Answer

Personal Leadership Model

Leadership is often defined as the art of influencing other people positively so as to achieve organizational goals and objectives in such a way that it promotes both cohesiveness and consistence in the activities of the organization (Bolman, and Deal, 2017). Personal leadership, on the other hand, is concerned with selecting and adopting positive behaviors which are in line with both the mission and vision of an organization and to apply these behaviors in influencing others so as to enable them to move forward in a positive direction.  This implies that an effective leader is mandated with the responsibility of ensuring that an organization works successfully in realizing its desired goals. Similarly Bolman and Deal (2017)observes that real leaders often have distinctive qualities that enable them to command attention and to win other’s trust so as to enable them to lead successfully. However as Avgerinou & Gialamas (2016) observes, it is essential for an effective leader to have a clearly stated personal leadership model that is not only genuine but also consistence with their personality so as to achieve an organizational vision and goals. This essay describes my personal leadership model with regard to the three major areas of leadership. Additionally, it gives the most significant traits that I view as the most important for leaders to poses.  What is more, the ways through which my group would benefit from the leadership model is equally explored.

There is no clear reason as to why some leaders succeed while others fail. However, it is postulated that the difference between succeeding and failing as a leader depends on the approach to leadership that one adopts. In designing my leadership model, I was careful to embrace techniques that have higher chances of ensuring success in my leadership. To realize this, my major organizational ideas were based on traits and relationships in leadership. I had to ensure that I include the right traits such as good decision-making skills, empathy, and integrity so as to be able to lead others well. This is in line with trait theory of leadership as given by Lussier & Achua (2015), who indicates that traits are the leadership qualities that an individual possess such as integrity, good decision-making skills as well as assertiveness among others. Unfortunately, the theory does not give any specific combination of traits that would guarantee a success in leadership.

 Relationships are equally a significant organizing idea in my personal leadership model. This is because leadership entails managing people. Therefore, there is need to relate well to them so as to promote the realization of goals and objectives. According to behavioral theory, how a leader behaves when interacting with the subjects determines how the organization is likely to succeed (Dinh, et.al, 2014). The behavior of autocratic leaders involves making decisions without the involvement of other members of the team in the decision-making so as to allow the decisions to be made much faster. According to (Dinh, et.al, 2014), even though the technique allows for the ease of decision-making, it does not foster healthy relationships within an organization. Instead, democratic leadership style should be advocated for which allows for members of a team to give input in various undertakings before engaging in decision-making.  As the scholars suggest, the technique is significant since it promotes inclusiveness and better relations between a leader and members of a group. However, the style may not be easy especially in a situation where members have varied opinions. 

In addition to the main organizing idea, important traits and skills that an effective leader must have and which is similarly part of my personal leadership model include communication. As a leader it is necessary to clearly and succinctly be in a position to explain to members of a group the specific goals and objectives in a manner that can be understood by all. Flexibility is equally an essential skill necessary for a leader. This is because situations keep changing and the leader must be willing to adjust effectively and provide an appropriate feedback. This is similarly in line with contingency theory that state, the effectiveness of a leader does not depend on a specific leadership style but is heavily determined by the situation that individuals find themselves in as long as the objective is met (Waters, 2013). Similarly as Lussier, & Achua (2015) indicates, this theory is most suitable for handling the ever-changing situations. 

The guiding principles in my personal leadership model include integrity which implies that I must at all times, demonstrate moral courage and ethical strength in all my interactions with the members of the group so as to realize positive outcomes. Another guiding principle is humility. This implies that when dealing with the others, it is important to become aware of my own limitations and to positively embrace individual differences with respect and understanding. What is more, authenticity as a value is also pursued by the model. Through authenticity, I will promote transparency in my actions so as to effectively contribute to the growth of others.

Some of the leadership practices that my model aims at achieving include creating an environment that inspires members of the group to work hard and excel. Similarly, the model aims at fostering acting courageously. Through it, I will be able to clarify with ease what I feel is important and be willing to make bold and reasonable moves.  Additionally, I will enable me to lead others in solving even extremely difficult tasks and ensure both short-term and long-term goals are met.  Should my model be fully adopted and implemented, them my group is likely to adopt my approach in motivating others which is likely to result in the realization of goals and objectives. Also, the model will be able to create an environment where members can do their best without unnecessary hindrance. This is due to the fact that I will embrace democratic leadership style where creativity and contrary opinions are welcome as long as they are tailored towards the realization of goals and objectives.

            Indeed my personal leadership model is slightly different from the traditional models. This is because, unlike other models, it does not follow a specific leadership theory but selects specific values from the major theories. This is in order to keep it in line with the changing trends so as to remain relevant even into the present time and age. Additionally, my model is different because traits and relationships that make it be concerned more with how I interact with the members of the group as opposed to being focused on result alone. I will personally apply the model by practicing all the skills and the values mentioned therein in my day-to-day interactions with the members of my group.

In summation, it is evidenced that leadership is basically concerned with influencing others in a positive way so as to realize goals and objectives. Similarly, a leader must possess unique qualities so as to realize success. In my personal leadership model, traits and the interpersonal relationship takes center stage as my main organizing Idea since leadership is all about managing people. Additionally, my core values, as well as guiding principles, focus on effective communication, integrity and authenticity since they are all concerned with building trust amongst each other so as to provide a suitable environment for maximum participation.