Reflection - Topic 3 Leadership, Behaviour and Motivation

 Topic 3 Leadership Behaviour and Motivation

This topic delves into different leadership models and how each of these leadership styles are suited for different situations.

Here's what I've learnt...

Leadership behaviour is a conduct whereby the leader sets an example and the followers pursue.

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University of Iowa leadership style explores leadership from two ends. An autocratic leader is the decision maker and gives direct instructions to his employees, whereas a democratic leader inspires shared decision-making with employees. 

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The University of Michigan Leadership Model identifies 2 broad leadership styles. In the job-centered leadership style, the leader has the final say, whereas in the employee-centered leadership style, input from the employees and well respected.

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The last leadership model discussed in this topic is The Ohio State University Leadership Model. This model narrows down effective leadership into two types of behaviour, people-oriented (consideration) and task oriented (initiating structure).

Aside from leadership styles, this topic also discusses several major motivation theories such as content motivation theories, process motivation theories and reinforcement theory, and how motivation can influence actions, which in turn influence the outcome of an event.

Here's what I thought...

After understanding three of these leadership models, I can see myself looking at top leaders of all times and analysing the way they lead.

Take Steve Jobs for example, he was an autocratic leader who took up the responsibility in making decisions and setting the direction for his company. He surrounded himself with like-minded, agreeable individuals who would follow his lead and execute his visions his way. This sets Apple up for an industry-defining success. 

On the other hand, Nelson Mandela, a charismatic democrat, took a different approach in leadership. While Mandela was the leader of the Congress, he inspired his people by helping them understand the values and importance of his visions. He encouraged them to develop their own understanding of what is important for the country, like the fight for equality by eliminating racial discrimination. This inspiring leadership has contributed to helping the country with overcoming the apartheid and developing it into a stable modern democracy.

This proves that there is no right or wrong when it comes to leading a team. Different situation calls for different leadership styles and to me, the best leadership style is the one that maximises a team’s potential and elevates the team to success. With this in mind, motivation plays a very important role. No matter how excellent a leader and his employees are, without the right drive of motivation, there is no reason for a team to put their shoulders to the wheel to achieve success.

In my profession as a teacher, I am a leader in the classroom. I found that to younger children, I tend to take the autocratic style to make sure that they become literate. I believe in building good habit in the young age so that self-directed learning can be supported later. With my year 6 pupils, I enjoy being their friend and their sister. Of course there are some strict rules in classroom. For instance, do not swear, work should be done nicely and punctually. However, I have given them more space to decide the progress of getting things done. They can either do it in groups or alone, use a dictionary or ask a friend. As long as learning occurs, they can have their fun while learning. 

Just like leadership, there's no one style that suits all in teaching and learning. I enjoy exploring different leadership style with different kids. That's the fun in being a teacher. 😙😙

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