Read the question and student response. Question 1: Complete the Interactive Leadership Assessment at the end of Ch. 8 in the Northouse text. What is your leadership style? Based on the Suggestions for Improving Your Leadership at the end of the assessment, discuss three strategies you will implement to improve your leadership. Student Response: Based on the scoring of the Interactive Leadership Assessment, I am a Transformational leader. As its name implies, transformational leadership is a process that changes and transforms people (Northouse, 2019). Before taking the assessment, I thought I was a Servant leader. Upon learning that I possess a transformative leadership style, I became intrigued to better understand how I lead. This style encompasses traditionally feminine behaviors such as being considerate and supportive and is strongly associated with leadership effectiveness (Northouse, 2019). Although one of the most popular contemporary leadership styles, transformational leadership has been presented as both a universal as well as a contingency theory (Andersen, 2015). As stated by Vito et al. (2014), the transformational leader optimizes his or her power and influence using charisma or vision. I have been told I am charismatic and possess the skill of persuasion. Therefore, I must be conscious to use my influence to advance my organization’s vision and not willed it in a way that is destructive to the team I am charged to lead. Transformational leaders have been accused of being elitists, so a strategy I will consistently execute is being collaborative, open-minded to hearing and receiving the perspectives of others. The label, ‘Transformational leader’ can equate to someone who uses their authority to control the actions of others. According to Antonakis (2012), researchers have not established that transformational leaders are actually able to transform individuals and organizations. With this knowledge, I must work on not believing the hype, that I can change another human being’s behavior. I aim to be a thoughtful leader, mindful of learning from and with my team, so we can collectively work to advance our organization’s vision.  References: Andersen, J.A. (2015), ‘Barking up the wrong tree: on the fallacies of the transformational leadership theory’, Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 36(6), 765-777. Antonakis, J. (2012). Transformational and charismatic leadership. In D. V. Day & J. Antonakis (Eds.), The Nature of Leadership (2nd ed., pp. 256–288). SAGE Publications, Inc. Northouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership: Theory and practice (8th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. Vito, G.F., Higgins, G.E., & Denney, A.S. (2014), Transactional and transformational leadership. Policing, 37(4), 809-822. Question 2: Read the leadership materials in this week’s Learning Activities folder. Choose one leadership style that resonates with you, and write a 250- to 300-word substantiated discussion on how that leadership style would be applicable to your professional field.  Student Response: The leadership style that best resonates with me in my professional field is the servant leadership style. I find this leadership style to be effective in my nonprofit organization of service to others. According to Northouse (2019), Servant leadership emphasized that leaders be attentive to the care and concern of the followers with an emphasis to nurture them. My organization, which is a social service organization that serves the community to better the lives of others, also seeks to empower employees to be their best to be of service in our mission (Volunteers of America Greater New York, 2022). Allen et al (2018) noted servant leaders seek to serve the larger community inside and outside of the organization and are said to be empathetic to followers and stakeholders, focusing on building the community.  The service of our organization is to aid those who are at risk of being homeless, domestic violence victims, mental health clients, at risk youth, those with developmental disabilities and others (Volunteers of America Greater New York, 2022). Being in a nonprofit that is service oriented is about service, and those who work in this field can find fulfillment and purpose in service to others. According to Allen et al (2018) those who work in nonprofits seem likely to experience greater fulfillment in their participation of their organizations’ mission.  Over the last few years, I have seen our leadership from the top down become more involved with employees and focus on empowering employees, which has led to increased productivity in the services we provide. Even our President and CEO is very approachable and is involved in the mission of our organization by being available to staff of the entire organization. Allen et al (2018) stated essential leadership behaviors of practicing what he/she preaches by focusing on the well-being of others. This creates better outcomes from those in the organization  Sfetcu noted (2021) although servant leadership has received little attention in nonprofit leadership literature, it has the potential to be good leaderships style in nonprofits because of the emphasis on mission and its follower-centric way of reaching organizational objectives.  Allen, S., Winston, B. E., Tatone, G. R., & Crowson, H. M. (2018). Exploring a model of servant leadership, empowerment, and commitment in nonprofit organizations. Nonprofit Management & Leadership, 29(1), 123–140. https://doi.org/10.1002/nml.21311  Northouse, P. G. (2019). Leadership theory and practice (8th ed.). Sage Publishing.  Sfetcu, L. (2021). An Introduction to Servant Leadership and Its Potential for Nonprofit Organizations. Journal of Community Positive Practices, 21(4), 48–60. https://doi.org/10.35782/JCPP.2021.4.04 Volunteers of America Greater New York, 2022 

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.