Leadership_Theory

Leadership What is leadership' Leadership is defined as the activity of leading a group of individuals or an organization. To be a good leader, it involves some key elements that one must have. These elements are clear vision, sharing your vision, providing information, knowledge and methods to share the vision and being able to balance or coordinate the conflicts in the interest of all of the individuals involved. In times of a crisis, a leader should be at the front so they may think and act in the creative ways they have to help the individuals deal with the difficult situation at hand. Unlike management, leadership flows from the core of a personality and cannot be taught, although it may be learned and may be enhanced through coaching or mentoring. (businessdictionary.com) Sarah Palin is a great leader. She is very honest and she has a strength about her that screams leader. She has shown America that not only can a woman be a great leader, but they can also have great energy and weave motherhood into the mix as well. She has morals and is sensitive but also honest and has a deep knowledge in many different facets of life. Sarah Palin has proved that she has leadership skills by becoming the first female governor of Alaska, as well as the youngest person ever elected to lead the state. Sarah was born February 11, 1964, which makes her only 47 years old. She proved to her people during the first year of her term that she was serious and would keep promises; during this first year she revived the natural gas pipeline. According to Bill McAllister, her press secretary, said ”She has always been sufficiently informed and engaged….In just two years in office, she accomplished more than most governors in their entire careers.” During her first few months in office, she managed to sell the state jet, rejected a big security entourage while driving herself and firing the chef at the executive mansion (Los Angeles times) When Palin ran with John McCain, when it was time to resign, she showed a independence while she did it . Independence is a key feature that every good leader should have. Upon completing the Leadership and Team self-management assessment, my style falls into the category of having excellent team leadership skills. Sarah Palin and myself have similar traits when it comes to leadership traits. However, I do feel that she is far more superior than I am in the leadership field but with more knowledge and practice I could do better. In terms of progressing as a great leader, there are many things that I could change . Sarah Palin was known as and also called herself “A Pit-bull wearing lipstick”. In many ways I can see that of myself. I do not back down from anything unless I am wrong. I stand up for what I believe in and will fight to the end for it. Sarah Palin is the same way. When it comes to the differences in us, she does not like to take “No” for an answer (Los Angeles Times). She wants her way and will walk away if no is said. I am not like that. If there is something that I know needs to be done and I am told No, I will try my hardest to find a way to accomplish it, and would never walk away just because of being told no. When it comes to strengths That Sarah Palin could benefit from would be patience. Patience is another key in leadership, as you need to have patience with everything that you do and with your people. If you are told No, then don’t just walk away, fight for your beliefs and work harder to prove that it is something that should be a Yes instead of No. Never give up, have determination and it will bring you a long ways in the role of a leader. Always remember to keep your chin up and be positive and be a good role model for yourself and your staff.   References Business Dictionary. (July 2011). Business Dictionary. Retrieved from http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/leadership.html#ixzzlolZjOh4N Hamburger, T., & Murphy, K. (September 8, 2008). Los Angeles Times. Retrieved from http://articles.latimes.com/print/2008/sep/08/nation/na-palinstyle8 Sarah Palin. (2009). Newsmakers, 1(1). Retrieved from http://www.galeschools.com/womens_history/bio/palin_s.htm