MGT536 Leadership Journal: Critical Perspective Learning Analysis

This leadership journal, written for the MGT536 course, offers a critical perspective on effective leadership. It delves into key leadership qualities, including exemplary character, clear communication, and the importance of setting clear objectives and goals. The journal highlights the significance of remaining optimistic in the face of challenges and its impact on employee motivation and organizational performance. Drawing on personal observations of a leader in a professional setting, the journal emphasizes the practical application of leadership principles and how they contribute to a positive work environment. The author discusses the importance of ethical behavior, decision-making, and the leader's role in conflict resolution. Ultimately, the journal underscores the crucial role of leadership in driving organizational success and fostering a motivated workforce, referencing key leadership theories and concepts.

MGT536-LEADERSHIP-A CRITICAL
PERSPECTIVE
LEARNING JOURNAL
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STUDENT ID:

Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................1
Exemplary Character.......................................................................................................................2
Clear Communication......................................................................................................................2
Clear Objectives and Goals.............................................................................................................3
Remaining Optimistic......................................................................................................................3
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................4
References........................................................................................................................................5
Introduction

Leadership is one of the most effective qualities possessed by a person, by virtue of
which they are able to lead others. This topic discusses the impact of leadership on the people as
well as on the organizational performances. Effective leadership has a positive impact on the
employees and they are motivated to work diligently and fulfil the organizational goals (Adair,
2013). However, with ineffective leadership, the employees are not motivated effectively, thus
resulting in the degradation of the performances of the employees. The effectiveness of the
leader and his leadership lies in the efficiency by which trust and confidence of the employees
are gained.
Exemplary Character
The various chapters on leadership and its effectiveness highlight the traits of an effective
leader. I have understood that for a leader, it is important that he have the capability of leading
others towards the right direction. Gaining the confidence of the employees in his guidance and
understanding the problems faced by the employees is important for a leader (Adair, 2013). The
leader has to be a good decision maker and take effective decisions in critical situations.
Moreover, being ethical in all situations is also an important quality of a leader (Hackman &
Johnson, 2013). I have seen my leader in office and have closely worked with him. He has a
great sense of responsibility along with efficient time-management. He has a good control over
himself and compose, even in critical situations. In official parties, when he enjoys himself, even
then he is aware of his position and ensures that he does nothing that is not appropriate as a
leader.
Clear Communication

Clarity in communication is a major quality of an effective leader. Being a good orator as
well as a good listener are some of the essential qualities of a leader. A leader has to listen to the
problems faced by his team members and ensure that justice is given to all. Moreover, while we
get involved in official conflicts, the leader ensures that the conflict resolution is carried out as
soon as it occurs. Clear communication with the team members will ensure that confusion will e
eliminated. I have often communicated my problems and issues to my leader and he has
successfully discussed the issue clearly, before decision-making. Thus, listening to the problems
of the employees is also important for an effective leader (Hackman & Johnson, 2013). The
ability to solve problem and critical analysis of problems has to be carried out by the leader. By
prompt and clear communication, positive organizational culture is promoted.
Clear Objectives and Goals
The organizational goals and objectives have to be clearly communicated to the
employees. However, it is important that the leader himself have a clear understanding of the
objectives and goals. The leader has to develop a clear understanding of the organizational goals
and objectives, in order to communicate them effectively to the subordinates (Northouse, 2015).
As a leader, I have seen my mentor aligning us all towards the fulfilment of the organizational
goals. Conflicting goals and objectives and lack of clarity among the employees will result in the
lack of successful achievement of the goals (Day, 2014). Thus, in a team, all the members have
to work towards the fulfilment of one goal. This has to be communicated by the leader.
Moreover, the employees often become de-motivated, owing to any recent event. However, it is
the duty of the leader to motivate them effectively, in order to ensure the fulfilment of the
organizational goals.

Remaining Optimistic
Problems and issues are an integral part of any business. Leaders have to face problems
and issues coming in the way of their business. However, it is important for the leader to remain
positive and optimistic while facing business issues. Lack of optimistic outlook will de-motivate
the team members and increase the issue, rather than attempting to solve it (Day, 2014). My
leader is optimistic in any situation. If my performance is good, I am praised for my work, along
with performance incentives. However, if my performance is not positive, then also my leader
remains optimistic and motivates me effectively to ensure that I rectify my mistakes and enhance
my performance.
Conclusion
Thus, leadership has a key role to play in enhancing the organizational performances, as
well as motivating the employees effectively. However, the leader has to ensure clarity in
communication, in order to avoid confusion in the team. Moreover, remaining optimistic is also
important, as lack of optimistic outlook will impart a negative work culture.

References
Adair, J. E. (2013). Develop your leadership skills (Vol. 11). Kogan Page Publishers.
Day, D. V. (Ed.). (2014). The Oxford handbook of leadership and organizations. Oxford Library
of Psychology.
Hackman, M. Z., & Johnson, C. E. (2013). Leadership: A communication perspective. Waveland
Press.
Northouse, P. G. (2015). Leadership: Theory and practice. Sage publications.