https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z My Leadership Journey en-us 2017-03-08 00:54:57 UTC 2017-03-10 21:51:52 UTC hello@padlet.com huntmix https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/158535439 Hello Carolin!

Please watch this short video that I have made for you, it will help you get a better grasp of the leadership journey I am about to take you on!]]> 2017-03-08 01:06:35 UTC https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/158535439 huntmix https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/158546004 2017-03-08 02:41:03 UTC https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/158546004 huntmix https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/158869580 Transformational Leadership is something that I have always found interesting, perhaps because of the different leaders that come to mind with this style. Oprah Winfrey, Nelson Mandela, Steve Jobs, just to name a few. When I see the names associated with being a Transformational Leader, it inspires me to want to become one.

It is important for me to become a transformational leader, as I focus very closely on the relationships that can be built. Defined by Daft as "being able to bring about significant change in followers and the organization" (p 360, 2015) I know how important it is to be able to motivate those around me, hence why I have chosen to pursue becoming a Transformational Leader as my first goal.]]> 2017-03-09 04:54:36 UTC https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/158869580 huntmix https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/158870237 This goal is very important to me for self development, so the action strategies associated with this goal are many. The video above helped me in developing my 2 action strategies.

1. I must define my current leadership style.
By defining where I currently am with leadership, I will get a better understanding about the transformation I will have to make in order to become a Transformational Leader. I plan to take all of the personality tests and self insight tools that are available in the Daft text to help me understand my current leadership style. Having already done many of these exercises in class, I do feel as though I am trending towards becoming a transformational leader. A characteristic of transformational leadership that I already possess is the ability to help develop a follower into a leader. Having worked on different teams during the terms, I have been able to mentor and coach some of my peers into taking on a more prominent leadership role. This is EXTREMELY important for future reference, as becoming a manager and leader will require me to motivate my followers into taking actions to better themselves and the organization. To hone in on what needs improvement for me to become a transformational leader I found a quote from the course text that resonated with me and made my learnings more valuable. " Transformational leadership motivates people not just to follow the leader personally but also to believe in the need for change and be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of the vision rather than just out of admiration for the leader" (Daft, 2015, p 362). This quote will help me to achieve my goal, because it empowers me to 'make tomorrow better' for somebody else. I will know that I have accomplished my goal when my followers begin to grow in size, as this shows that my followers have persuaded others to join in with my vision.

2.  I must change my actions that contradict being a Transformational Leader.
Being able to recognize that there is room for growth is a large step for me in becoming a Transformational Leader. Currently, some of my motivational strategies lie more within the boundaries of being a Transactional Leader. This leadership theory focuses more around the completion of tasks, and not so much the building of relationships. I know that when it comes to motivating my classmates, I use a transactional approach. As we are on a very time sensitive schedule, more often than not the incentive to finish the project outweighs the relationships associated with a team process. In order for me to complete this action strategy I need to have a more rounded approach in the future to lead a team. By being more inclusive of ideas and allowing others to take the lead will help me build both intrinsic and extrinsic rewards, which will lead to higher motivation for my followers. By focusing more on the relationship I will be able to build a more functional team. As stated in the course readings, "Leaders build relationships through motivation and empowerment, leadership communication, team leadership, and embracing diversity." (Daft, 2015, p 18). This quote will help me achieve this goal as it plainly lays out the factors of building a successful relationship. Transformational Leadership can be found ingrained in each aspect of that quote, which will help me realize which areas I need to improve on the most. 

Both of the action strategies I have outlined will help me become a Transformational Leader, as both strategies will help me realize where I am at and where I need to go. I have an exciting journey ahead of me as I pursue my goal of leading transformationally.]]> 2017-03-09 05:04:55 UTC https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/158870237 huntmix https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/158871436 Please watch this video about Transformational Leadership. I found this video spoke to the exact beliefs I have about leadership, and further supported my goals of becoming a Transformational Leader.]]> 2017-03-09 05:22:37 UTC https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/158871436 huntmix https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/159132898 When I think of leadership, I immediately think of a person leading and directing a group of individuals, attempting to reach a common goal. I have never shied away from leading, as I believe in taking on roles that challenge my ability. Now that I have had experience leading a team, I want to be able to gain the perspective of the other side of the coin, the follower.

