Leadership Portfolio
Leadership in the 21st century continues to evolve (especially with changing/diversifying/multi-generational workplaces and virtual/communication-focused technology). While these changes help to develop leadership styles and practices, the variation in theory continues to exist. That's because one thing that remains true is that several different leadership styles and approaches have proven to be effective. The challenge has always been finding the one that can apply to every situation, business or follower.
Today, I don't think we've settled on any universal one-size fits all concept of leadership. However, many of the same critical components remain - keeping employees motivated (today, you might say "engaged"), providing effective communication, understanding awareness of people's interpretations, stations and perceptions, as well as developing a path for success and growth.
While there isn't a universal formula to successful leadership in the 21st century, I think the key is defining your company/project culture and building the right leadership traits, skills and theories around it. There is enough study out there to help you determine what should work for your environment.
Today, I don't think we've settled on any universal one-size fits all concept of leadership. However, many of the same critical components remain - keeping employees motivated (today, you might say "engaged"), providing effective communication, understanding awareness of people's interpretations, stations and perceptions, as well as developing a path for success and growth.
While there isn't a universal formula to successful leadership in the 21st century, I think the key is defining your company/project culture and building the right leadership traits, skills and theories around it. There is enough study out there to help you determine what should work for your environment.
My Leadership
Throughout my career, I've had opportunities to provide leadership in a variety of ways. In the traditional sense, I've taken up a leadership role in my independent projects and my workplace responsibilities. After learning how to apply a strategy or process to something successfully, I'm always anxious to share what I learned with others so they can achieve success.
I tend to compare my leadership style to people like Harold Ramis. He was known for an interdependent/collaborative approach to leadership where every team member was viewed as equally valuable. He understood the key to success in his work was knowing his strengths/weaknesses and empowering others to fill his skills/knowledge gaps to achieve the best results possible.
I'm confident in my abilities, but I would also say I have a good combination of task and communication/relationship/supportive behaviors (team management) rooted in a supporting/participative path-goal-oriented leadership style. I can develop a structure and game plan, but I also employ many employee-orientation and consideration behaviors in my approach to achieve objectives. People know me to be confident, conceptual, and diligent, as well as articulate and empathetic.
I tend to compare my leadership style to people like Harold Ramis. He was known for an interdependent/collaborative approach to leadership where every team member was viewed as equally valuable. He understood the key to success in his work was knowing his strengths/weaknesses and empowering others to fill his skills/knowledge gaps to achieve the best results possible.
I'm confident in my abilities, but I would also say I have a good combination of task and communication/relationship/supportive behaviors (team management) rooted in a supporting/participative path-goal-oriented leadership style. I can develop a structure and game plan, but I also employ many employee-orientation and consideration behaviors in my approach to achieve objectives. People know me to be confident, conceptual, and diligent, as well as articulate and empathetic.
Independent Projects
I've worked in a similar role as a writer/director while producing independent projects (episodic and feature-length). I had limited resources, so the crew was usually one other person. I was responsible for leading a successful shoot where we got what we needed, didn't waste time and everyone felt valued. I was known for this leadership style, and it helped me produce quality projects that featured quality people.
I was always open to taking suggestions from others (including lead actors and extras), and I always treated everyone the same. It didn't matter if you were the lead actor or someone who was simply talking in the background. I also went into each shoot knowing what we had to achieve, and I was always prepared for a PLAN B - which sometimes would be better than PLAN A.
Some shoots would involve having to lead 3-5 people, others might include as many as 10-15.
Right now, I have two people who help me produce a podcast. Despite the fact they work on a show with my name on it, I never treat them like I'm their boss, but as someone who is trying to lead the effort to produce quality content. As a leader, I think it's important to believe your team is trying to achieve the same success-based goals as you - even when there are disagreements or different ideas.
I was always open to taking suggestions from others (including lead actors and extras), and I always treated everyone the same. It didn't matter if you were the lead actor or someone who was simply talking in the background. I also went into each shoot knowing what we had to achieve, and I was always prepared for a PLAN B - which sometimes would be better than PLAN A.
Some shoots would involve having to lead 3-5 people, others might include as many as 10-15.
Right now, I have two people who help me produce a podcast. Despite the fact they work on a show with my name on it, I never treat them like I'm their boss, but as someone who is trying to lead the effort to produce quality content. As a leader, I think it's important to believe your team is trying to achieve the same success-based goals as you - even when there are disagreements or different ideas.
In the workplace
The most meaningful example of leadership in the workplace came when I was hired at the Dallas/North Texas NPR affiliate to completely change messaging, strategies and content in the on-air fundraising drives. Going into the job, I had no experience in radio (much less major market radio) and non-profit fundraising. However, I would have to lead longtime radio veterans, station staff (including upper management), partners and donors in my efforts. As a leader, I approached this the way I always do - combining my knowledge and drive with situational and emotional intelligence.
Between all participants (volunteers and staff, on-air and behind the scenes), I was leading or working with 20-25+ during pledge drives.
Between all participants (volunteers and staff, on-air and behind the scenes), I was leading or working with 20-25+ during pledge drives.