Making Decisions in Leadership

Making Decisions in Leadership

Thesis

Leaders distinguish themselves based on the size of the group of people they lead, their religious affiliation and what their values and priorities are.

Introduction

Leadership can be explained as, “the process of social influence in which one person can enlist the aid and support of others in the accomplishment of a common task," Chemers M. (1997). The methodology that each applies varies is right for their respective positions in society.

In order to understand how I evaluate myself, my personal and professional values, I interviewed four different types of leaders. Under fictitious names, the church interviewees were John Doe, ministerial Church 'A' staff member with approximately a hundred and sixty attendees and Jefferson Rush, ministerial Church 'B' staff member with approximately five hundred and thirty attendees. Two secular leaders have also been interviewed. Also under false names, Philip Stacker, in charge of supervising a team of three people and James Weller, in charge of supervising eleven people.

Discussion

Leaders are distinguished based on the size of the group of people they lead, their religious affiliation and what their values and priorities are. Based on the said statement, the four men have been selected as ideal candidates for the interview process. All four men come from different backgrounds, lead different kinds of people and the population of their followers varies too. Due to these factors, the way they deal with their followers changes. John takes particular interest in many of his attendees. He feels that he will be better able to answer questions, explain sermons and even lure those with doubts in their heart with personalized attention. He comes from humble backgrounds and is happy with his chosen lifestyle. I do not necessarily agree with changing to the requirements of a team or firm. This is because I believe a goal should be set and the entire team should strive to achieve it. In my opinion, he is overly optimistic.

Jefferson, or Jeff, is the oldest of the lot. A much more enlightened man, he deals with a larger crowd. It is understandable why he does not make an effort to recognize everyone. “Rather greet with a smile than with the wrong name,” is his personal motto. Jeff has a larger budget to work with, and thus attracts a lot more volunteers and can arrange a much wider variety of religious activities to increase attendance and create awareness. Jeff took the job due to the urging of his family. He understands that, in today's world, people do not take time to contribute or even remember and thank the Lord. For his age, I am pleasantly surprised at his knowledge of scientific methods and mathematics, and how he used it to attract his followers more. It is admirable that he uses his budget well. He does not spend it on himself or only on the staff. He spends it on charities, helping those in need, providing facilities, organizing and running a homeless shelter.

Both men, combined, value philanthropy, peace, education and loyalty to ...