Week 3: Model the Way from the Leadership Challenge
This week we will further study leadership by using the Leadership Challenge textbook by Kouzes and Posner. As you know by now, the authors identify Five Exemplary Practices. This week’s Practice is
Model the Way which has two components: Clarify Values and Set the Example.
This begins our study using The Leadership Challenge textbook and workbook. Students should have already read Chap 1 in the textbook and Chap 1-3 in the workbook.
The Week 3 Reading Assignment is:
· Review Chap 6&7 in The Art of Leadership textbook
· Read Chap 2&3 (
Model the Way) in the Leadership Challenge textbook
· Read Chap 4 (
Model the Way) in the Leadership Challenge Workbook
· Review the resources on Virtues and Virtuous Leadership.
· Review the Seven Strategies for Character Development. I expect students to refer to this document frequently. In the second paper below, I expect students to choose and discuss at least two “strategies” which will be used to assist in accomplishing Part 2 below. We will have dedicated class sessions to assist with this requirement.
The Week 3 Discussion Assignment is to discuss the topics of the Writing Assignment below.
The Week 3 Writing Assignment is a four-part writing assignment:
Part 1:
Complete the Workbook Chap 3 and 4 assignments and submit to me. (The Chap 3 workbook assignment is a good format to use whenever we plan a project.) There is no target length for these answers. However, I do expect appropriate graduate level depth and breadth in your answers. Please submit your answers to the workbook questions to me as a Word document.
There is no length requirement for this Part.
Part 2:
Based upon your readings, activities, and answers to the questions in the workbook,
write a reflective essay addressing the following:
· The role values play in an organization (an organization ranges from a small team to a very large organization).
· Your personal assessment of your values relative to the material in the textbook(s) and in the workbook. Where are you the weakest…please discuss. Where are you the strongest…please discuss. What would your teammates say regarding your values? How do your actions reflect your values? Looking forward and referring to the Seven Strategies, what do you plan on improving upon and how do you plan on better demonstrating your values to your teammates?
This paper shall be at least two pages in length.
Part 3:
First, consider the following leadership practices that assist in
Modeling the Way.
· “Setting a personal example of what I expect of others.
· Making certain that people adhere to the principles and standards that have been agreed upon.
· Following through on promises and commitment I make.
· Asking for feedback on how my actions affect other people’s performance.
· Building consensus around a common set of values for running our organization.
· Being clear about my philosophy of leadership.” (Kouzes and Posner, 2017)
Second
, after considering the above leadership practices, write a
Main Reflective Essay addressing these questions:
· Have you had a boss that acted in this manner? If yes, discuss how you responded to him/her. If no, discuss how you think you would have responded?
· Please discuss whether or not these leadership actions are part of your leadership approach…and if not, should they be…why or why not?
· Please use your answers to this Reflective Essay to inform your Week 3 Discussions and be sure to address your “motivations” to Model the Way in your Discussions.
·
Note: Please see the information in the syllabus for the grading rubric.
Part 4
After considering the topic
Model the Way,
write a second reflective essay that identifies and discusses one related personal blind spot (related to
Model the Way) you have as a leader.
This paper shall be two pages.
