Overall Reflection
One of the courses that I have taken in my first semester is UPPF 6033--Dynamics of Leadership. This course helps me to discover and develop my potential personal leadership qualities. In assignment 1, I got the opportunity to work with another 3 coursemates to present a topic on Leadership Behaviour and Motivation. This is where the concept of teamwork is essential and every group member should display their own personal leadership qualities in helping each other to complete the assignment.
Furthermore, I have a chance to interview Ketua Kampung in my hometown to find out the leadership challenges that he has faced. I found that this assignment is really interesting as I get to know more about how Mr. Ruda handling the tasks.
After taking the course, I understand that effective leadership is a key to the success of an organisation. I learned about the essential leadership skills and most importantly, I discovered myself as a "leader". I am now more confident in my abilities and have greater clarity in my thoughts. I believe I can better articulate the qualities and attributes of leadership qualities in my work life.
Overall Experience with Lecturer
I would say that completing all the assignments is never an easy task. Thankfully, Dr. Jamilah has established clear guidelines and always given a lot of information for the students to complete the assignments.
I really enjoyed learning this course as Dr. Jamilah love to share her personal stories and work experience with us. The experience has provided a self-awareness framework for me to interact with my managers and colleagues confidently in the workplace. I appreciate all the time, support, and care Dr. Jamilah has shown towards the students. I am lucky to have her as a course instructor.
Weekly Reflection
Reflection 01
22 October 2020
The 4 assignments include group presentation, short talk video, interview, and e-portfolio are explained.
I learned about the meaning of leadership and leadership theories. I understand that a good leader should be able to influence and lead the followers in an organisation. Dr. Jamilah uses the role-play method to explain the concept and this makes the learning process fun and interesting. Last, I realised there is a difference between managers and leaders. Leaders help an organisation and people to grow whereas managers are essential to make work processes more effective.
Reflection 02
19 November 2020
In today's lesson, I learned about contingency leadership theories. The idea defines whether a particular leader or leadership style will be effective for a given situation. The factors include the task, personality of the leader, and the composition of the group that is meant to be led.
Today is my group presentation on the topic of Leadership Behaviour and Motivation. An effective leader should be able to motivate and inspire the followers in an organisation to improve their productivity of work. For example, a leader can communicate with the team members to establish a clear goal besides giving praise and rewards. Hence, the team members able to know what is expected from them and work hard to achieve the goal at the same time.
Reflection 03
03 December 2020
I learned about the dyadic theory where leaders need to establish an effective relationship with the followers. Besides, I learned about the leader-member exchange theory (LMX) which focuses on the development of relationships among the leaders and followers through the three stages.
Kelley's Five Followership styles model consists of alienated, passive, conformist, pragmatic, and effective. To be an effective employee, I need to be a critical, independent thinker and active in behaviour.
Reflection 04
17 December 2020
I learned about the difference between a group and a team. In a group, the leader and members are having own roles so their commitment varies. In a team, all the members cooperate to achieve the same goal. There are 3 types of a team:
1. Functional: Performing own roles
2. Cross-functional: Helping other teams
3. Self-managed: An independent team
Besides, the strategies to conduct an informative meeting within the set time frame are discussed. These include: establishing clear objectives, cover the necessary agenda and make a conclusion for the attendees. I realised that everyone has a different personality either quiet or talkative. As a leader in the meeting, I need to be able to manage the situation like cue him or her to give the idea.
Reflection 05
24 December 2020
In transformational leadership, a leader able to instil good behaviour among the followers. Followers will continue to perform their tasks despite the absence of the leader. In transactional leadership, a leader provides resources and rewards for the followers in exchange for motivation.
There are 4 dimensions of transformational leadership:
1. Idealized influence
2. Inspirational motivation
3. Intellectual stimulation
4. Individual consideration
I realised that a good leader should have a clear vision, able to motivate the followers, and send them for training. Most importantly, he or she should think and feel for the followers.
Reflection 06
14 January 2021
I learned that level 5 leadership consists of highly capable individuals, contributing team members, competent managers, effective leaders, and executives. The level 5 leaders have personal humility (always be humble), professional will (competent and have the vision to achieve a goal).
Besides, I realised that to confront the brutal truth meaning the leaders should always reveal the truth to the followers.
Reflection 07
21 January 2021
In today's lesson, I learned about authentic leadership which works on the principle that a leader can prove their legitimacy by nurturing sincere relationships with the followers and giving importance to their input. An authentic leader encourages the followers to be more open.
To be an authentic leader, I need to be honest and showing respect to everyone. For example, I can express myself well and use kind, constructive, and inclusive language.
