Uninspired, that’s how I felt when I walked into Lori’s office, that and really tired… So needless to say I wasn’t really feeling this whole narrative thing, and had absolutely no response when Lori asked me what I was thinking? I was in deep need of some direction and another cup of coffee. Then Lori asked me what I wanted to do after graduation? My first thought, oh crap I don’t know the answer to this one either, second thought I’m going to bed early tonight, what came out of my mouth, “Um well, I kinda think I want to work in a museum.” Yes I know poetic; I bet you are really looking forward to when I present my narrative, aren’t you? But it turns out my half idea of what I want to do with my life actually helped us get somewhere. I had been hitting a wall when it came to this whole narrative thing because I kept trying to think of it from a manager’s stand point, a stand point I don’t remotely relate to and one I don’t really know if I ever want to have. So I told Lori this, forming better sentences this time, and she told me it didn’t necessarily have to be from a manager stand point, my sleepy mind was blown. So we brought this whole narrative down to my level, I’m currently working at a nonprofit, a museum is a nonprofit, well why don’t I give my narrative as someone who is coordinating volunteers for a fundraising event? And that is why we have these one on one meetings because who knows what I would have come up with on my own? So my narrative is going to be to my nonprofit volunteers, with a bit of transformational leadership, maybe a sprinkle of authentic leadership, and a pinch of me (yah I just used a baking analogy, I’m embarrassed).
Monday, April 25, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Friday, April 8, 2011
Something New
So normally I try to make my posts as interesting as possible but this week requires a lot of dense information however, I promise if you read on you will be rewarded...
Authentic – known to be real and genuine and not a copy
Authentic Leadership seems to be a newer theory, it was hard to find a lot of detailed information about the theory but I thought it was interesting so I will do my best to describe this still evolving concept.
Authentic leadership is based on the core idea that Authentic Leaders are motivated by their core values and conviction to take action, rather than being driven by status and position. Authentic leaders are leaders who “walk their talk,” and take action independent of pleasing people or their expectations.
Authentic Leadership theory was developed with the idea that leadership is changing. Authentic Leadership states that the old model of one leader and many followers is disappearing and that the idea that everyone must be a leader is gaining strength
There is an assessment that goes along with this theory called the ALI, I haven’t taken it myself because you do have to pay but I was able to find the areas the assessment focuses on.
Authentic Leadership can be broken down into four parts:
Self Awareness: This concerns how well a person is aware of their own strengths, and weaknesses or limitations. It also concerns how aware the leader is of what others think of their leadership and to what degree the leader is aware of how their leadership impacts others.
Transparency: This pertains to the degree to which the leader is able to reinforce a level of openness with others. Does the leader provide others with an opportunity to give their own ideas, and opinions? Is the leader able to be open and trust in relationships?
Ethical/Moral: Is the leader’s behavior guided by core values, beliefs, thoughts and feelings rather than outside pressures and personalities? To what degree does the leader set a standard for ethical and moral conduct?
Balanced Processing: Is the leader able to be unbiased with both positive and negative self-related information? How able is the leader at getting other opinions and viewpoints prior to making important decisions?
Overall if I were to sum up Authentic leadership as I understand it an authentic leader must be in touch not only themselves but with others, and others' onpions of them as a leader. An authentic leader is someone who is able to stick to their core values and not be swayed by expectations. Authentic leadership is something that is still growing but is gaining strength and something that I think will be important to keep an eye on in the future.
Article: The link below doesn't just talk about Authentic Leadership but other Leadership ideas as well so have a look for some further information:
And now the most important part what is your reward for reading all the way to the end? It is a picture of my cat watching another cat on T.V. enjoy : )
And yes I am aware you could have just scrolled down to the bottom and for those of you who that applies to you should be ashamed and go back to the beginning immediatly and read about Authentic Leadership.
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