Leadership, Stafford, Independent Learning,
Leadership Propositions Assignment
The Development of a Leadership Model
This class is built around several conceptual principles. One of these principles is that we
need to develop as leaders and that we must take responsibility for that development. To
facilitate this you are to develop a series of leadership propositions organized around the
10 commitments from Kouzes and Posner and the 5 levels of leadership described in the
syllabus.
A proposition is something that you believe to be true. It will usually take the form of a
short sentence or two.
The attached spreadsheet is designed to help you do that. It creates a matrix with Kouzes
and Posner’s 10 commitments down the side and the 5 levels of leadership (Stafford)
across the top.
Using the book about a leader that you have picked you should work to fill in each cell of
the matrix. Simply download the matrix onto your computer and enter propositions as
you develop them. (This matrix is available in either MS Word or MS Excel format. You
may use either for this assignment.) Most of your propositions should come from the
book, but you can take some (no more than 20%) from your own personal experiences
and other sources.
You should always state where your propositions come from in the spreadsheet.
Examples: Lincoln 43 would mean from page 43 in your book about Abraham Lincoln.
Elizabeth C2 would mean Queen Elizabeth Chapter 2, PE would be from personal
experience, Oprah September 2003 would be from Oprah’s show sometime in
September.
Some examples of propositions are:
Commitment: Envision the Future
Skill Set:
An important second order skill set is developing the ability to think outside the box.
There are several paths to this and they are found in many of the mind play books and
exercises. Read a book on them.
Tactics:
Gather at least one piece of new information daily. Read an article, a chapter, a web site,
watch a show, etc. daily.
CMST 438, Leadership, Stafford, Independent Learning, February 2004
Strategy:
Develop your own personal strategic plan for your own life, starting with personal vision.
Theoretical Proposition:
Achieving your vision, goals, desires and hopes is only possible through the precondition
of defining and stating your vision, goals, desires and hopes.
Vision, goals, desires and hopes do not have to be completely obtainable.
Philosophy:
The leader must develop a set of ideals, core values, and principles to guide his or her
behavior on the journey.
The act of setting and stating your vision, goals, desires and hopes is an important
endeavor in and of itself.
(Your Name) Propositions about Leadership based on (name of your book)
Instructions: You should have a statement (not a single word sound bite) in each of the cells on the spreadsheet by the end of the quarter.
It is your responsibility to make the presentation look good.
Five Practices Chapter Ten Commitments Skill Sets Tactical Activities Strategic Approaches Theoretical Propositions Philosophical Orientation
Model the Way 3 Find Your Voice
4 Set the Example
Inspire a Shared Vision 5 Envision the Future
6 Enlist Others
Challenge the Process 7 Search for Opportunities
8 Experiment & Take Risk
Enable Others to Act 9 Foster Collaboration
10 Strengthen Others
Encourage the Heart 11 Recognize Contributions
12 Celebrate the Values & Victories
