Critical Friends Circle 4 - on Leadership by Daniel Blackshields

Critical Friends Circle 4 - on Leadership by Daniel Blackshields https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr C.F.C. reflection on leadership given our lived experience of leadership with Professor Ryan en-us 2017-11-10 18:15:26 UTC 2026-03-16 19:33:41 UTC hello@padlet.com GUIDELINES FOR THE CRITICAL FRIENDS CIRCLE d_blackshields https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/205785089
In this reflection I would like you to consider the following quote on leadership given your own understanding of leadership pre-our session today and your lived experience of leadership in our session with Professor Ryan

Ensure that you write a reflection and respond to the reflections of at least one of your peers by 5pm on Wednesday 15th November, 2017.

]]> 2017-11-10 18:17:22 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/205785089 d_blackshields https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/205788012 2017-11-10 18:26:52 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/205788012 d_blackshields https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/205788669 2017-11-10 18:28:25 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/205788669 d_blackshields https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/205789019 2017-11-10 18:29:28 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/205789019 d_blackshields https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/205789298 2017-11-10 18:30:19 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/205789298 d_blackshields https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/205789432 2017-11-10 18:30:46 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/205789432 d_blackshields https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/205789579 2017-11-10 18:31:16 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/205789579 People think they know what they want but not necessarily https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206045596 Sometimes people know where to go and a good leader knows how to get them there. Yet sometimes people do not know where to go therefore a great leader can get them where they should be going. It is up to us where we want to go, but we can also rely on other people if we are lost on our journey.

Michal Biedowicz]]> 2017-11-12 22:29:03 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206045596 d_blackshields https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206179676 2017-11-13 11:48:36 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206179676 Leaders need to see things within people that they do not know themselves billrocks10 https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206346294 I find Rosalynn Carter's interpretation of what a leader needs to do to be someone who can take people not necessarily where they want to go but where they ought to be. A leader needs to have an innate ability to see things within people that they themselves may not see, and to encourage them to fulfill their potential by giving them responsibility and making them feel valued. A leader is nothing without trusting team members who can counter ague points but in the end will value the guidance and trust put into them and reward them with carrying out a task they usually might not and ultimately reach their potential.
-Bill Gaine

My response to Michal, I agree with his hypothesis people often lack the direction and the knowledge to carry out a task. But people can rely on a true leader to help them on their journey to reach untapped potential within their mental psyche i believe a true leader plays a pivotal role in this ]]> 2017-11-13 16:51:11 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206346294 Leaders are Rare https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206364259 For someone to be a natural-born leader is a rare thing. The vast majority of people are quite content at sitting back and letting someone else take the reigns of the situation and lead. The 'followers' in this situation likely won't know either where they want to go or even where they should be. A good leader will see both of these things in each of the people they are leading. Having someone like that to follow is relatively rare at the stage we as college students are at. Not many people are willing to take the risk and be the leader in any situation.
-Cian O Connor

Response to Bill Gaine-
I definitely agree that a great leader can also listen their team members and take into account what they are saying, even if what is being said is a counter-point of some description. Having ideas bounce back and forth between people in a team can only bring about progress and ultimately lead to the success of the team as a whole.]]> 2017-11-13 17:19:33 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206364259 Dedication of Leaders https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206759455 I agree with Rosalynn Carter's quote, a leader takes people to where they need to be. It takes time and effort to be a great leader. Great leaders are dedicated and set a high standard, leading by example for the rest of the team. A great leader ensures that every team member is pulling their own weight, so they get to where they need to be, i.e. to accomplish their common goal.
- Shane Barrett
My response to Michal Biedowicz:
I agree with points made, it is definitely up to us how far we go, and we also know other people will support us along the way ]]> 2017-11-14 15:13:55 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206759455 Vision https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206864867 I agree with Rosalyn Carter. Leaders do indeed take people where they want to go. However, in my opinion, the difference between being a leader and a great leader is having a vision. A vision that provides direction and sets priorities. Moving people away from their comfort zone and providing a clear picture of what the project will look like when they finish. A great leader will never just be satisfied with getting people where they want to go, he/she will always want to get people to the next level.
-Conor Mc Carthy

My response to Shane Barrett:
I completely agree with Shane. To get to that next level requires dedication and high standards. Leading by example will certainly help to achieve the common goal

]]> 2017-11-14 17:50:38 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206864867 Stepping outside of your comfort zone https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206878326 I agree with Rosalynn Carter’s quote about leadership. A good leader has the ability to encourage people to work in a situation which they may not have been comfortable in to begin with. They know that in order for the members of a team to work well together and reach their maximum potential the members of the team must be pushed outside of their comfort zone. A good leader expects the cooperation of all team members and wants the best possible outcome from each individual. – Claire White

My response to Bill Gaine:

I agree that leaders often have the ability to sometimes see things within people that they do not see themselves. For this reason I think it is important for a leader to push what they believe will work best the team.

