Question

Preparation

In your readings on Leadership, you learned the difference between management and leadership, as well as traits, styles, and situations of leaders and leadership.
In this assignment, you will research and write about a modern leader of your choice. You may not select one of the leaders discussed in the course. Carefully consider the traits, styles, and differing situations for leadership in today’s organizations.
Your Task
Select a leader to profile in your written report. You may select one you admire, or a "good example of a bad example." There are numerous websites naming leaders to get you started. A quick search on "famous contemporary leaders" revealed millions of possible lists, OR you may select a leader in your personal or professional life: your boss, a coach, a team leader, etc.
Research your chosen leader, identifying evidence of his/her traits, styles, and leadership situations. Relate your findings to the module concepts. For example, how did your chosen leader demonstrate the trait of "desire to lead"? Prepare examples.
Write a five-paragraph essay profiling your chosen leader.
First, introduce your leader, and state why you selected him/her. Was their leadership effective or not effective?
Next, expand upon the traits and style of your leader, including at least three properly referenced and defined terms from the module reading. For example, if you select Drive, describe what the term means in the context of leadership and how your leader demonstrates it.
Next, describe the leadership situation your chosen leader was in, using one of the Situational Leadership Models from the module reading. For example, if your leader was charged with a group of new or low-competence employees, did they use the Selling style prescribed by Ken Blanchard?
Finally, conclude with a short description of your personal leadership style and how effective it has been for you to date.
In addition to the text, you are encouraged to research leadership and your chosen leader, using reliable and properly cited Internet resources. You may also draw from your personal work experience with appropriate examples to support your references.

Answer 1

The question asks for a profile essay on a modern leader, emphasizing their leadership traits, styles, and situations, and reflecting on the student's own leadership style.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question revolves around the task of writing a profile essay which focuses on detailing a modern leader's traits, styles, and leadership situations. This involves researching and analyzing a chosen leader that the student finds engaging, whether due to positive or negative qualities. The essay requires the student to introduce and evaluate the leader's effectiveness and to provide examples that demonstrate the leader's traits and styles while relating this to situational leadership models. The student must also reflect upon and articulate their personal leadership style in the conclusion. Finally, the question encourages the use of other resources and personal anecdotes to support the profile.

Answer 2

I have chosen Elon Musk as the leader for this profile. Musk's leadership is often seen as effective due to his visionary approach and success in multiple industries. His ability to innovate and drive transformative change aligns with my admiration for leaders who push boundaries.

Step-by-step explanation:

Elon Musk's leadership traits include a strong "vision" for the future. Musk envisions and pursues audacious goals, such as colonizing Mars and transitioning the world to sustainable energy. This aligns with the leadership trait of vision, as discussed in the module, which involves setting a compelling and ambitious direction for an organization.

Musk's leadership style is characterized by a high degree of "risk-taking" and "innovation." His ventures like Tesla, SpaceX, and Neuralink reflect a willingness to take bold risks and embrace innovation, showcasing his dynamic leadership style. The module highlights how leaders need to balance risk and innovation to drive organizational success.

In a specific leadership situation, Musk's involvement in SpaceX can be analyzed using the Situational Leadership Model. When dealing with cutting-edge space technology, Musk exhibits a "participating" style. He actively engages with the technical aspects, providing guidance to his team. This approach aligns with the module's emphasis on adapting leadership styles based on the situation and the competence of the team. Musk's leadership in SpaceX involves a hands-on approach due to the complexity of the tasks and the need for technical expertise.

Reflecting on my personal leadership style, I acknowledge the importance of combining vision, innovation, and adaptability. Inspired by Musk, I strive to set ambitious goals while maintaining flexibility in my approach to address different leadership situations. This approach has been effective in fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.