Reflection Week 13 (Overall Reflections)
This
is the last reflection report for this class, which is for Overall Reflection.
In the first
and second weeks, we explored the Introduction to Leadership. I learned
about the importance of leadership, effective leader characteristics, and the
five key elements of leadership.
Overall, the third
week of our leadership course provided a comprehensive and in-depth look at
the importance of leadership traits and ethics. From understanding the key
traits of effective leaders to exploring the Pygmalion effect and strategies
for developing a positive self-concept, this week highlighted the fundamental
principles that contribute to successful leadership. By delving into topics
such as the big five model of personality, executive derailment reasons, and
locus of control, we gained valuable insights into what it takes to be a strong
and ethical leader. It was a thought-provoking and enriching week that deepened
our understanding of the foundational aspects of leadership.
In the fourth
week, I
learned about Leadership behaviour and good examples like never giving up and
not quitting. I also learned about various leadership styles such as the
University of Iowa leadership style, The University of Michigan Leadership
model, The Ohio State University Leadership model, and Blake, Mouton, and
McCause Leadership style.
For the fifth
week,
the topics covered became increasingly interesting as I learned about
Influencing, Power, Politics, Networking, and Negotiation in the context of
leadership. Regarding Influencing, I studied 9 key influencing tactics:
inspirational appeals, consultation, ingratiation, personal appeals, exchange,
coalitions, legitimization, pressure, and rational persuasion. These strategies
are crucial for leaders to effectively influence others. The topic of Power in
leadership was also explored. I learned about the different types of power,
including referent, legal/legitimate, expert, reward, information/resources,
coercive/punishment, and connection power. These various forms of power enable managers
to help their teams achieve common goals. Next, the subject of Politics was
discussed, highlighting the strong connections between influence, power, and
politics, as explained by Professor Jamilah. We also delved into defining the
characteristics of good political leadership. Furthermore, the module covered
Networking in leadership. I learned about the 6 rules for building effective
leadership networks, as well as the importance of negotiation skills for
successful leadership. Negotiation abilities help leaders manage diverse
viewpoints, balance competing interests, and achieve organizational objectives.
Overall, this week's lessons provided a comprehensive understanding of the key
concepts of Influencing, Power, Politics, Networking, and Negotiation, which
are essential for effective leadership. I look forward to continuing to explore
these topics in depth.
In the sixth
week, I
delved into the fascinating topic of Contingency Theory and Models of
Leadership. The core premise of this approach is that there is no single,
universal leadership style that works best in all situations. Rather, the
success of a leader's approach depends on the specific contingencies or
situational factors at hand. One of the key contingency theories explored was
Fiedler's Contingency Model. This model suggests that a leader's effectiveness
is contingent on their leadership style (task-oriented or
relationship-oriented) and the favourability of the situation, which is
determined by leader-member relations, task structure, and position power. Another
prominent contingency theory is the Hersey-Blanchard Situational Leadership
Theory. This model proposes that leaders should adjust their style (directing,
coaching, supporting, or delegating) based on the readiness level of their
followers, which is a function of their competence and commitment. Additionally,
the Path-Goal Theory was discussed, which states that effective leaders clarify
the path to help followers achieve their goals and provide the necessary
support and resources. The leader's style (directive, supportive,
participative, or achievement-oriented) is contingent on the characteristics of
the followers and the work environment. In summary, the core insight from these
contingency theories is that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to
leadership. Successful leaders must be able to diagnose the situation and adapt
their style accordingly to maximize the chances of achieving desired outcomes.
This flexibility and situational awareness are essential for effective
leadership in diverse organizational contexts.
In the seventh
week, I delved into the critical role of communication, coaching, and
conflict management skills in effective leadership. Effective communication is
essential for successful leadership. We explored the steps to send a message
effectively, including the five-step oral message-sending process.
