What makes a great leader? Is it a charismatic person who can command a room? Is it an inspiring individual who brings out the best in his or her teams, co-workers, and other stakeholders? Is it the quiet but efficient manager who can balance budgets and meet deadlines? The fact is, no one single definition captures leadership. Leaders may have very different styles, strategies, qualities, and strengths and limitations. Sometimes it is only by spending time examining someone in depth that the intangible nature of leadership begins to take shape. This is the purpose of this Final Project. Throughout this course, you have been completing a Leadership Profile, which was an in-depth study of a selected leader. This comprehensive profile of a leader is intended to provide you and your classmates with insights into all of the course topics and more. Submit by Sunday, 11:59 p.m. ET, PowerPoint presentation, 10-16 slides (1 slide per page, in color) Section I: Introduction and Background (2-3 Slides)
• Explain why you selected this leader. • Provide introductory information such as title, organization, roles within the organization,
educational background, number of years in current position, and previous positions held at this and other organizations.
• Describe what he or she does day to day. • Provide a summary of accomplishments.
Section II: Leadership Insights on Course Topics (6-8 Slides) Using subheadings and specific examples (anecdotes, descriptions of situations, challenges, strategies, lessons learned), provide your chosen leaders’ insights on the following:
• Philosophy/definition of leadership (e.g., leadership versus management; leadership styles, qualities, skills; delegation; ethics and values; stress and time management; strengths and weaknesses)
• Problem solving and decision making (e.g., challenges and successes; roadblocks to effectiveness)
• Conflict management and negotiation • Groups, teams, and team leadership • Motivation and power • Diversity and leadership (e.g., defining diversity, encouraging diversity) • Trends and advice for aspiring leaders (technology [e.g., social media], concerns for the
future, communication; what is changing) Section III: Conclusions (1–4 Slides, not including attachments)
• Insights on leadership: What lessons you will take with you in your career • References
Attachments
• Leader’s vitae or resume • Interview questions
