Capacity

OBJECTIVE:
Demonstrate the capacity of leadership theories and concepts in context.

RESPONSE:

Leadership theories and concepts are covered early in the program as they are the foundation upon which the advance concepts are built. In the course work for LDRS 300 Introduction to Leadership Concepts, we studied several types and discussed the appropriate application of each leadership style. We learned of the importance of leadership in groups, organizations, communities, and larger society.

In the course LDRS 300, we generated case studies like Bicknell_Discussion_Questions__Case_Studies__Activities_Ch_05_08 where we learned to distinguish between the historical views of leadership and the contemporary post-industrial leadership.

Another case study from LDRS 300 is Bicknell_Discussion_Questions__Case_Studies__Activities_Ch_09_13 where we learned about social change and risk leadership, and the very important subject of followership. We also covered change and ethics, strong underpinnings for the rest of the coursework.

Discussion questions from LDRS 300, LDRS 300 VE - CH 1-4 Discussion, introduce the concept that leaders can be made, that they are not necessarily born. While some people do possess innate traits that help them with leadership, they are no guarantee and someone that studies leadership can become more effective than a “born leader”. We also covered three styles of leadership ranging from overbearing to under engaged. We also started to explore historical studies from Michigan State and THE Ohio State Universities.

As students who work remotely and online, we miss out on some of the campus experience. Therefore, I really appreciated Dr. Kastle’s inclusion of Jamie Kuehl as our guest speaker in LDRS 300. Jamie is a leader in the community and an entrepreneur. My notes are captured in the document: Guest Speaker Extra Credit

In the coursework for LDRS 450 - Advanced Leadership Behaviors, Dr. Seth Kastle, Dr. Justin Greenleaf, and Ryan Olsen had us define leadership from our own perspective and then asked us to cite one other definition to compare and contrast the two. I selected Rost’s definition, which is also the school definition to start my Leadership Effectiveness Plan, LEP – Bicknell, which integrates my learning about advanced leadership behaviors during this semester to my life both as a leader and as a follower.

1. Bicknell_Discussion_Questions__Case_Studies__Activities_Ch_05_08.doc

2. Bicknell_Discussion_Questions__Case_Studies__Activities_Ch_09_13.doc

3. LDRS 300 VE - CH 1-4 Discussion.pdf

4. Guest Speaker Extra Credit.docx

5. LEP – Bicknell.docx