Leadership Traits for the New Millennium :: Business Management

Leadership Traits for the New Millennium In reading through the leadership articles assigned, there were several leadership theories that I could identify most readily to what I believe my own leadership style to be. These are Transformational, Servant-Leader, and Chaordic. The readings presented many characteristics of what the authors saw as important to becoming the best leader possible. To evaluate my strengths and weaknesses in questions #1 and #2 I used the characteristics from the Little article, Leadership Traits for the New Millennium as I thought they encompassed many of the traits discussed in the other articles as well as being put forward as key components of leadership’s future directions. I see each of these traits as a continuum so I will address both strengths and weaknesses at the same time. My strengths and weaknesses as a senior level leader interviewing for Chief Information Officer at a higher education institution. I begin my self-evaluation with change readiness. While I have made good strides in learning about change, the need for change, and preparing for change, I do believe that this is one area where I would like to target time for more development. Whether upbringing or lack of experience, I have always known the need for change but have not been quick to implement it. I believe I have the skills to lead change once decisions for changes have been made but I need to work on making that timely decision for change in the first place. Related to change is adaptability. Again, I feel like I am able to lead change once it has been decided but I have a harder time adapting to that initial need for change. My experience has been in steady state environments where the need for adaptability has not been a much-needed commodity, so again, I see a need to be introduced to a more dynamic environment to learn and experience adaptability. With that said however, I do see myself as one that can go with the flow and not being the one who is always in control. I feel that some of the best outcomes have been achieved from leadership from behind and have no trouble facilitating group leadership. I also feel I have a very good sense of keeping vision and mission on course. I think one of my major strengths is sensitivity.