Discussion 1

Resources

Read/review the following resources for this activity:
• Textbook: Chapters 1, 2
• Lectures: 1, 2
• Video: Becoming a Leader: What is Leadership
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpNWDekfGog
• Minimum of 1 library resource for initial post

Introduction

The video "Becoming a Leader: What is Leadership" is an interesting and fun presentation by Richard Rierson. Rierson is a former Marine, commercial pilot, entrepreneur and certified leadership coach and trainer. He believes that leadership challenges include learning how to meet our personal challenges with calmness, confidence and consistency. He covers many topics related to leadership in this 12-minute video.

Initial Post Instructions

Watch the video on "What is leadership?" and answer the following questions:

• Would the authors of our course textbook agree with what is said in the video? (e.g. Would they be in agreement with the video's definition of leadership?) Be specific.

• Is there anything in the video that was not discussed in class that called your attention? If so, explain.

• After watching the video and studying the materials for this week, would you say leadership is important? If it is, how so? If it is not, why not?

Secondary Post Instructions

Read and respond to posts made by at least two peers. Respond in one of the following ways:

• Ask a probing question.
• Share an insight from having read your peer's post.
• Offer and support an opinion.
• Validate an idea with your own experience.
• Make a suggestion.

Writing Requirements

• In addition to one initial post, respond to at least two peers.
• Initial Post Length: minimum of 250 words
• Secondary Post Length: minimum of 200 words per post
• Use APA format for in-text citations and list of references

Learning Outcomes:

1. Develop a working definition of leadership.
2. Interpret the characteristics of leadership.
5. Generalize the responsibilities of successful leadership experiences.

Discussion 2

Resources

Read/review the following resources for this activity:
• Textbook: Chapter 1, 2
• Minimum of 1 library resource for initial post

Initial Post Instructions

What is the Big Five Model of Personality? What are some of the Leadership traits within the Big Five? Knowing that there is no one list of traits that is accepted by all researchers on what constitutes an effective leader, discuss the following:

• Do you agree with this model?

• Are there traits that you would classify as less important or more important? Perhaps there is a spectrum? If so, why are some more important than others?

• Are there any traits that you would add to the list? Any that you would remove? Why?

• Does the importance of a particular trait depend on the situation? How so?

• How are these traits related to what we have discussed leadership is?

Assignment: Essay

Resources

Read/review the following resources for this activity:

• Textbook: Chapter 1, 2
• Minimum of 2 library resources

Introduction

There is no one universal definition of leadership but it's important to understand the aspects of leadership. The four major classifications of leadership theory have practical value because they are used to better understand, predict, and control successful leadership. The four major classifications are The Trait Theory, Behavioral Leadership Theory, Contingency Leadership Theory and the Integrative Leadership Theory. Leadership decisions are a daily aspect of organizations and the fate of an organization is guided by leadership decisions. Understanding the theories is a basic starting point.

Activity Instructions

Submit an essay defining trait, behavioral and contingency leadership theories, and the interrelationship between them.

The weekly essay assignments are based on a topic from your assigned readings. You are to provide your thoughts about the topic as it relates to the textbook, or another scholarly reference. There is not necessarily a "right" or "wrong" answer; rather how well you comprehend the topic, and can successfully argue your point. All writing assignments are to be in accordance with APA standards for writing. Therefore, the weekly writing assignments should have a cover page and be double-spaced.

Reference to an article or a text must be properly cited in the text and listed on a reference page.

Writing Requirements (APA format)

• 3-4 pages (approx. 300 words per page), not including title page or references page
• 1-inch margins
• Double spaced
• 12-point Times New Roman font
• Title page with topic and name of student
• References page (minimum of 2 resources).