As we come to the end of our semester with a final wrap up discussion assignment we were asked the following question to reflect upon our learning. “What is leadership? How have your ideas changed/stayed the same over the course of the semester? Why is that? What was the most valuable lesson and why? What was the most valuable assignment and why? What else did you get out of this class?” (Pennsylvania State University, World Campus, 2012) The one question I do not feel I effectively followed through was, “what else did you get out of this class.” That’s because it took reading a wrap up discussion posted by a fellow class mate that provides the perspective of new leader something which may long escape the memory of a seasoned leader.

In her blog she expresses how she observes other leaders around her and is attempting to determine if they were born with their leadership traits or learned the skills. She expresses her thoughts of a co-worker she feels has the ability to influence others no matter if she has skills and has accomplished this by honing their leadership skills through experience. However, she also shares her perspective where some people have the “innate ability to influence others.” (Betcher, PSU World Campus, 2012) She does recognize leaders are unique in their style and will always need to develop and grow to be good leaders.

As she wraps up her discussion she shares her positive takeaways from the course as a new leader and how she will apply them to aid her growth as a leader. However, she expresses the challenge of being overwhelmed with what appears to be her own responsibilities on top of fulfilling the role of a leader.

In response to her discussion and concerns of attempting to balance her new leadership role was to reassure her of the natural feeling of being overwhelmed and challenged by direct reports on top of carving out time for oneself to self reflect. This time may be through the simple fifteen mile jaunt home where a conversation of self reflecting of the day can occur with the windshield. Processing how we as new or seasoned leaders handled a particular situation or interaction with a direct report or colleague. Leaders with character recognize they are not perfect, take ownership to their mistakes, show their vulnerability, and find extreme value in continuous learning and evolving as a leader.

The gist of the message, no matter what leadership theory, behavior, trait or style we take away and apply from this course we must never forget carving out time for ourselves. As leaders we are humans too, we do matter and if we allow ourselves to be consumed by the negativity others wallow in we will be no different than they and lose credibility as a leader. As leaders we must inspire, empower and lead a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.

Reference

Betcher, Kathryn, PSU World Campus (2012). PSYCH 484 Lesson 15: Putting it All Together Discussion Forum. On December 8, 2012.

Pennsylvania State University, World Campus (2012). PSYCH 485 Lesson 15: Putting it all Together. Retrieved on December 1, 2012, from https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/fa12/psych485/002/content/15_lesson.html.

I have had multiple sales/management positions in the past where it is absolutely essential to be part of the in-group which by working hard, and earning confidence from your leaders earns rewards (Pennsylvania State University, 2012). Rewards in the form of perks, benefits, raises, and status promotions are the goal of taking on extra roles that are outside of the realm of the job description which is a great way to get a leg up with many companies (Pennsylvania State University, 2012). Large organizations usually have a structure that allows for this type of environment, and upper level leaders are normally a product of the in-group (Pennsylvania State University, 2012).

Understanding the natural progression of a companies corporate hierarchy can provide a person with goals that will eventually equate to achievements within the company. For example, trying to be early every day, being cognizant of the way you are acting around your peers, and staying compliant within the ramifications of the corporate policies can help a person gain access to the in-group (Pennsylvania State University, 2012). Upon entry the extra responsibilities, heightened tasks, and a broader understanding of various business aspects can lead to the ultimate goal of promotion (Pennsylvania State University, 2012). It all seems to start out with a fundamental relationship that can lead to a bigger and brighter future for a follower (Northouse, 2013).

Currently, I am working as a contractor and the culture is a little different than any other position that I have had in the fact that there is no commitment from my employer, and no promise that if I put in extra effort I will be able to make it into the in-group. However, the goals of most contractual employees is to be hired as a direct colleague, which does happen often but with lower pay and no benefits it doesn’t lend itself to wanting to exceed all management expectations. The nature of the unemployment rate today and the reliance that many companies place within the staffing industry is leading to lower wages and underemployment for many Americans.  Working as a Contractor for GE I am able to see light industrial contrractors making anywhere from ten to twenty-five dollars less than their unionized counterparts, and they perform many of the exact same tasks.  I realize that tenure comes into play, but GE is stepping away from directly hiring anyone, and relying more on Adecco to find them Engineers and Technical contracted employees. Most of the time these contractors are fired after their assignment is up, and they are back to hunting the job boards for work.  Its sad to see so many quality people with no place to make a lasting career.

I long for the opportunity to have a clear link to the in-group as I currently feel like I”m an outsider looking in with my current job (Pennsylvania State University, 2012). Hopefully a degree from Pennsylvania State University will help me achieve my goals of finding a desirable position that offers advancement opportunities, full benefits, and a living wage where I can kick start a retirement plan.

References:

Northouse, P. (2013). Leadership:theory and practice . (6 ed., pp. 161-184). Los Angeles, London, New Delhi, Singapore, Washington DC: Sage.