Chapter 5 Response

I agree with some of the leadership traits described in Lao-tzu’s from the text. Hardworking, honest, able to time the appropriateness of actions, fair in handling conflict are among the leadership traits that I agree with. From experience, hard work and devotion has been vital in good leadership, because hard work enables people to succeed in what they are trying to accomplish. Honesty plays an important role because a person needs to be true with themselves and others to be an effective leader. I agree with Shelly when an honest opinion can be difficult, especially when going against a popular opinion. Honest opinions need to be stated though when trying to accomplish change. Able to time the appropriateness of actions I believe comes from a person’s experience and how to manage a given situation. Theses actions stem from background and experiences that I believe by experimenting and learning overtime will develop in personal leadership. Dealing with conflict goes along with appropriateness of action, because given certain situation fairness needs to be understood for good leadership.

I do not completely agree with the traits of being selfless and able to ‘empower others.’ Leaders should have an agenda for the goals they are trying to accomplish, which means they cannot be solely concerned with others. From my experience, a leader needs to provide a certain degree of belong for the followers, but also focuses at the tasks at hand. Along selfless, I do not agree with the word ‘empower’ in the description given. The word empower should be replaced with motivate. The ability to motivate people allows leaders to succeed, because people are encouraged to accomplish goals, whereas ‘empower’ demands accomplishments through force.

My advisor at St. Norbert College has motivated me, been honest with me, and fair to me. I have developed my personal leadership skill through his courses and discussions with him. I have been motivated to do the best I can in college and how to be successful in my college career. Honesty has helped me realizes my strengths and weaknesses, even though hearing weaknesses might have been difficult at times. I was able to learn from my weakness that improved my academic career. Honesty and fairness from my advisor encouraged me to study abroad and has shaped my college career.