]]> 2017-11-14 18:13:04 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206878326 Recognising potential https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206934471 I agree with Rosalynn Carter, a great leader must take people where they may not want to go, but where they need to be. A great leader must be able to recognise the potential within everyone they lead and encourage them to express their talent, even though they may not realise their own potential yet.

Donal Sheehan

My response to Conor :
I agree, a great leader must have a vision that sets the values and priorities within the group. A leader must get the members of the team to believe in this vision as well.]]> 2017-11-14 19:41:33 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/206934471 Comfort Zone in Leadership https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207024528 I agree with Carter's opinion on leadership. Most leaders will manage to take people where they want to go. However, it takes much more to step out of your comfort zone and do what you really think is best option for the team. This is a major difference between a great leader and just a leader who would be doing only what others want, knowing it's not the best decision. The vast majority of leaders do what is expected from them. Only a small number of leaders can take a risk, step out of their comfort zone and do what is best for the group.

Anna Drawc

My response to Donal Sheehan:
I agree that a great leader must take people where they should go and recognize the full potential of the group in order to achieve the highest goal. People should be encouraged to maximise their abilities.]]> 2017-11-15 01:36:40 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207024528 Leadership https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207176917 Rosalyn Carter has really summed up what it is to be a great leader in that one quote. there will come times when someone needs to step up and take a challenge by the scruff of the neck. people may not always want to take on risk but with great risk comes great reward and its the leaders job to take the team to new heights even if its not where people might want to go. Be it through motivation, dedication and setting an example a leader is someone who spearheads new challenges at times not even knowing the full extent of their own capabilities.
Shane O'Donovan

my response to Cian:
I agree that good leaders are very rare. A natural born leader may not come along very often but that leads the door open to other people stepping up and becoming great leaders themselves]]> 2017-11-15 13:45:20 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207176917 L https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207208163 2017-11-15 14:35:38 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207208163 Leaving your comfort zone https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207208186 I like this quote because it shows us that a good leader is able to bring his or her team out of their comfort zone and is able to take risks so that the team can progress and reach new heights. Not everyone has this capability of motivating and leading a group to take risks that might be daunting to the team at first. This talent of being a risk taker is very important in order to be a successful leader.
Vince Giltinan
My Response to Shane O'Donovan: i agree that leaders have to be able to grab their team by the scruff of the neck sometimes but must be careful to not become too dogmatic in certain situations where that sort of leadership does not suit.]]> 2017-11-15 14:35:40 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207208186 guidance - eamonn doyle https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207243143 what the quote is saying is that a good leader will have to push their group/team out of their comfort zones, and bring them along to places even if they don't actually want to go their.

my response to Claire White: i agree with with what Claire was saying about a leader having to encourage people to go outside their comfort zones, even if they don't want to. It is an important attribute any good leader needs

]]> 2017-11-15 15:25:04 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207243143 Comfort Zones https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207243372 I agree with Rosalyn Carter. I think great leaders get the people who they are working with where they should be because they put them in situations where they might not feel comfortable. This ensures that they are always challenged and adapting to the situations around them. Great leaders push those around them further than maybe the person thought they could be beforehand. The leader can see their potential and ensures that they achieve it. This leads to better overall performance for the task at hand
- David O'Regan
My response to Michal Biedowicz:
I agree with Michal that sometimes a leader is needed in order to give direction and guidance to someone who may rely on it. This direction can motivate the person who previously might not have been able to envision where they want to go.

]]> 2017-11-15 15:25:22 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207243372 The lazy way out https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207244677 A good leader always does what is needed to be done for the greater good of the group/team regardless of how much effort is needed to perform a certain task or reach a certain goal and won't allow others in the group to slack off and not pull their own weight or take the lazy way out of a situation because after all, a good leader leads by example and if the example set by a leader is lazy or only half-hearted then the rest of the team will follow suit and nothing gets achieved as a result.
-Adam Walsh
My response to Vince Giltinan:
I completely agree with you Vince, I believe that a good leader should be able to drag people out of their comfort zones in order to bring the best out of them and to achieve what's best for the group/team as a whole and must also be willing to take a lot of risks for the benefit of the team also.

]]> 2017-11-15 15:27:16 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207244677 An awareness of the people around you https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207253022 I believe what Rosalynn Carter is saying the above quote is that the moulding and gelling of differing perspectives and viewpoints is a hugely positive and productive experience. One person might not always necessarily see what another person sees, be it when looking at a photo, a film, or even a person’s demeanour or facial expression. I, like Rosalynn, am of the opinion that great leaders must possess an ability to recognise the strengths and potential of others, as well as the skillset necessary in assisting them to develop and utilise this potential effectively on a team.

