100-word response with reference/intext citation use easily accessible websites or articles for references
Due 5/14/2025
Funny
Describe the best leader you have personally known. What makes this person such a good leader? Include in your description the characteristics detailed in the textbook. How does your leader exhibit some of these characteristics?
The best leader I have personally known is my former director, Matthew Hughes. Matt was the first manager to notice my hard work but also took time to coach me on how to create opportunities for myself in the corporate world. In addition, Matt continued to advocate on my behalf in rooms that I was not allowed in- he really helped promote my career. Matts’ approach to leadership was respectful, empowering and done with integrity, which made him both an inspiring leader and someone I was eager to follow. Matt believed in building future leaders and not being intimidated if that meant a direct report exceeded him- at one time in my career we were peers. Matt provided constructive feedback and encouraged professional development- aligning with the leadership approach that emphasizes supporting the development of others. Matt established an environment that enabled me and the team to perform well, which involved engaging employees, building strong teams and delivering results. (Hughes et al., 2022, p.4) One of the best characteristics Matt displayed was he knew how to build trust, and he was transparent in communication, which built strong trust individually and as a team. During challenging situations Matt remained honest and calm, reinforcing the credibility that Hughes et al emphasize as foundational for effective leadership. (Hughes et al., 2022) I believe building trust is important in any relationship whether personal or professional. Overall, Matthew Hughes was a huge inspiration and motivation to me and my career- his positive energy was contagious and I’m proud to now call him a friend for life.
What are the essential differences between being an effective manager and an effective leader?
Being called an effective manager means that you are doing what you were told and controlling the controllables at the current moment not looking ahead. Being an effective leader is someone who is forward thinking and is innovative enough to help move the organization forward by asking what and why questions also known as challenging the status quo. (Hughes et al., 2022, p.11) Effective leaders raise concerns and advocate for their direct reports who are front line employees. I strongly feel one way to evaluate whether you are an effective leader one can see how many upcoming leaders you have developed or inspired especially if this is a developmental goal of a direct report. Effectives leaders lead by example. For example, my organization states when there is a personal outage you have an hour to relocate as a manager, I don’t have to follow this process however I choose to because I want to be an example. Leaders also establish clean expectancies for his or her employees concerning overall performance and behavior. Leaders talk about organizational dreams and goals and align individual and team desires with them. Leaders understand and praise achievements, provide constructive feedback, and create a positive culture whereas an effective manager imitates. An effective leader fosters an experience of purpose and sells worker engagement and pride. Lastly, leaders cope with conflicts and resolve problems that may arise in the corporation- they have the ability to facilitate powerful conversations among individuals, mediate disputes, and promote collaboration and teamwork.
