Initially, the concept of leadership focused on an individual who organized a group of people to achieve a goal. Today, however, leadership is depicted in a different way. The field focuses not only on an individual leader, but also on members, supervisors, and followers representing a spectrum of diversity. During the evolution of leadership, several theories, models, and perspectives have emerged. As a human and social services professional, it is important to consider how different theories, models, and perspectives of leadership might be used to achieve professional and societal goals.
With these thoughts in mind:
1. Post a brief description of your professional or societal issue and the leadership theory, model, or perspective you selected. Then, explain why you chose that theory, model, or perspective, and explain how it might be applied to your issue. Be specific, and use processes of that theory, model, or perspective to illustrate your point.
Leaders believe in creating change out of a spirit of community, building a collaborative vision through dialogue, and developing a vision that integrates personal and professional beliefs.
The concepts of leadership, advocacy, and change are intertwined. Leaders are expected to be innovators, risk takers, and strategic thinkers. They also need to be advocates at the local, state, and national levels, and they need to motivate and lead members, followers, and communities to do the same. Advocacy enables, empowers, and encourages members to become involved in change.
2. Post a brief description of your agency (Freedom House Recovery Center). Describe at least three distinctions in how the leadership perspective might differ from either the change or advocacy perspectives as they relate to your agency. Explain the implications of these differences on the actions you might take and on the potential results as they relate to the agency. Be specific, and provide examples to illustrate your points.