My response to Adam Walsh:

I completely agree with you Adam. A good leader must lead and most importantly must lead by example. A leader must be able to bring people out of their comfort zone in order to bring the best possible outcome for the tean

]]> 2017-11-15 15:39:24 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207253022 Short-term vs. Long-term Perspective (Jack Dillon) https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207258909
My response to Rosalyn Carter's quote:

I agree with Rosalyn Carter's statement about the difference between a good leader and a great leader. Good and great have separate meanings because they are two adjectives that describe differently how positive something is. A good leader will lead looking at the short-term while a great leader will lead with a perspective of the long-term.

In the short-term, a good leader will analyse the desires of the group and do his/her best to realise these desires. While in the long-term, a great leader will sacrifice their reputation in the short-term so that they achieve the most beneficial results to the group as a whole in the long-term.

In the moment, because of the perspective that is required the group may not appreciate the great leader and hence criticise him/her. It is only after time when the group will begin to understand and appreciate that the great leader has satisfied their needs as opposed to the short-term leader only satisfying their wants.

-Jack Dillon

]]> 2017-11-15 15:48:33 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207258909 Respect for Authority(Jack Dillon) https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207283671
My response to Cian O'Connor's comment:

I agree with Cian. At 18 years of age, although possible, the probabilities are low that we will meet many leaders from our own demographic who are considered 'great' by Rosalyn Carter's standards. But, it is completely plausible for someone from our own age group to develop into a 'good', and then hopefully by learning from their mistakes, eventually mature into a 'great' leader.

However, like Cian states, I also believe that natural born leaders do exist it is just they are rarer to come by in our 1^st year of college than later on in our lives because people then have more time to grow. These students do lead despite being very young, even younger than some of their followers in many cases. In my opinion, what sets these students apart in terms of leading is that their peers respect their authority because the leader stands for something that the rest of the student body believes in.

-Jack Dillon

]]> 2017-11-15 16:24:41 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207283671 Leaders https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207288523 Being a good leader is such a precious skill in itself. Having the ability to successfully manage people is very rare. So many people are better and more comfortable at taking instruction than they are at giving it. Good leaders lead by example, and inspire people to better themselves. They accept that they are not perfect and able to do it all. they make their team perfect as everyone has a role that they can do perfectly.
My response to cans.
It is extremely hard to find people who are good at leading. So many people are lazy or would just rather sit back. This makes someone being a good leader and even more exceptional quality.
Susi FItzpatick]]> 2017-11-15 16:32:13 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207288523 Leadership caolanhalpin https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207300248 I agree with Rosalynn Carter's quote. The task of a leader is to motivate their followers to achieve goals. In many circumstances the required action will be unfamiliar, uncomfortable and difficult. Take the example of the Cuban Missile Crisis. John F Kennedy and his team, EXCOMM had the weight of the world on their shoulders. Instead of doing the rash approach and invading Cuba, they discussed the best approach. This is what great leaders do, they take a step back from the situation and communicate with their team. If JFK had not done this the world we live in today would be very different.
-Caolan Halpin
My response to Bill
Another trait of a great leader is his/her ability to bring out the full potential in others. This is very evident in sports such as soccer. One of the great leaders in soccer was Tony Adams, whenever he played he would motivate his team members and guide them during the match. Many of his teammates would say that they felt a sense of assurance and confidence when Adams was on the pitch]]> 2017-11-15 16:49:22 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207300248 I was elected to Lead not to Read. https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207413698 Rosalynn Carters quote on leadership epitomises the reason that truly great leaders are so rare, its the ability to inspire others to better themselves to do things that might cause them discomfort or pain but ultimately betters them. She distinguishes between leaders and great leaders. Personally I think the difference between a leader and a great leader is as Rosalynn Carter suggests that ability to push one beyond one hundred percent and achieve things they may not have even thought achievable. This quote also sub textually acknowledges that at times leaders may not be fully looked up to trusted and respected, but although the ones being lead may not realise it, it is ultimately in their collective interest to endure. This is true of the leader also they may must also have the strength to endure the times when their leadership is tested and ultimately achieve the unachievable.
-Eoghan Power
My response to Susi Fitzpatrick: I agree with Susi that good leadership is an exceptional and rare quality.

