Reflection
Question One
Among the most difficult challenges that a leader experience are listening as well as responding to the out-group members (Northouse197). Specifically, the out-group members are the people within the organization or a group who typically feel detached. Northouse (211) suggests that a leader ought to listen to these members, acknowledge their unique contributions, give them a voice, build a special relationship with them, show empathy, empower them to act, and help them out to become included. As a leader, I endeavor to do all of the above so as to enhance my effectiveness.
On the Building Community Questionnaire, I am in the high range since my total score was 56. As a result, I can describe myself as an individual who has a positive attitude toward the out-group members. In particular, I strive to a special relationship with these members and help them feel included in my team. I also consider their suggestions during the decision-making process just as I consider those of the members of my group. In essence, doing this makes them feel appreciated. Nonetheless, I have not succeeded in empowered them to act entirely.
Question Three
Empowerment involves influential individuals making less-influential people more confident and stronger, particularly in claiming their rights. For instance, in the video, "South Central Farm," the celebrity activists including Willie Nelson, Joan Baez, Martin Sheen, and Darryl Hannah empowers the farmers in their struggle to save one of the largest urban gardens in the US, the South Central Farm situated in Los Angeles. One of my competencies in the area of empowerment, as a leader, is living the behaviors, which I wish both the out-group members and group members to embrace. In my leadership, I regularly demonstrate the values, behaviors, and actions, which I desire to not only in the members of my group/team but also in the out-group members.
My other competency in the area of empowerment is expressing appreciation on a continuous basis for all the things that the team members do. Another competency in this area is showing the out-group members that making mistakes is normal. I allow them to make mistakes as well as learn from those mistakes. However, one of the things, which keeps me from empowering others is failing to bring enthusiasm and energy out of them continuously. The other thing is failing to satisfy other individuals ‘deepest needs.
Works Cited
Northouse, Peter G. Introduction to Leadership: Concepts and Practice. Sage Publications, 2014.
Zutown. "South Central Farm." YouTube. N.p., 15 July 2013. Web. 26 Jan. 2017. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs-3f678vys>.
