LDR 802 Module 1 Discussion 1

Leadership is defined in many ways. For some leadership is a construct within which to situate oneself on the basis of a title or a set of behaviors or skills. Others view leadership as a calling of sorts contending that some are literally “born leaders.” Considering the readings so far, your own personal and professional experience, and your observations of others, what is your picture of leadership? How does your picture differentiate between leadership and management? How is this picture of leadership textured by your identity and world view?

LDR 802 Module 1 Discussion 2

Research can be conducted for a variety of reasons including searching for effective change strategies that allow followers to perceive of someone as a leader rather than a manager or studying a specific problem as one will encounter when preparing the doctoral dissertation. What is research? How is scholarly research different from other kinds of research? What are the essential components of scholarly research? Is the investigation you propose to conduct in this scenario considered scholarly research? Why or why not? How will scholarly research help prepare you for writing your dissertation?

LDR 802 Module 1 Discussion 1

Leadership is defined in many ways. For some leadership is a construct within which to situate oneself on the basis of a title or a set of behaviors or skills. Others view leadership as a calling of sorts contending that some are literally “born leaders.” Considering the readings so far, your own personal and professional experience, and your observations of others, what is your picture of leadership? How does your picture differentiate between leadership and management? How is this picture of leadership textured by your identity and world view?

LDR 802 Module 1 Discussion 2

Focus on Research:

Research can be conducted for a variety of reasons including searching for effective change strategies that allow followers to perceive of someone as a leader rather than a manager or studying a specific problem as one will encounter when preparing the doctoral dissertation. What is research? How is scholarly research different from other kinds of research? What are the essential components of scholarly research? Is the investigation you propose to conduct in this scenario considered scholarly research? Why or why not? How will scholarly research help prepare you for writing your dissertation?

LDR 802 Module 2 Discussion 1

Assessments can provide a window to individual behaviors, traits, characteristics, skills, or experiences. Examine the results of the “Leadership Trait Questionnaire” you completed, and revisit your picture of leadership presented in the first discussion question in the course. How much of your picture is comprised of trait theory? For whom might there be value in understanding individual traits (whether or not one finds the results to be personally applicable)? Why?

LDR 802 Module 2 Discussion 2

Examine the results of the “Skills Inventory “you completed and revisit your picture of leadership presented in the first discussion question in the course. How much of your picture is comprised of skill theory as reflected by the assessment? How do leaders and leadership evolve over the course of time? Is developing as a leader simply a matter of gaining a broader skill set, or are there other characteristics or experiences that wield influence in this development?

LDR 802 Module 3 Discussion 1

Describe possible gaps you observe within Situational Leadership Theory. What strategies or adjustments in your own behavior, thinking, or worldview might you consider or employ to bridge these gaps?

LDR 802 Module 3 Discussion 2

Examine the results of the “Adaptive Leadership Questionnaire” you completed, and revisit your picture of leadership presented in the first discussion question in the course. What do the results of the questionnaire tell you about your adaptive leadership style? Explain. How does adaptive leadership appear in your picture of leadership? Explain.

LDR 802 Module 4 Discussion 1

Based on your understanding of leader-member exchange (LMX) theory, how might follower perceptions (real or perceived) of leadership behaviors potentially cause dissention within groups? Are there benefits to in-group/out-group dynamics? Why or why not? What adaptations might a leader make to address in-group/out-group dynamics within a group? Support your position.

LDR 802 Module 4 Discussion 2

Examine your results from the “Path-Goal Leadership Questionnaire.” What gaps or misalignments, if any, exist between the results of your assessment and how you perceive yourself through a lens of Path-Goal Leadership Theory? Explain. What strategies or adjustments in your own behavior, thinking, or worldview might you have to consider when the perceptions of followers are not aligned with your own perceptions of self?

LDR 802 Module 5 Discussion 1

Revisit the picture of leadership you created in the first module. Contrast your picture of leadership with the description of transformational leadership in the readings. Has your picture of leadership changed? In what ways? Consider these changes for a moment: are they based on behavior, thinking, or worldview? How might these changes support or overturn assumptions or perceptions of transformative leadership?

LDR 802 Module 5 Discussion 2

Some have suggested one of the primary roles of those in a leadership position is to focus on supporting the self-worth of followers which, in turn, leads to task performance provided to the leader. Consider ways follower perceptions of leaders and leader perceptions of followers encourage or discourage growth or engagement toward these ends. What strategies or adjustments might a leader have to make within his/her own behavior, thinking, or worldview when follower perceptions of the leader are misaligned with the leader’s perceptions of self?

LDR 802 Module 6 Discussion 1

Some leaders gravitate toward the tenets of servant leadership because of perceived compatibility with the Christian worldview. Is servant leadership the only theory of leadership that is compatible with the Christian worldview? Explain.

LDR 802 Module 6 Discussion 2

Some have suggested servant leadership is a paradox. Can a person successfully operate and be perceived as both a servant and a leader simultaneously? Why or why not? Are there aspects of one’s worldview or identity that could influence the potential for successfully operationalizing this paradox? Explain.

LDR 802 Module 7 Discussion 1

Examine your results from the “Leadership Archetype Questionnaire.” What gaps or misalignments, if any, exist between the results of your assessment and how you perceive yourself in leadership constructs? Explain. What strategies or adjustments in your own behavior, thinking, or world view might you have to consider when addressing the perceptions of followers?

LDR 802 Module 7 Discussion 2

Examine your results from the “Leadership Archetype Questionnaire.” What gaps or misalignments, if any, exist between the results of your assessment and how you perceive yourself in leadership constructs? Explain. What strategies or adjustments in your own behavior, thinking, or worldview might you have to consider when addressing the perceptions of followers?