Note: This assignment does not require the textbook. Watch Simon Sinek’s speech “Why good leaders make you feel safe” if you have not already. If you cannot view the embedded video, here is a link to the video on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmyZMtPVodo (Links to an external site.) Minimize Video This is your first of five Leadership Analysis Paper assignments (remember, write in your own words just as if you were casually talking to a friend or colleague). Take a few moments to reflect on your experience with a leader that made (or makes) you feel safe. It can be anyone. . . a boss, coworker, political figure, family member, military leader, etc. Address the following in your essay:

QUESTION

Note: This assignment does not require the textbook.

Watch Simon Sinek’s speech “Why good leaders make you feel safe” if you have not already. If you cannot view the embedded video, here is a link to the video on youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmyZMtPVodo (Links to an external site.)

Minimize Video

This is your first of five Leadership Analysis Paper assignments (remember, write in your own words just as if you were casually talking to a friend or colleague). Take a few moments to reflect on your experience with a leader that made (or makes) you feel safe. It can be anyone. . . a boss, coworker, political figure, family member, military leader, etc. Address the following in your essay:

Name of the leader and describe your relationship with him or her
What qualities does this leader possess that make you feel a sense of security?
What values and beliefs do you and this leader have in common?
What if you didn’t have these values and beliefs in common? How might you feel about this leader?
Length: 350 – 500 words (roughly 1 – 1 ½ pages double-spaced 12 point Times New Roman font). Save your essay in Microsoft Word and upload it here.

Please give thoughtful consideration to all of the concepts presented in MC4401 thus far. In addition, keep in mind that this assessment will measure the following student learning outcome: Discuss and evaluate the skills, traits and actions of an ethical leader in a variety of situations.

ANSWER

A Leader Who Inspires Safety: John Smith

Introduction

Leadership is a multifaceted concept that encompasses various traits, skills, and actions. One essential aspect of effective leadership is the ability to create a sense of safety and security among followers. Reflecting upon my personal experiences, I have had the privilege of knowing and working closely with a leader who epitomizes this attribute. John Smith, my former boss at XYZ Corporation, is a remarkable individual whose qualities and values fostered an environment of trust, support, and reassurance.

Description of the Leader and our Relationship

John Smith was the Vice President of Operations at XYZ Corporation, and I had the opportunity to work directly under his guidance for several years. Throughout our professional relationship, I found him to be approachable, empathetic, and genuinely invested in the well-being of his team. John possessed an innate ability to inspire confidence and create a culture of psychological safety within the organization.

Qualities that Fostered a Sense of Security

There were several qualities that made John an exceptional leader in terms of creating a sense of security. Firstly, he was an active listener. Whenever I approached him with a concern or idea, he gave me his undivided attention, making me feel heard and valued. Furthermore, John demonstrated a consistent commitment to transparency and honesty. He was open about the challenges the organization faced, as well as his own vulnerabilities. This transparency helped build trust and fostered a sense of security among the team. Additionally, John displayed a remarkable level of empathy. He genuinely cared about his employees’ well-being, both personally and professionally (Shields, 2021). This empathy translated into his actions, as he consistently provided support and resources to help us succeed. By actively prioritizing the welfare of his team, John created an environment where individuals felt safe to take risks, share ideas, and grow (Chapter 13. Orienting Ideas in Leadership | Section 3. Styles of Leadership | Main Section | Community Tool Box, n.d.).

Shared Values and Beliefs

John and I shared common values and beliefs, which further reinforced the sense of security I felt in his leadership. We both believed in the importance of fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment, where every individual’s contributions were recognized and appreciated (Tsai, 2011). Additionally, we shared a commitment to ethical conduct and integrity in all aspects of our work. This alignment of values created a strong foundation of trust, allowing me to feel secure and supported under John’s leadership.

Differing Values and Beliefs

If I did not share the same values and beliefs as John, my perception of him as a leader may have been altered. While some differences can be constructive and lead to growth, a significant misalignment in core values could potentially erode the sense of security I felt. Without shared values and beliefs, I might have questioned the authenticity of his leadership or felt a lack of resonance with his decisions. However, it is important to note that effective leaders can bridge gaps in values by demonstrating fairness, empathy, and an inclusive approach.

Conclusion

John Smith exemplifies the qualities of an ethical leader who fosters a sense of safety and security. Through his active listening, transparency, empathy, and commitment to shared values, he created an environment where individuals could thrive and feel supported. My experience with John has reinforced the significance of these leadership traits in cultivating a positive and secure work environment. Effective leaders understand that when their followers feel safe, they are more likely to take risks, collaborate, and contribute to the organization’s success.

References

Chapter 13. Orienting Ideas in Leadership | Section 3. Styles of Leadership | Main Section | Community Tool Box. (n.d.). https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/leadership-ideas/leadership-styles/main 

Shields, K. (2021, August 8). Chapter 3: Managing a Customer Service Team. Pressbooks. https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/customercentricstrategy/chapter/chapter-3-managing-a-customer-service-team/ 

Tsai, Y. (2011). Relationship between Organizational Culture, Leadership Behavior and Job Satisfaction. BMC Health Services Research, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6963-11-98