It is important for me to understand the art of followership, in order to become a leader that has the complete trust of his followers. If I am never able to experience the role of a follower, I will never know how I am supposed to lead them. "For any group or organization to succeed, there must be people who willingly and effectively follow just as there must be those who willingly and effectively lead. Followership is the testing ground, a place to learn skills valuable for leadership." (Daft, 2015, p 196). This quote has offered me more learning than anything else in the course. I have always believed that leading would be my key to success, but now I have experienced a paradigm shift which has me contemplating my past beliefs.]]> 2017-03-09 20:56:59 UTC https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/159132898 huntmix https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/159134920 This video will set the stage for my goals. I want to better myself as a leader and as a follower. Please view this video to find out why!]]> 2017-03-09 21:06:37 UTC https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/159134920 huntmix https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/159136002 I want my followers to look up to me and say "We trust Hunter, because he has been in our shoes before, he knows what it's like for us to succeed and fail. I'm willing to listen and learn from his guidance". 
As an up and coming hotelier, I have laid the ground work for building a good relationship with my followers in future. To build their trust, I have taken on many different entry level positions to prove to my followers that I know what their job and life is like. I believe that putting myself on an even playing field with my followers is the best recipe for success in any industry. ]]> 2017-03-09 21:11:19 UTC https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/159136002 huntmix https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/159140186
1. Take on a followership role for the final term at RRU.
In order for me to become a better follower I must have experience following. For the final term I plan to let another member lead so I can help achieve my goal. I plan to be the best supporting cast member there can be, and I will do this by actively listening to the needs of my leader and of my additional teammates. To be successful in following, one has to be proactive in order to drive the creation of a group. I believe this step is going to be important in achieving my goal, as it is something I am not used to doing. Being told what to do is not something that comes naturally, but is a challenge I know I can use to my benefit in becoming a more well rounded leader. By taking on this new followership role I will be able to 'manage up' and challenge my leader to find the best options for the team. "There are followers in almost every organization who remind us how hollow the label of leadership sometimes is—and how heroic followership can be.” (Daft, 2015, p 208). This quote is important for me as I plan to understand the art of followership, because it helps me realize the importance of followers in every relationship. In order for me to gauge my success as a follower, I will ask for feedback from my leader to understand where I am excelling, and where other areas of my followership could be polished.

2. Use my 'effective follower' style in the workplace.
After completing the Power of Followership personality test, I found out that I am an effective follower. During my internship this summer, I plan to expand my comfort zone and integrate my learnings of followership into the job. This practical experience will help me realize how important it is to have effective followers in the workplace. "Effective followers behave the same toward everyone regardless of their positions in the organization. They do not try to avoid risk or conflict. Rather, effective followers have the courage to initiate change and put themselves at risk or in conflict with others, even their leaders, to serve the best interest of the organization" (Daft, 2015, p 200). This quote only proves to me that I am an effective follower, as I am the type of person to put the organizational needs before my own personal needs. I will achieve my goal of Understanding the Art of Followership by putting my head down and working diligently for my employer. Being in a brand new role will further make my goal of following more realistic as I will look for direction as there are bound to be times where I am unsure.

Together, these action strategies will ensure that I grow as a follower and learn more about how important the follower is to any organization. I look forward to taking on a new challenge that will only pay dividends later in life when it comes time for me to lead a team. The video below opened my eyes to new roles that followers must play in order for an organization to be a successful one. ]]> 2017-03-09 21:33:43 UTC https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/159140186 huntmix https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/159144391 Daft, R. L. (2015). The leadership experience. (6th ed.). Stamford, CT: Cengage Learning. ]]> 2017-03-09 22:03:12 UTC https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/159144391 huntmix https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/159396495 2017-03-10 21:37:35 UTC https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/159396495 huntmix https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/159397781 I will know that I have accomplished my goals, once I am able to see my leadership style having a positive impact on my followers. Once this occurs, that follower who has be motivated will bring other followers into the organization. Like the 'dancing man' video that was shown in class, I will be able to know I have been successful once the followers bring their friends. Once I become a leader, I will look back on my learnings of becoming a follower and be able to tell if my strategies to motivate my followers is working, as I will know what the needs of a follower entail.]]> 2017-03-10 21:44:45 UTC https://padlet.com/huntmix/pwbphohp967z/wish/159397781