Question

Assignment 2: Developing your Leadership Philosophy.

Hello Students!

As aspiring nursing leaders and managers it is pivotal to have a leadership philosophy. Carter (2020) suggested that a leadership philosophy is essentially a belief system that guides your decision-making. It consists of your core principles, perspectives, and values. When you define what they are, and use them to shape a leadership philosophy statement, your behaviors and decisions will remain consistent.

For this assignment, choose a leader in Africa, using the assignment description below, discuss your philosophy of leadership following the steps outlined.  

Step 1: Select an admirable historic leader from.

1. Identify what you admire about this leader. Be specific.
2. What traits make them stand out?
3. What have they done or are doing to be an admirable, respected leader?
4. What type of working relationships have they built?
5. What are their exceptional leadership attributes and imperfections?

Step 2: Define your theory, attitude, principles, and behavior

think through 3 to 5 leadership elements you believe to be true in your heart and soul. For you, these elements are irrefutable right here, right now. Based on your experiences to date, you believe these 3 to 5 elements to be critical to leading effectively and productively. By belief I mean, these are elements you believe to be true about people, culture, and community.

Answer 1

1) Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. He was the country's first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election.

He focused on dismantling the legacy of apartheid by tackling institutionalised racism and fostering racial reconciliation.

He was first and foremost an African nationalist fighting for our emancipation from minority rule and the right to control their destiny. But at the same time, South Africa and the African continent were part of the larger world. Their problems, while distinctive and special, were not unique, and a philosophy that placed those problems in an international and historical context of the greater world and the course of history was valuable. He was prepared to use whatever means necessary to speed up the erasure of human prejudice and the end of chauvinistic and violent nationalism.

Mandela was widely considered a charismatic leader, described by biographer Mary Benson as a born mass leader who could not help magnetizing people. He was highly image conscious and throughout his life always sought out fine quality clothes, with many commentators believing that he carried himself in a regal manner. His aristocratic heritage was repeatedly emphasised by supporters, thus contributing to his charismatic power.

Mandela is my hero because his spirit cannot be crushed. Imprisoned for his political views in the early 1960s, Mandela refused to compromise his position, which was equality and justice for all people. He sacrificed his own freedom for the self-determination of all South Africans. He is courageous and uncompromising.

2) The leadership elements are:

1. Communication

Leadership starts with communication. Effective communication is clear, transparent and customized to the recipient. A good leader will take the time to find out which communication style and method (text, e-mail, phone or in-person) work best for each team member. By communicating with your team, you build trust, rapport and a culture of shared accountability. Communicate—often, clearly and honestly.

2. Knowing Your People

A good leader knows his or her team better than anyone else—their strengths, their weaknesses, what makes them tick and what motivates them. Take the time to get to know your team and you’ll know how to talk to them—and how to get things done.

3. Knowing Yourself

It’s not only important to know your team; it’s important to know yourself. Is this just a job to you, or do you truly want to be a leader?—Do you want to motivate, inspire and lead people? If you’re just in it for the money or the prestige, you’re not a true leader. Your team most likely won’t be happy or engaged, and neither will you.

4. Seeking Out Feedback

It’s hard to do an honest self-assessment so regularly ask for feedback—not only from your team, but other managers, mentors and other colleagues as well. Feedback helps you to understand what your strengths and weaknesses are and how to use them to your advantage. When you grow, your team grows!