THE QUALITIES OF LEADERS 1

Individual Reflection: The Qualities of Leaders

MARTHA CRIMES

WMBA 6000

WEEK 1 ASSIGNMENT

Walden University
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Individual Reflection: The Qualities of Leaders

The leader that I have selected to talk about is Mrs. B. Mrs. B. was already employed at
this organization when I was hired. This individual did not process a degree when I was hired,
but she was very proficient in what she was doing and had accomplished. She was in a position
to help incoming employees complete many forms that was associated with their position. Mrs.
B. also served as chairperson of the planning committee for different functions held at the
organization. Mrs. B. was granted a promotion and she moved to another position in the same
building. She continue to be instrumental in her new position and also continue to contribute her
support, expertise to the position she vacated. She not only helped with the learning process of
the newly hired individual, but she ensured that everything was in order by taking first-hand the
projects that she loved and had created herself.
Qualities that Describe the Leader

The five qualities that was chosen to best describe this leader are: she is open and honest,

inspires others, she is accountable, creative and she shows empathy. Mrs.. B. is very honest in

what she does. Being an honest person is one of the main ingredients of a good and successful

leader and Mrs. B. is that person. She sticks to her values and beliefs and she tells you that when

you are helping others it is important to be straightforward. People will respect you more when

you communicate with them and express your feelings and let them know that they are

important.

Mrs. B. inspires others and is also an inspiration to others. Sometimes it is difficult for a

leader to persuade others to follow. This is the opposite for Mrs. B, because of her unique

personality and how she relates to people, she inspires her followers by setting good examples in

everything she does.

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When it comes to accountability this individual takes her share of the blame and less of

the credit that she is due. By doing this she tries to ensure that all subordinates are held

accountable for their actions. She tells all her employees that if you are unsure of what to do then

you should ask questions to ensure that you are doing what is right. By not asking questions you

could end up doing something incorrect that could jeopardize your position.

Showing empathy is another quality of Mrs. B. She can somehow tell or fell what others

are experiencing. She goes so far as to envision herself in another person’s shoes. She also

guides her employees through challenges and difficult situations and she is always looking for

solutions to problems. Maccoby (2004) said, “Best-selling business writers today have taken up

the slogan of “emotional competencies” -the belief that successful leadership requires a strongly

developed sense of empathy” (p. 6). Mrs. B. is a leader that looks after her team’s feelings. She

praises her team in public and address any and all problems in private.

Evaluation of the Leader’s Qualities

All of the qualities that described Mrs. B. does not do her justice. She is a leader who

knows the way, goes the way, and shows others the right way. She inspires groups, she is a

person that brings the groups together, she creates something out of nothing, she goes the extra

mile to accomplish the goals she has set for herself and she encourages others to accomplish their

goals. Being a successful leader is not easy, and as Mrs. B. has said to employees over and over

again, if you have a vision of something you want to achieve, then t takes communication of that

vision in an effective way so that others are moved by what you are trying to convey to them.

Ancona, Malone, Orlikowski & Senge (2007) said, “Visioning involves creating compelling

images of the future” (p. 5). Mrs. B. said visioning gives individuals a sense of meaning in their
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work. When she shares her visions on upcoming projects individuals are excited about the future

of the projects and she inspires others to create their own vision for future endeavors.

Leaders Power and Influence.

A good leader is someone that people can look to for answers and solutions. When a

leader is committed to a project and others, they don’t mind getting their hands dirty. To prove

that they are committed to the organization and employees, they don’t mind working alongside

everyone else to earn their respect. As leaders show their commitment its sets an example for

others to follow, and this will lead to greater loyalty from other individuals and team members.

This will give the leader the respect needed as a leader. As leaders set the tone for commitment,

others will follow suit. Mrs. B. has all the qualities mentioned above and she is a leader who

leads. She is self-driven, works hard to achieve results. She is someone everyone looks up to

and she encourages the rest to work together. Mrs. B. is the driving force behind the betterment

of the organization that she is associated with. She leads with quality and fineness, as she

continue to exemplify her skills. Kellerman (2004) said, “Leaders create shared meaning, having

integrity” (p. 43). a good leader will have all the qualities mentioned and more. A leader leads,

and Mrs. B. is definitely a leader.

References

Ancona, D., Malone, T.W., Olikowski, W.J., & Senge, P.M. (2007). Harvard Business Review.

In Praise of the incomplete leader. 85(2), pp. 92-100.

Kellerman, B. (2004). Harvard Business Review, Leadership Warts and all. 82(1), 40-45.

Maccoby, M. (2004). Harvard Business Review. Narcissistic Leaders: The incredible pros, the

inevitable cons. 82(1), 92-101.

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