Candi Blake
DIPL3101:Concepts of Leadership
Ambassador Kamal
January 31,2002
What are the major points Heifetz discusses in the first six chapters of his book? Justify why one is more important than the others.
Introduction: The objective of this paper is to summarize the major points made by Heifetz in the first six chapters of his book, "Leadership Without Easy Answers", and justify why one of them is more important than the others?
Facts: In chapter 1, Heifetz explains the presence of values in all leaders whether good or bad along with the ability of leaders to mobilize and influence. He then focuses on four theories of leadership: the trait theory, the situational theory,the contingency theory and the transactions theory, making the assertion that there are hidden values in these theories.Heifetz then goes on to define leadership as an activity and the importance of adaptive work in leadership. Disequilibrium Dynamics is also discussed as well as the three forms of disequilibrium in a social system. In chapter 3 Heifetz explores the roots of authority and expands on the idea that when there is a new crises or new challenge, there needs to be a dominant factor. This dominance that is needed by some individuals stem from human's primary ancestors. Chapter 4 focuses on appropriate and inappropriate relationships with leaders and the three types of situation leaders may be confronted with.Heifetz concentrates on applying power in chapter 5. He distinguishes between formal and informal authority. He also pays particular attention to holding and environment and the dynamics of authority as a resource for leadership. Finally in chapter 6, Heifetz discusses adaptive leadership and the five strategic principles of leadership.
Analysis: In the first six chapters of his book, Heifetz presents a number important facts about leadership.However, I think the most important point he makes is that of adaptive work.Adaptive work is a central theory in leadership, as leaders are often tested in crises situations, and their ability to adapt and lead is often an indication of good leadership skills. Heifetz makes it clear that adaptive work is important in mobilizing people to face tough realities. In stressing the importance of adaptive work, Heifetz states that for a leader to be effective, he or she must apply adaptive work(as opposed to technical work) to adaptive situations. He also uses the doctor anology to highlight the importance of adaptive work in leadership.
Conclusion: Heifetz discusses and explains several important aspects of leadership in the first six chapters of his book. Nonetheless, the concept of adaptive work is the most important point because it underlies all the other aspects of leadership.
Candi Blake
Leadership 1
Professor Kamal
March 5, 2002
Examine the role of women in leadership.
Introduction: The objective of this paper is to examine the role of women in leadership.
Facts: From past to present, leadership roles have been dominated by men. On the other hand, women take a back seat to their male counterparts. In many of the top professions such as diplomacy, women are often viewed simply as just the ambassador's wife. The role women play in leadership is not correctly judged. The term leadership was not coined only for men. Women should also play leadership roles outside of the household. There needs to be a greater balance between female and male leaders. There are many women who have the knowledge, vitality, passion and charisma to fill many leadership roles in society today. Two notable examples are Dr. Condoleeza Rice, the current national security advisor to President Bush and the current Pakistan ambassador to the United States. Despite women liberation,there is still discrimination in leadership. There is also the problem of family, which makes it harder for women to be active and visible leaders in society.
Analysis: The role of women in leadership is not inadequate but it is improving. Dr. Condoleeza Rice and the current Pakistan ambassador to the United States both face difficult times in the wake of the present global situations. However, they are doing their job well. There needs to be less discrimination against women, so that women can display their true leadership potential. There also needs to be mechanisms put in place to counter the family problems some women face. These mechanisms include flexible jobs so that women can tend to their families and fulfill their leadership roles.
Conclusion: The role women play in leadership is not correctly judged and is by no means adequate. Nevertheless, the role of women in leadership is proving. However, there still need to be a greater balance between men and women in leadership.
Candi Blake
DIPL3101:Concepts of Leadership
Ambassador Kamal
March 19, 2002
What are the key points made in the three books we have studied so far, and which of these three books has the most important lessons for leadership.
Intoduction:The objective of this paper is to give an overview of the key points of the three books we have studied so far:1.Leadership Without Easy Answers by Ronald Heifetz,2. On Leadership by John W.Gardner and 3.Leadership and the Quest for Integrity by Badaracco and Ellsworth. There will also be an analysis of which of theses three books has the most important lessons for leadership.
Facts: The first book studied was "Leadership Without Easy Answers" by Ronald Heifetz. Heifetz discusses values in leadership and makes the assertion that there are hidden values in the three theories of leadership (the trait approach, the situational approach and the contingency theory).Heifetz also distinguishes between authority and power, informal authority and formal authority and the importance of adaptive leadership in times of crises situation. It is worthy to note that Heifetz also raises an important point by stating that "leadership is an activity performed often beyond the authority people feel they have". The second book syudied is entitled "On Leadership", by John W. Gardner. In his book, Gardner discusses the tasks of leadership and the sharing of these tasks, motivation in leadership, the moral dimensions of leadership as well as leadership development. The abovementioned points are the key points that Gardner discusses in his book. Gardner also raises the issue of the necessity of leaders. The third book studied is entitled"Leadership an dthe Quest for Integriry", by Badaracco and Ellsworth. They key points the authors make are: the philosophy of political Leadership, the philosophy of directive leadership, the philosophy of values driven leadership, confrontation versus compromise and integrity in leadership.
Analysis: The three books studied all have important lessons for leadership. They all stress the importance of values in leadership, they all state that leadership is a lifelong process and they all give vey good examples when highlighting certain elements of leadership. However, the book that has the most important lessons for leadership is "Leadership and the Quest for Integrity", by Badaracco and Elssworth. Reason being is because the authors delve into the herat of the matter of leadership as well as the philosophical approaches to leadership. The authors discuss leadership as it was practiced in the past and how it is currently practiced. They do so via the philosophies of leadership. Leadership, especially today is more of a political nature, leaders are often groups holding their group's/organization's in top priority. This can be seen through the leadership of Al Sharpton as well as President Bush. Bush is fighting a war with Afghanistan because there was an attack on a value which Americans hold dear, freedom. Sharpton is also leading the black community to stand up for their rights. The authors also tackle the issue of confrontation versus compromise. Again, this issue is highlightd very often in leadership. President Bush is being decisive in fighting the war on terrorism and is confronting the problem which lies in Afghanistan. Last but not least, the authors lesson on integrity is the most valuable lesson learnt from any of the books. It stresses the notion of the consistency between values, actions and an organization's or group's aims. But not any consistency will do because there are also bad leaders who display no integrity such as Adolf Hitler. Overall the third book raises the most important issues because it is more practical and applicable to contemporary situations.
Conclusion:All three books raise important points about leadership. However,"Leadership and teh Quest for Integrity" has the most important lessons for leadership.
