What Type of Leader are you ? Jon Christie Jon.christie@falmouth.ac.uk

overview What is leadership ? Leadership theory Leadership traits Leadership v management

What is leadership? "Leadership is a function of knowing yourself, having a vision that is well communicated, building trust among colleagues, and taking effective action to realize your own leadership potential." Prof. Warren Bennis

Why is leadership important? Leaders – born or bred? Why is leadership important? discuss

Leadership Theory Functional Theories (John Adair, Action Centred Leadership, 1970) Leader is concerned with the interaction of 3 areas: Task – goal setting, methods and process Team – effective interaction/communication, clarify roles, team moral Individual – attention to behaviour, feelings, coaching, CPD

Action Centred Leadership

Audience participation Examples of Leaders ? What makes a good leader ? Is that a trait or a skill ?

Leadership Skills Clever (intelligent) Conceptually skilled Creative Diplomatic and tactful Fluent in speaking Knowledgeable about group task Organised (administrative ability) Persuasive Socially skilled Question – what is the difference between traits and skills ?

Leadership Traits Adaptable to situations Energetic (high activity level) Alert to social environment Persistent Ambitious and achievement orientated Self-confident Assertive Tolerant of stress Cooperative Willing to assume responsibility Decisive Dependable Dominant (desire to influence others)

Leaders will also use: Integrity Honesty Compassion Humility Why are these important ?

Leadership v’s Management What’s the difference? Do good leaders make good managers? Do good mangers make good leaders?

Leadership v’s Management If you had to choose one key skill as a Leader to help inspire, relay your vision and motivate your teams what would it be?

What factors can effect your ability to communicate instructions / vision ? Communication is the vital part of Leadership. How can you convey your vision and motivate your teams with out effective communication. Communication is broken into three parts– what are they? Get examples Then ask: What factors can effect your ability to communicate instructions / vision etc? Bring up INTERPRETATION

Communication Interpretation Verbal Written Non-verbal Communication is the vital part of Leadership. How can you convey your vision and motivate your teams with out effective communication. Communication is broken into three part – what are they? Get examples Then ask: What factors can effect your ability to communicate instructions / vision etc? Bring up INTERPRETATION

Interpretation in action – following instructions Why does this happen? Go through both exercises Exercise 1 – Folding paper exercise Get multiple students to follow simple folding instructions on folding paper. Without looking at each other Exercise 2 – Interpreting exercise . Get one student to describe a basic picture to another student. Without eye contact student 2 has to draw the picture Then ask – Why does this ( Variance ) happen?

Interpretation We all interpret information in a different way and in accordance to own blend of learning preferences.

VARK – Learning Preferences Visual Audio Read / Write Kinaesthetic

When communicating your goals, visions and your instructions its important to keep VARK in mind. Even in formal presentations Evaluate the following presentation http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KgObza4ek1U

Resources The VARK Questionnaire http://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/

Questions