What personal capacities should a person develop to be a good leader versus those developed to be a good manager?
Those who want to be good leaders should focus on developing personal capacities including emotional connections, maintaining an open mind, communication skills, courage, and insight into their personal character (Daft, 2016). Those who strive to be good managers should focus on a different set of personal capacities including emotional distance, talking, conformity, and insight into organization (Daft, 2016). These attributes are often opposites of each other, as leaders and managers have opposing focuses.
Why do you think there are so few people who succeed at both Management and Leadership? Is it reasonable to believe someone can be good at both?
I believe that there are so few people who succeed at both management and leadership because they require a different skill set. The main difference that prevents people from being successful in both fields is who the focus is on. In my experience, successful managers are more focused on the bottom line and earnings. Successful leaders are more focused on the individuals behind the end goal and what can be done to assist them in being the most successful versions of themselves. I believe it is reasonable for someone to excel in both management and leadership, I just don’t believe it is very common.
Describe the best leader you have known. How did this leader acquire his or her capability?
The best leader I know is my mentor, he has taught me so much in so many aspects of life. He gained his capability to lead through many years of experience and developing interpersonal relationships. He maintains a level of professionalism while remaining kind, affirmative, and respectful. He has led me and many others into successful careers in fields where our skills are best put in practice. He has taught me so much in terms of our field, but also so many additional valuable life lessons.
Write 200 words of your reflection on this work? (need to be in first person)