]]> 2017-11-15 19:50:27 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207413698 Sean O’Brien https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207479775 I strongly admire this quote as I believe a good leader brings team members out of their comfort zone and helps them reach their full potential.
My response to cian: yes i agree with this statement that good leaders are rare to find as it is a huge role to play in a team.
Sean O’Brien]]> 2017-11-16 00:01:00 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207479775 Respecting Leaders https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207483101 I liked the quote because for me it showed that the best leaders aren't afraid to take risks and that they will not remain in there comfort zone they will go out into a place where they do not feel comfortable to achieve greatness even if the people around them do not feel comfortable in going they will pull them through in order to succeed. which shows having the risk taking characteristic is essential in becoming not just a leader but a great leader. There is only a small number of great leaders due to this, there is a world full of people out there that would not feel comfortable in taking the step out of there comfort zone and this makes the existence of the great leaders so important.
Nathan Walsh
My response is to Vince Giltinan: I agree with Vince that not everyone has the ability to motivate a group a group and would not like the pressure that goes along with it but that it is extremely important that there are people out there that can take on the role in motivating others ]]> 2017-11-16 00:25:37 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207483101 Difficult Decisions https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207600188 I agree with Rosalyn Carter that a good leader will often have to lead their followers down a difficult path which the individuals might not agree with or be happy going down. these are the difficult decisions which a leader must make in order to ensure the best outcome for the group, to achieve the best results. The journey to these successful results may be difficult to traverse, and many may not like it but it is up to the leader to make these difficult decisions for the benefit of the group overall.

I agree with Susi that the ability to lead is a rare skill, that should be honed in the individuals which possess it. To lead by example is the best possible way to lead as it inspires those around to folloe suite and act accordingly

Conor Burke]]> 2017-11-16 11:13:20 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207600188 Influencers https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207610908 Leadership is an important skill to have as leaders need to have the ability to, not only lead people but also, to influence the people who are following them.

My response to Michal:
I agree with his theory. I think a good leader should be able to direct their followers where to go, especially if they are unsure themselves

- Ciara Roberts

]]> 2017-11-16 11:54:47 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207610908 Leadership https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207612989 I definitely agree with this statement. A great leader isn't necessarily someone who's main concern is pleasing his group. To be a great leader you must understand the difference between making the important decisions and not the popular decisions. On top of this, I believe a great leader brings his or her group along with them rather than giving orders and instructing them in what to do.

-Ross Howell

My response to Donal Sheehan:
I agree with your statement, a leader has to recognise to potential of the group to have full have full confidence in them. He must have full belief that the group have to ability to reach their set goal.]]> 2017-11-16 12:02:55 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207612989 Rallying the Troops https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207614761 I agree with Rosalyn Carter's view on leadership. When she says that leaders take people where they don't want to go, I think she is alluding to how a good leader can motivate their team to help them fully reach their potential. This is an important trait in a leader and ensures a team performs its best.
I agree with David O'Regan. He speaks of how a good leader will be able to draw the best performances out of their team
-Barry O'Sullivan]]> 2017-11-16 12:10:05 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207614761 Ownership https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207615435 A leader must take ownership of his/her group. They must set tasks to the others and make it clear to them in order for objectives to be done successfully. They must try make their fellow workers want to do the task rather than just doing them for the sake of it and as a result they will work better as a team and be more efficient
-Owen O Sullivan
My response to Conor Mc Carthy's post:
I definitely agree with this statement. There must be a clear vision from the leader in order for tasks to be done properly.]]> 2017-11-16 12:12:40 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207615435 Leadrers https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207631946 Leadership is a very important life skill to have. Most people react better to a good leader who can motivate and communicate well with his peers. Some people just need to be headed in the right direction by a good leader - Adam Settini
My response to Michals opinion, I agree that many people need a leader as people know what way to go but they don't know how to get there and a leader is a key example of someone who can get people to function properly ]]> 2017-11-16 13:09:01 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207631946 From the front. https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207651536 I agree with Rosalynn Carter's quote completely. We are all confronted with difficult and uncomfortable tasks in life. People without the right the guidance and support may often be overwhelmed by such tasks and will not react accordingly. This is why it is necessary for a great leader to lead from the front and show those that follow him or her that anything is possible. There are so many moments in history where when all seemed lost and people were without hope a truly great leader was able to rally his followers and bring them to where they needed to be. Winston Churchill is a good example of this.
-Jamie Brown

My response to Claire White: I agree that a stepping outside of ones comfort zones is necessary in order to get the best out of people and that a great leader has the ability to push people to do this.

]]> 2017-11-16 13:52:09 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207651536 The importance of Leaders pcosgrove5 https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207738650 I would 100% agree with Rosalynn Carter's view on leadership. Leaders are rare to an extent but when a group has a great leader, their chances of succeeding in whatever they do are boosted dramatically. A great leader will provide motivation, he/she will recognise the positive traits in each individual of the group and he/she will help the individual to use these traits to help the group. A great leader should be able to gel the group together which will turn help the group to succeed.
- Peter Cosgrove
My response to Owen O Sullivan : I agree with Owen. I think that tasks should be done out of will and not because someone has to do it. A good leader will make the individual want to do the task in order to help their team instead of them feeling as if they have to do it.]]> 2017-11-16 16:00:04 UTC https://padlet.com/d_blackshields/lss64qxvdlqr/wish/207738650