“An eagle has a hooked beak already in the bud”, says an African proverb. This means that there are certain qualities with which one is born.
Personally, my grandfather was a customary chief, a species of a petty king, a leader.
Who is a leader? He/she leads or commands a group, an organization…This will be translated concretely in terms of skill, the knowledge that all recognize as part of the definition of a leader.
On a scale of value, not everyone will manifest this knowledge and skills in the same way. We can distinguish three categories: foundational, intermediate, and advanced.
Leadership covers a wide spectrum of areas. In Higher Education, we will focus on education. training, development, and engagement.
Foundational level
It is a question here of knowing how to articulate the vision and the mission in the unit where one works, to strengthen and face challenges, detail one personal values and how it impacts the relationship, describe, and apply the basic principles, understand campus culture,
As I am a newcomer to the campus, all are new to me. I am at the foundational level.
Intermediate level.
We go up a few notches. One’s become able to identify and take a critical look at the appropriate leadership models, anticipate potential obstacles, seek out training and feedback opportunities. Create an environment that encourages others and gives feedback to teammates. The leader can use reflection and recognize the interdependence of members. He/she is the defender of change that removes barriers against staff and students’ success.
The leader must not exclude anyone from his/her action. He tries to involve everyone around him/her.
Advanced outcomes
He/she is a kind of creator. He/she seek new and emerging constructs of leader and leadership. He then establishes systems to arouse leadership behavior. He/she creates a culture that advocates the use of feedback to his/her colleagues. His/her professional actions show that he/she is a leader.
The leadership qualities are visible. He/she develops and promotes a shared vision that drives the unit in the near and far future. He/she promotes, facilitates, and assesses the capabilities of the group initiatives, by using appropriate technologies to support such work. He/she is the person responsible for the unit or division.
As a potential leader, I will use leadership that promotes the participation of all people around me because we are strong together. Authoritarian leadership can bully others and prevent them from giving their best.