1) We must not confuse leadership and status. Last week I sat in a meeting surrounded by people ranked much higher than me on campus - who were also much older and have more relevant experience, yet I was leading the meeting and emerged as the leader at the table. Ironic.
2) In thinking about level 5 leaders, I wonder how these leaders make it to the top. Is it something innate that they are born with or is it a culmination of their experiences. I think it is likely a combination of both. I honestly believe that I have the ability to make it to level 5 and I have a strong desire to do so. My desire mostly stems from the bad experiences that I have had as a "constituent" and not wanting others to have that same experience. However, I struggle with the fact that I have extremely high expectations on myself and thus also on others. I work on this daily.
I think that knowing my own leadership style and knowing my biases will help me in my leadership ability and also in my research. I also think that the more that I learn about leadership the more successful I will be in my professional career. Although I do not sit at the top of the hierarchical chart, I do have an ability to take myself out of the situation and look at things through a different lens. This objectivity often helps me initiate change within my current position.
I look forward to continuing my leadership development.....it will be an ongoing project :)