Additionally, I learned about the valuable skill of paraphrasing, which can
help leaders convey information clearly, avoid plagiarism, promote active
listening, and improve understanding and retention of key ideas. Another key
topic covered was the role of coaching in leadership. Professor Jamilah
discussed 10 coaching guidelines that leaders can apply to increase
productivity, engagement, and success within the organization. Effective
leadership coaching can be a powerful tool for developing and empowering team
members. Lastly, I learned about the importance of conflict management skills
for leaders. This included the concept of the 'Arbitrator' in resolving
conflicts among people. Effective conflict resolution is crucial for
maintaining a harmonious and productive work environment. In summary, this
week's learning emphasized that successful leadership requires a multifaceted
skillset, including strong communication abilities, effective coaching
techniques, and conflict management strategies. By mastering these essential
skills, leaders can navigate challenging situations, foster collaboration, and
drive organizational success.
In the eighth
week, we delved into the concepts of relationship, followership, and
delegation in leadership. I learned about the dyadic approach, which focuses on
the relationship between a leader and each individual follower. This includes
understanding the differences between In-Group (IG) followers and Out-Group
(OG) followers, and how leaders can vary their behaviour accordingly. Additionally,
I explored the Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) theory, which explains the dynamics
of these leader-follower relationships. Another key topic covered was
delegative leadership, also known as laissez-faire leadership. This leadership
style involves giving team members the freedom and autonomy to make their own
decisions and complete tasks independently. [4] I learned about the importance
of developing effective followership skills, as this can contribute to the
success of delegative leadership approaches. In summary, this week's learning
emphasized the critical role of the leader-follower relationship, the different
types of followers, and the delegative leadership style. By understanding these
concepts, leaders can foster a more collaborative and empowered work
environment, where team members are actively engaged and contribute to the
organization's success.
In the ninth
week, we were given the opportunity to attend a webinar with the popular
politician, YB Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy. The webinar was titled "Kepimpinan
Jalanan" (Street Leadership), and it provided valuable insights into his
leadership approach. Highlights from the Webinar: YB Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy's
Motto: During the webinar, YB Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy shared his motto,
"ADUN hanya mandat, pekerja kepada rakyat" (The State Assembly Member
is just a mandate, a worker for the people). This reflects his commitment to serving
the people and prioritizing their needs. The insights on "Street
Leadership": YB Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy discussed his approach to
"Street Leadership," which emphasizes being accessible and responsive
to the community. He shared his experiences in handling various issues and
challenges faced by the people. The webinar was organized by Prof Jamilah, who
facilitated the session and provided opportunities for attendees to engage with
the leader. I found the experience to be highly enriching, as it allowed me to
gain firsthand insights into the leadership practices of a prominent political
figure. My personal reflection about the webinar with YB Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy
has left a lasting impression on me. His motto, "ADUN hanya mandat,
pekerja kepada rakyat," resonates with me on a personal level. It reminds
me that when we are entrusted with a job or responsibility, our primary focus
should be on serving and accomplishing the task for the benefit of the people
we serve. This webinar has inspired me to strive for a similar level of
dedication and commitment in my own endeavours. Overall, the opportunity to
attend this webinar and learn from YB Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy's leadership
experiences has been a valuable addition to my educational journey. I am
grateful to Prof Jamilah for organizing this enriching session and providing us
with this insightful learning experience.
In the tenth
week, I had the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of team
leadership. This comprehensive learning experience covered a wide range of
topics, providing me with valuable insights and practical knowledge. We
explored the pros and cons of team-based leadership styles. While teamwork can
foster increased creativity, skill development, and a shared sense of
responsibility, it can also present challenges such as difficulty in making
urgent decisions and the potential for too many hands in the decision-making
process. We examined the key characteristics that contribute to the
effectiveness of teams. These include diverse thinking, behavioural elements,
trust, collaboration, and a sense of shared responsibility for the team's
success. We also delved into the different types of teams, including
task-oriented teams, social-oriented teams, and hierarchical teams.
Understanding these various team structures and their dynamics is crucial for
effective team leadership. We explored the importance of fostering team
creativity, which can lead to innovative solutions and enhanced problem-solving
capabilities. The team-centred approach to leadership was highlighted as a key
factor in unlocking the creative potential of teams. Finally, we learned about
the critical role of the leader in conducting effective meetings. Facilitating
productive discussions, managing team dynamics, and ensuring the efficient use
of time are essential skills for team leaders. This comprehensive learning
experience has equipped me with a deeper understanding of team leadership and
the various factors that contribute to team effectiveness. I am grateful for
the opportunity to explore these topics and am excited to apply these insights
in my future endeavours.
