Leadership Concepts | Origin: LS103R
This is a general discussion forum for the following learning topic:
Your Leadership Impact --> Leadership Concepts
Post what you've learned about this topic and how you intend to apply it. Feel free to post questions and comments too.
This module on leadership impact was a meaningful pivot from the broader conversation about leadership styles and moved me into a more personal space — one that forced me to examine the effect of my own leadership, not just its form.
The idea that leadership impact can be either supportive or restrictive was especially clarifying. As a leader in higher education, I sometimes default to processes and procedures because they feel safe and predictable. But processes alone do not inspire. They do not build trust. They do not foster hope. That's the work of leadership — and it requires a different kind of intentionality.
Bennis's Four Tenets of Leadership — provide a sense of purpose, generate and sustain trust, foster hope, and get results — gave me a clear framework to measure my own impact against. What struck me most is that the first three tenets fuel the fourth. Results are not a standalone pursuit; they are the natural outcome of leading people well. When people feel purposeful, trusted, and hopeful, they bring their best to the work. When they don't, no amount of strategy or structure will produce lasting success.
I was also reminded that leadership impact is not always positive. Every leader leaves a wake — the question is whether that wake lifts people up or holds them back. That is a sobering reality, but it's also a challenge worth embracing.
Going forward, I plan to apply what I've learned by:
Regularly checking whether my decisions empower or restrict the people I lead
Starting every major initiative by clearly communicating purpose — not just tasks or deadlines
Being more deliberate about listening as a way to sustain trust over time
Celebrating small wins more often to foster hope, especially in seasons where the work feels heavy
Delegating with intention — not to offload tasks, but to grow future leaders
Leadership, I'm learning, is less about what I do for my team and more about who my team becomes because I lead them. That's the kind of impact I want to leave.
With Benevolence, Shannon
In this section of the module, I was very touched by the PBS documentary – The Principal Story (2009) – that followed the stunning performances and work ethics of two principals, Tresa Dunbar and Kerry Purcell, as they struggled to improve the morale and academic performances of underrepresented students in two separate high-poverty schools. For Dunbar and Purcell, their successes relied on their transformational leadership styles, fueled by their passion to make the futures brighter for their students. They were unwavering in this quest. The faculty members who had the grit to remain on board were challenged to develop their skills in classroom management as they were clearly dedicated to the vision formulated by Dunbar and Purcell in their respective schools.
I need to be intentional and focus on creating and sustaining energy that empowers, rather than restricts, my team.
As a leader, it is important to know your team so you can utilize their individual talents, which ultimately benefits everyone.
Comment on Danielle Trueba's post: You're right, Danielle. When I was younger, I used to hear some adults say, "Do as I say, not as I do." That is such a misconception, because kids almost never only do what they hear; they do what they see. Actions usually stick in the mind more deeply than words. This is true for adults as well. We can be influenced in positive or negative ways by those who we call our leaders.
I appreciate a leader who is honest and can admit mistakes, being transparent with the team. It doesn't diminish the strength of their role. It makes them stronger because the team will come to respect their courage and openness which creates a safe space to share successes and failures so that the team can grow and learn together.
As a leader it is important to assess your team and provide them with the resources they need to be successful. (i.e. coaching, additional training...). Leaders must always lead by example and provide a sense of purpose, build trust and nurture hope. Your team will feel inspired and positive results will come.
I learned that we have to work with individuals and their strengths and work towards the common goal. Anyone can be a leader and I can see how other leaders I have been around may have failed. You need the willingness to learn and grow.
It is important to understand situational leadership and determine the best style to use, because different people and situations require different approaches. By recognizing the needs, skills, and motivation of those involved, a leader can adapt their style to provide the right balance of guidance, support, and independence, leading to better outcomes and stronger team performance.
Anyone can have a leadership role, but it's how you lead your team. By listening and fostering a positive environment.
If followers know you are buying into what they go through on a daily basis, they will know your passion is with theirs. If you do not show it, even though it is not "'your style", you will have to battle it to get buy-in.
Leading by example is paramount in being an effective and respected leader.
An inspiring documentary! A good leader should be transparent, empower team members, and address students' needs. It is essential to identify, analyze, and resolve issues with the team. In summary, understanding problems and setting clear goals is vital.
Good leadership will propel people to work harder, therefore creating better outcomes for the institution. Showing commitment and leading by example are significant for creating an ideal leadership.
I learned that a leader must be there for all those good and difficult moments supporting the team with anything they need to be successful. A leader must be visible and approachable. A leader must take time to know every person of the team, to know the strengths and weaknesses and provide extra support to those who need it.
I learned that leadership is not something everyone may excel at. Although, it does take effort and dedication, to become an effective leader.
We need to understand people and lead by example.
I have learned that the core tenets of leadership provide a clear pathway to achieving results. While there are various paths to leadership, it is essential to know what we want, provide clear direction, build trust, and foster hope among staff in order to achieve the best outcomes.
The 4 tenets of leadership help understand in a simple yet comprehensive way the journey for a successful leadership
