In Week 1, you learned about EMERGENT LEADERSHIP, the kind of leadership that does not involve formal authority. In this project, you will initiate one thing to lead others who do not report to you. Write about the experience. The scope of the initiative should be moderate, such that within seven weeks, you can have a significant impact creating momentum for the initiative or even completing the initiative.
In your report, you will answer the following questions. You can modify the questions into section headings for your paper.
- Describe the issue or challenge you plan to address. Why is it a problem (or opportunity)? How long has it been like this?
- Describe your initiative and how your solution addresses the issue or challenge.
- Describe your data collection – the evidence you will provide others that your initiative makes sense in this situation. Example sources of data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, your organization’s employee engagement survey, a study published in a reputable business publication. (For instance if your company is contributing to excess waste by dumping lots of trash each week and you propose introducing a paper recycling program, data collection means finding evidence that paper recycling programs reduce waste.)
- Who are the stakeholders? What are the current attitudes of stakeholders toward the status quo, your proposed change and any competing proposed change?
- Who is the decision maker? How will the decision likely be made? By an individual? By a group? What have you learned about decision making that will help your cause?
- Describe your influence strategy.
- Describe the steps you have taken to initiate the change. E.g., meeting with stakeholders, gathering attitudes, networking with decision makers.
- Self-Reflection. What have you learned about your own leadership through this process? What leadership ability(s) did you develop? What was more difficult than you anticipated?
The Emergent Leadership Initiative Paper will be graded on the following criteria:
- Integration of course concepts and theory. Demonstrate that you not only understand but can apply the conceptual ideas of the course in your paper.
- Depth of Analysis. Demonstrate that you have gone beyond the superficial in addressing the questions. For example, discuss not only which influence strategy you are using, but also why that is the best strategy to follow.
- Data collection. Data collection should show completeness and effort. Ask yourself, “If this initiative were going to cost a lot of money or time, what information could persuade stakeholders to be convinced?”
- Investment of time and effort. You do not need to choose an initiative that can be fully executed within seven weeks. However, you should demonstrate that you have put a good deal of time and effort into moving closer toward your ultimate goal.
- Writing style. A paper will receive more weight if it is well-organized and well-written in terms of syntax and usage. You will decide how best to organize the paper and the appropriate headings. Papers should be 4-8 pages, double spaced.