.
These experiences should provide you with the tools you need to begin thinking about who you are as a leader and how you define leadership.
For this assignment, you will summarize and synthesize the information you have learned so far by responding to the questions provided in a 3-4 page paper. Remember to include individual experiences and supporting evidence (i.e. readings, class discussion, activities, etc.) to support your statements. Make sure to incorporate this information in a meaningful and thoughtful way  Download meaningful and thoughtful wayusing proper APA citation format  Download APA citation format. A references page should be included. This paper provides you with the opportunity to practice writing in this manner and to receive feedback from the instructor so that you are better prepared to write your Informational Interview Paper at the end of the semester.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

To explore your perceptions of different aspects of leadership
To explore your Strengths and those of your classmates
To compare and analyzing various views of leadership
To support opinions/views about leadership concepts by incorporating materials from credible resources in a thoughtful way with proper citation format
To practice incorporating constructive feedback

 
INSTRUCTIONS:

Make sure the following are complete:

Assigned readings weeks 1-5
Teams Workshop 
CliftonStrengths Assessment

Write a well-constructed introduction to your paper.
Answer the prompt questions (below), using at least 4 meaningful, thoughtful and properly cited connections to information from class discussions and/or the readings. 
Write a conclusion that includes your own definition of leadership.
Upload your finished paper (3-4 pages plus References) here by the due date (Week 5).
Exchange papers with classmate for peer review. 

 
Conceptualizing Leadership Prompt Questions

What purpose does your leadership serve? (see page 22)
Which of the “truths about leadership” resonates most closely with your experience as a leader? (see pages 47-50)
As you review the five elements of the Relational Leadership Model, which are most comfortable for you and why? Which involve knowledge, skills, or attitudes that you have not yet learned or developed?
What CliftonStrengths – both yours and your group mates – did you observe during the Teams Workshop?  How will you use each of your top 5 CliftonStrengths signature themes in working together as a group? 

* Remember to end your paper with a conclusion that summarizes your thoughts and includes your own one sentence definition of leadership.