Running Head: SHU MISSION 1

Leadership

Ametta Roe

Siena Heights University

Leadership Theory

Professor Lucas

January 20, 2017

Leadership Importance 2

Introduction

Every organization has people that are in leadership roles. Whether a Supervisor, Dean,

General Manager, etc. they all are a huge asset to any company, school, small business, etc.

making sure things are running smoothly. Siena Heights University like most schools has a

mission to assist people to become more competent, purposeful and ethical (Graduate School

Handbook, pg. 5). This statement is almost the exact understanding people should have of

leadership. Leaders are people attempting to help make a difference in a situation, whether

solving a problem, reaching a goal, or lending a hand to get work done. People take on

leadership roles countless times without even realizing it. Creating a positive atmosphere, being

a motivator and influencing others behavior are all very important characteristics a leader has in

any organization. Getting rid of the negative weather people or practices and creating a positive

atmosphere helps smoothly transition positive changes and helps organizations help accomplish

short and long term goals. Gil Fairholm suggests five different perspectives involved in

leadership, the second perspective he mentions involves excellence management. Popularized

in the 1980s, this perspective focuses on systematic quality improvements with a focus on the

people involved in the processes, the processes themselves, and the quality of products that are

produced (Fairholm, 2004, pg. 5). Positive personnel in any environment make people want to

come to work, accomplish goals and do the job to the best of their ability. Leaders help to

motivate and influence people to do well in a positive manner. Organizations without leaders

would be hard pressed to face daily market changes, stay competitive, and continually reach

goals rather than rock bottom.

Competent Leaders
Leadership Importance 3

Competent leaders actively know how to handle a variety of situations, as well as, meet

requirements that help to achieve long and short term goals. Putting others first and stepping up

and taking control of the situation is what I think of when I think of a competent leader. Siena

Heights University has demonstrated several ways for students to become competent leaders in

society. Pushing students to reach long and short term goals and effectively complete different

courses to the best of their ability. Competent leaders have an understanding and knowledge of

the occupation; however these leaders never stop learning and put time into becoming a better

leader. Siena Heights University makes sure students are prepared for the real world and to

overcome daily obstacles.

Purposeful Leaders

Organizations have a purpose for being in business and a purpose for appointing specific

individuals to be in leadership positions. Successful companies have a purpose much greater than

that of just making a continuous profit. Having purposeful leaders as members of any team helps

drive innovation, build relationships, and encourage good communication. In the end, this adds

to the success of the company. However, you cannot be a leader with a purpose if you do not

know your own purpose. Being a leader for an organization is also trusting in the company to

believe in your purpose. Siena Heights University has helped to fully understand what each

students worth is and how to present professionally to an organization. Siena Heights University

has helped to fully understand what each students worth is and how to present it professionally

to an organization. Siena Heights University also helps create purposeful leaders that provide

direction to great thinkers and inspire others.

Ethical Leaders
Leadership Importance 4

Ethical leaders play a huge role in organizations impacting the behavior of its people and

what they achieve. Starting from the top of an organization all the way to frontline management,

more people need to face the complexity of ethics, exercise ethics in daily work and understand

they are not just about rules and regulations. Investigating the context in which ethical leadership

is practiced is crucial to understanding the consequences of such leadership behavior (Rubin,

Dierdorff, & Brown, 2010, pg. 2).Three traits believed to be at the top of personal traits for

ethical leaders are humility, self confidence, and sense of humor. Having a humble leader that

takes responsibility for their weaknesses and is able to take constructive criticism makes people

trust you and the decisions you make. Making people believe you lead with example shows you

have a true understanding of being an ethical leader. Showing your self confidence is granting

positivity to your followers and showing you have a sense of humor is showing you know that

although you are there to complete the task at hand you can have a fun time doing this as well.

Conclusion

Leaders help organizations become successful. Without competent, purposeful and ethical

leaders, organizations struggle to be trusted and maintain or improve profitability. Great leaders

positively influence employees and create positive change within an organization. Great leaders

also help to demonstrate success and provide a vision for a successful outcome. Siena Heights

University through the Leadership Graduate program has demonstrated what it takes to become a

successful leader and show others how to positively lead by example.

Leadership Importance 5

References:

Fairholm, M. (2004). Different Perspectives on the Practice of Leadership. Public

Administration Review, 64(5), 577-590. Retrieved from

http://www.jstor.org/stable/3542539

Graduate Student Handbook.Opportunity Siena Heights University.Adrian, MI

Rubin, R.S., Dierdorff, E.C. and Brown, M.E. (2010) Do Ethical Leaders Get Ahead? Exploring

Ethical Leadership and Promotability, Business Ethics Quarterly, 20(2), pp. 215236.

doi: 10.5840/beq201020216.