As I reflect on leadership as we begin LRNT 525, I am learning more about what I admire in a leader and how my top-ranked leadership qualities align with my personal values. After completing a leadership characteristic ranking exercise, my top characteristics were inspiring, honest, supportive, caring, and competent. Most of these characteristics embody a human-centric approach to leadership which I can relate to my desire to be known and supported holistically, beyond who I am in a professional role. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The readings for this unit have given me insight into effective leadership practices while also providing a framework and language that reflect what I value in leadership. In particular, reflective leadership, in which self-awareness, mindfulness, and personal wisdom are integral to leading change and developing a culture of inclusion, safety, and trust, supports followers’ professional and personal development (Castelli, 2016). This approach to leadership resonated with me and is something I hope to explore and consider further. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u2018Digital\u2019 Leadership <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n I believe an adaptive leadership approach is necessary to be a \u2018digital\u2019 leader in a world where technology is ubiquitous and continuously influencing the way we live, work, and play. An adaptive leadership approach not only considers the changing environment but also the unique needs of individuals or followers, seeking to understand, support and motivate them to reach individual goals (Khan, 2017). As new technology emerges, a leader should be able to learn and adapt while including and supporting each follower in their learning and integration of new technology in their work. Not assuming digital literacy is important when adopting new technology or digital processes. Taking the time to introduce, train, and offer learning support is essential for successful adoption and effective use of time. In my own experience adopting new technology in my work setting, I have wasted many hours of my workday trying to figure out how to use new technology without formal instruction or support. This lack of training reduced my productivity while affecting my confidence to do my job effectively. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As technology is changing rapidly, a distributed leadership approach could also be beneficial to support effective digital learning and change in an organization. Although a distributed leadership approach assumes a level of risk, it can help build individual and organizational capacity (Huggins, 2017). For example, if there are people on a team with good digital literacy and an interest in developing their leadership skills, allowing them to help support their peers in adopting new technology would take the pressure off the leader while supporting leadership development and capacity in followers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A good digital leader leans into innovation and sees the potential of new technology. The introduction of ChatGPT<\/a> is an excellent example of a new technology that has many people wary. George Veletsianos looks at the reality of a technological innovation that is here to stay and encourages everyone to look at its opportunities and find ways to use it ethically and responsibly (CBC News, 2023). In my opinion, this example is the essence of good digital leadership. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternative Perspectives on Leadership <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, I would like to draw attention to an alternative perspective on leadership. Indigenous perspectives offer a holistic and non-hierarchical approach to leadership that considers the past and the future when making decisions (Julien et al., 2010). We can learn a lot from this approach. It is crucial, concerning issues such as climate change, to consider how our decisions will impact future generations, not just those immediately impacted. I hope to learn more about this approach and how we can work together with the Indigenous community to make good decisions that consider history, future generations, and the interconnectedness of our systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n References<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Castelli, P. (2016) Reflective leadership review: a framework for improving organisational performance. Journal of Management Development, 35<\/em>(2), 217-236. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1108\/JMD-08-2015-0112<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n CBC News. (2023, January 30). ChatGPT could help rather than hinder student learning, says B.C. professor<\/em>. https:\/\/www.cbc.ca\/amp\/1.6731105<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Julien, M.H., Wright, B., & Zinni, D.M. (2010). Stories from the circle: Leadership lessons learned from aboriginal leaders. Leadership Quarterly, 21<\/em>, 114-126. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1016\/j.leaqua.2009.10.009<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Huggins, K. S. (2017). Developing leadership capacity in others: An examination of high school principals\u2019 personal capacities for fostering leadership. International Journal of Education Policy and Leadership, 12<\/em>(1). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.22230\/ijepl.2017v12n1a670<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Khan, N. (2017). Adaptive or transactional leadership in current higher education: A brief comparison. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 18(<\/em>3), 178\u2013183. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.19173\/irrodl.v18i3.3294<\/a> <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As I reflect on leadership as we begin LRNT 525, I am learning more about what I admire in a leader and how my top-ranked leadership qualities align with my personal values. After completing a leadership characteristic ranking exercise, my top characteristics were inspiring, honest, supportive, caring, and competent. Most of these characteristics embody a… Continue reading Reflections on Leadership<\/span>