Raymond Donnelly

The key takeaway is having an awareness of self; actions, behaviors and attitudes. An ongoing process. 

A big component of success on any level is truly understanding and effectively guiding-directing self. 

The 'Leadership approach' of considering (all) the leader, follower and situation and how they inner-relate was interesting. As a suggestion, this reminded me of a book that I read many, many moons ago Six Thinking Hats by Edward De Bono. 

This section was good information on 'marketing' yourself, attributes, etc. 

I am familiar with leadership as a study and have previously identified my leadership style as a combination of Visionary, Coaching and Democratic. Although different 'styles' are utilized situationally they are all utilized to compel, motivate, visualize, self-empower others. 

Reflecting from a 'leadership' perspective; I find myself extremely comfortable with clarifying direction, aligning efforts, inspiring, and maintaining focus and vision, etc. These are the characteristics that seem to come 'naturally'. In contrast, the plan-planning, budgeting and the designing of a plan-direction requires more work, time and focused attention(s) for me.  

I also see the Leader characteristics being a more natural fit to my character personally and the Manager characteristics are characteristics that require 'polishing', training and update(s).

The Managers are responsible assessing and defining direction and progress and leaders are the ones that communicate the direction and steps to be taken toward forward progress. 

Thus far, I see the "Manager" being defined and shaped as the facilitator or coordinator (overseer) of business activities; and the leader being the 'examples' or 'ambassadors' of assigned activities, tasks or business activities. I think that I am going to like and revisit this section. 

I found Dr. Belbins three categories of team roles and "allowable weaknesses" to be enlightening and provided a positive and thought provoking insight into the 'inner' workings-needs of a team. The whole idea of "allowable weakness" within the dynamics of a team is realistic and proactive. 

A reminder to us all to be a bit quicker to listen and slower to speak.