1. Leadership Conundrum to focus on
Assertiveness is the leadership conundrum I would like to address. As a leader, I would like to know how to be assertive when communicating and interacting with the people whom I lead.
Question
How can I ensure that I become assertive as a leader?
2. Reasons for choosing the conundrum
Assertiveness is one of the essential communication skills. Being assertive makes one to have a fulfilling relationship when communicating with others (Sauer, 2011). A good leader should be able to communicate in a way that makes those people he leads to rising into action (Kaiser & Overfield, 2011). In my experience in leading various groups, I have realized at times the decisions I make are not taken seriously. Some people abscond or fail to perform the duties assigned them. Also, I am often influenced to change my stance towards various solemn decisions that I have made after listening to explanation and excuses why certain persons failed to perform their duties. This leadership conundrum may be detrimental in future if not handled well. I would like to be assertive when communicating so that I can push people to action to ensure that all groups which I lead are successful.
I would, therefore, like to be assertive as a leader as it is one of the crucial skills that a good leader should possess. Assertiveness would empower me to communicate in a way that those I lead will take my directives seriously. Assertiveness would also enable me to influence and have command.
3. Bibliography of journal articles
Kaiser, R. B., & Overfield, D. V. (2011). Strengths, strengths overused, and lopsided leadership. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 63(2), 89.
Pathak, M (2012). Assertiveness: Critical Skill for Managers Today. Human Capital. , 15 (10), 50-51.
Santora, J. (2007). Assertiveness and effective Leadership: Is there a Tipping Point. Academy of Management Perspectives, 21 (3), 84-86. DOI: 10.5465/AMP.2007.26421241.
Sauer, S. J. (2011). Taking the reins: the effects of new leader status and leadership style on team performance. Journal of Applied Psychology, 96(3), 574.
4. Leaders that I will interview and why
Leader 1:
Reason: They have demonstrated excellent leadership skills that have steered their companies to growth. Because this leader has demonstrated excellent leadership skills, I have confidence that they are the right person to mentor me and provide me with more information on this leadership conundrum.
Leader 2:
Reason: They are leaders in one of the most successfully companies in_____________. The leader, therefore, possesses requisite skills of leadership. I will be able to learn more about importance of being a good leader and acquiring good leadership skills. Besides, I will be able to know if there is the need for me to train and nurture this skill to ensure efficiency in leading my group.
5. Interview questions
Leader 1
How can I ensure that I become an assertive leader?
How will assertiveness as a skill benefit me as a leader?
Can I still lead effectively without being assertive?
Is assertiveness nurtured or inborn?
How has the skill of assertiveness contributed to your success as a leader?
Leader 2
Why is assertiveness one of the crucial skills that a good leader should possess?
What are some of the leadership skills that go along with assertiveness?
Which leadership skill should every good leader possess to ensure the success of the institution that they lead?
Are there any demerits associated with being assertive as a leader?
Can one learn to be assertive or it is an innate skill?