The eleventh
week cover about learning Self-Managed Team (SMT) and comparing them to
traditional teams. There are about 10 characteristics to differentiate between
SMT and traditional teams. Next, we are learning strategies to improve SMT
effectiveness. I also learnt about the role self-managed team (SMT) facilitators
and SMT champion. In conclusion, this reflection covers the key characteristics
that distinguish SMTs from traditional team, as well as strategies to improve
SMT effectiveness, including optimizing production processes, ensuring
meaningful tasks, and leveraging the roles of facilitators and champions. By
understanding these aspects, I am better equipped to provide guidance on
building high-performance self-managed teams.
In the twelve
weeks of the Dynamics of Leadership course, I had the opportunity to
explore several fascinating leadership concepts, with a particular focus on
transformational, charismatic, and servant leadership. Transformational
leadership was one of the key topics I found most engaging. This leadership
approach emphasizes the leader's ability to inspire and motivate followers,
fostering a shared vision and empowering them to achieve extraordinary results.
I learned about the four core components of transformational leadership:
idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and
individualized consideration. Another area of interest was charismatic
leadership, which centre’s on the leader's personal appeal and ability to
captivate followers. I explored the characteristics of charismatic leaders,
such as self-confidence, visionary thinking, and exceptional communication
skills. Additionally, I learned about the two main types of charismatic
leadership: personalized charismatic leadership, where the leader's authority
is derived from their own personal charm and appeal, and socialized charismatic
leadership, where the leader's influence is focused on empowering and serving the
collective good. To complement my understanding of charismatic leadership, I
also studied four key strategies for developing charismatic qualities: building
a foundation of self-confidence, creating a compelling vision, developing a
charismatic presence, and honing effective communication skills. Alongside
transformational and charismatic leadership, I also explored the concept of
transactional leadership, which emphasizes the exchange of rewards and
punishments between leaders and followers. I learned about the strengths and
weaknesses of both transactional and transformational leadership, and how they
can be strategically applied in different organizational contexts. Finally, I
delved into the principles of servant leadership, which prioritizes serving and
empowering people over a sole focus on leading. I was particularly inspired by
the examples of Mahatma Gandhi and the late Allahyarham Nik Aziz b Nik Mat,
whose servant leadership approach emphasized humility, compassion, and a deep
commitment to the well-being of their followers. In conclusion, this reflection
covers the key learnings from the twelve-week Dynamics of Leadership course,
with a focus on transformational, charismatic, and servant leadership. By
understanding these diverse leadership approaches, I have gained valuable
insights that will inform my future leadership development and practice.
In the final
weeks of the Dynamics of Leadership course, I had the opportunity to delve
deeper into several fascinating leadership concepts, including Level 5
Leadership, the Flywheel Effect, and Authentic Leadership. During my group
presentation, I learned about the concept of Level 5 Leadership, which is
characterized by a unique combination of personal humility and intense
professional will. This leadership style is a key element of the Flywheel
Effect framework, which describes how great companies and organizations achieve
sustained excellence through a gradual, cumulative process of building
momentum, rather than a single defining action. In the final lecture, Professor
Jamilah introduced the topic of Authentic Leadership, which emphasizes the
importance of self-awareness, strong values, and an internal moral compass. I
was particularly intrigued by the metaphor of the "True North"
internal compass, as described by Bill George, which can help leaders stay
focused on their core purpose and values.
Wrap-up and
Reflections
The final
wrap-up session with Professor Jamilah was a valuable opportunity to reflect on
the insights I gained throughout the Dynamics of Leadership course. I am
grateful for the knowledge and perspectives I have acquired, and I am confident
that I can apply these learnings to my own career advancement and leadership
development. A bunch of thank and bless to Prof Jamilah for all the kindness. What
you give, you will get back (all the good indeed). Insya-Allah.
Last class screenshot on 21st June 2024 (Friday) with Prof Jamilah and all my classmate
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