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Leadership Development Plan Essay

Introduction

Leadership greatly influences our lives, perspectives, and aspirations, serving as a driving

force behind personal and communal growth. At the beginning of the semester, my

understanding of leadership was rather traditional, seeing it mainly as a position of authority and

responsibility. However, my experiences have been diverse, encompassing leadership roles in

school projects and community initiatives where I navigated group dynamics and aimed to

inspire and guide others. My leadership role model is Martin Luther King Jr., whose steadfast

commitment to justice and equality embodies the power of compassionate, transformative

leadership. Inspired by his legacy, my leadership aspirations are centered on creating positive

change within my community, fostering a culture of inclusivity, and promoting continuous

learning. As I delve deeper into the principles of effective leadership, I am committed to

developing the skills and mindset necessary to lead with purpose and impact..

Designing Your Leadership Self

Leadership begins with self-awareness. Through the course, I have learned that effective

leadership is deeply personal and evolves from understanding one's strengths and weaknesses. I

see myself as a leader who values integrity, empathy, and resilience. The book "Discovering

Leadership: Designing Your Success" has taught me that leadership is not just about guiding

others, but also about continuous self-improvement. I aspire to be a transformational leader,

someone who motivates and inspires by setting a positive example. The leadership style that fits

me best is transformational leadership because it emphasizes vision, change, and empowerment.

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Key personal attributes for my success as a leader include emotional intelligence, strong

communication skills, and the ability to adapt to change. Currently, my strengths lie in empathy

and active listening, while I need to develop better strategic planning skills. To intentionally

develop these attributes, I plan to engage in leadership workshops and seek mentorship

opportunities. Personal hardships, such as overcoming academic challenges and adapting to new

environments, have instilled in me a sense of perseverance and purpose, which I believe are

essential for any leader.

Designing Leadership Relationships

Leadership is fundamentally relational. Building trust and credibility are essential for effective
leadership, as emphasized in "Discovering Leadership: Designing Your Success." Trust is
established through consistent, transparent actions and by embodying the values and principles
that one advocates. Ethical leadership, grounded in fairness, integrity, and respect, is the
cornerstone of building strong relationships with followers. Developing ethical fitness involves a
commitment to these foundational principles and continuous self-reflection. As a future leader, I
plan to navigate challenges creatively and ethically by fostering an environment that encourages
open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving.

Creating an environment that promotes open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving is

crucial for resolving conflicts and strengthening bonds. This approach ensures that ethical
considerations remain at the forefront of decision-making processes. By fostering such an
atmosphere, leaders can navigate challenges more effectively and maintain strong, ethical
relationships with their followers. As a future leader, I aim to prioritize transparency and
consistency in my actions, setting a standard for ethical behavior within the organization.

To influence, empower, and motivate followers, recognizing and leveraging individual strengths
is vital. Providing opportunities for personal and professional growth helps maintain an engaged
and motivated team. By acknowledging the unique contributions of each team member, a leader
can create a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and empowered to excel. This
holistic approach ensures that relationships are effective and sustainable, fostering a positive and
productive organizational culture.

Designing Others' Success

Leaders are problem solvers who design conditions for others to succeed. Creativity is a vital
component of leadership as it drives innovation and adaptability. As a future leader, I will
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integrate creativity into the workplace by fostering a culture that values new ideas and
continuous improvement. This approach not only encourages innovation but also helps in finding
unique solutions to challenges. By emphasizing creativity, I can help my team adapt to changing
circumstances and seize new opportunities.

Beyond achieving immediate goals, helping followers maximize their potential involves
mentoring, offering constructive feedback, and creating a supportive environment that challenges
them to grow. Mentorship plays a crucial role in developing their skills and confidence.
Constructive feedback ensures continuous improvement and personal development. A supportive
environment encourages followers to take risks and learn from their experiences, leading to both
personal and organizational growth.

Balancing managerial and leadership roles requires setting clear expectations and providing the
necessary resources and support for team members to excel. Effective leadership involves not
only managing tasks but also inspiring and guiding the team towards a common vision. By
sharing a compelling vision, demonstrating passion and commitment, and recognizing
achievements, I can motivate my team to strive for excellence and work towards shared goals
with enthusiasm and dedication.

Helping others experience change involves guiding them through transitions with empathy and
clear communication. It is essential to ensure they understand the benefits and are equipped to
handle challenges. By fostering an environment of open communication and providing the
necessary support, I can help my team navigate change smoothly and confidently. This approach
not only builds resilience but also strengthens the team's ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic
environment.

Designing Culture and Community

Culture is the lifeblood of any organization and must be intentionally crafted by leaders.

Societal culture influences organizational culture by shaping values, norms, and behaviors. As a

leader, instilling values such as respect, collaboration, and innovation will be pivotal in creating

a positive organizational culture. Building cultural awareness and teaching flexibility within the

organization are essential for bridging cultural divides and fostering an inclusive environment.

To build an effective team, I will focus on creating a sense of belonging and purpose

among team members. This involves recognizing diverse perspectives, encouraging teamwork,

and celebrating collective achievements. Helping the team meet challenges and progress to the
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next level requires setting clear goals, providing continuous feedback, and promoting a growth

mindset. A helping culture is shaped by leaders who prioritize the well-being and development

of their team members, encouraging support and collaboration over competition.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my leadership journey over the past semester, I have learned that leadership

is a continuous process of self-discovery and development. The principles and practices from the

CORE™ model—Character, Organizational climate, Relationships, and Excellence—have been

instrumental in shaping my understanding of effective leadership. Character involves

maintaining integrity and ethical standards, while organizational climate focuses on creating a

positive, inclusive environment. Building strong relationships based on trust and mutual respect

is crucial, and striving for excellence requires a commitment to continuous improvement and

innovation.

In summary, my personal leadership journey has been enriching and transformative. I

have gained a deeper understanding of my strengths and areas for improvement, and I am

committed to developing the skills and attributes necessary to become an effective leader. By

applying the concepts from "Discovering Leadership: Designing Your Success," I am confident

in my ability to lead with purpose, inspire others, and create lasting positive change.

References
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Middlebrooks, A. E., Allen, S. J., McNutt, M. S., & Morrison, J. L. (2020). Discovering

Leadership: Designing Your Success. Los Angeles.