>From: "Kevin T. Crews" <>
>To:
>Subject: Homework Assignment
>Date: Thu, 06 Sep 2001 21:35:23 -0400
Kevin Crews
EAD 315 Sec 005
09/06/01
>Journal Entry 1
A web site like this one is great because it ties all of the important
>elements of being a leader together. It is like when you go and buy a book
>of quotes, but only your favorite quotes are in the book because somebody
>already took the time to filter out the others. Not only do I like the
>authors views and information, but the layout they use is right on the
>money. Through my experience at leadership conferences as well as being on
>committees for various groups the authors provide a valid opinion on
>leadership skills.
Leadership is easy for me to define; A leader is one who knows the way,
>shows the way, and leads the way. Although anyone can become a leader
>there are a few important components that must be met, and these were
>talked about in the readings. Leaders act and thrive on motivation. They
>always have goals and are always thinking and acting towards them.
>Along with motivation, team building and coaching are two equally important
>aspects of being a leader. Making those who you are working with feel
>important as well as productive is the most important variable in
>interpersonal relationship. By listening and sharing information a team
>builds trust, which in turn develops continuity within the team. Our team
>in class does a fantastic job of this because we listen to everyone's
>ideas. Everyone in our group has a voice and they are heard.
>Leadership is a skill and one that is required constantly. It is always
>difficult starting a new class at the beginning of a semester and
>immediately be asked to join a group and tackle several tasks. Our team in
>class has come together nicely and I think we are going to be very
>productive because we cooperate. A leader does not always have to be in
>charge.
Comments: Good points raised. I’m curious, though. . .your group has probably had good communication from the get-go, but what happens when you are in group or team situations where that communication is not so readily attained or when good communication, because of conflicts that arise, goes bad? This is nothing I expect you to answer personally or in your journal for that matter, but what is your personal response in group situations that are conflictual or when there isn’t cohesiveness to the degree that your EAD team has? How, in other words, do you tend to respond? And from your own history, what works for you? That is, what strategies are more likely to make you “stay on task” or feel inspired in situations that are difficult and frustrating? In other words, your comments are all very sound ones, but what about situations you’ve been in that have not gone so well? Furthermore, how might you respond in a group situation where a person in a perceived “leadership role” is not interested in fostering respect and trust with the group. How do you override that? Or compensate for it? Or, do you for that matter? I think you have some good ideas, but give some thought to scenarios or situations that are problematic. What, for example, motivates you when there is no leadership or team that is supportive?