This document discusses the author's experiences completing various leadership assessments. The assessments revealed that the author has a free-rein leadership style that emphasizes subordinates over themselves, moderately high emotional intelligence, and a tendency to collaborate when resolving conflicts. The author also discusses experiences they have had leading in academic and family contexts, and how their mother and son with Down syndrome have influenced their leadership development.

1. Running head: LEADERSHIP’S EXCURSION 1
Leadership’s Excursion
MOD 340 Leadership
Lakesha S. Smith
Bethel University
Facilitator Yates
4/24/13

2. LEADERSHIP’S EXCURSION 2
When taking charge of something important such as an event or job assignment, people
seek those who are capable of guiding them to the proper solution. People seek someone who
thinks clearly and is responsible for their actions. They also search for one who has a sensible
plan concerning their future and that of the company for which they work. A person possessing
qualities such as these would make a great leader. In all aspects of life, someone is needed to
carefully guide others through situations that may be difficult. The world greatly depends on
leaders to encourage and motivate others to reach the ultimate goal of professional and personal
success.
Many people believe those who lead are born to do so. They firmly believe leadership is
natural and cannot be taught. However, there are those who believe the opposite. They believe
leaders can be created from experiences they may have had throughout their lives. Events that
may have been positive or negative can contribute to one’s ability to lead. These experiences
may greatly increase one’s determination to lead. There are numerous tests and assessments
available which can determine one’s style of leadership and if they possess the traits as well.
Some of them can decipher whether one would lead aggressively or conscientiously. After
completing several assessments, I discovered things about myself I was unaware of. Once I
finished an assessment on leadership styles, it revealed I had a free-rein style of leading. This
means I am more likely to emphasize the importance of my subordinates rather than placing the
focus on myself (McGraw-Hill Primus, 2004). Initially, I did not believe this style suited me, but
as I continued to read, I began to agree with the results. Many leaders do not feel obligated to
allow employee participation when it comes to making suggestions for projects or meetings.
They prefer to have complete control, and do not see the need to consult others. This style is

3. LEADERSHIP’S EXCURSION 3
known as directive and is not very popular with other employees. They may feel their opinion is
of no importance which could cause employees to feel neglected. The third and final style of
leadership is known as participative, and puts equal emphasis on the leader and the followers.
Before completing the assessment, I was sure this style best described me. However, as a leader,
I believe I would allow the subordinates to contribute more to the changes and improvements of
the company. This would help create a stable and pleasant work environment. If there are any
additions or changes to be made, as the leader I can always make those later.
People seek to become leaders for various reasons and have social motives to support
them (McGraw-Hill Primus, 2004). They may be interested in securing their financial future or
for personal reasons. Some desire to lead because they have the need to be in a position of
power. They hope to gain some sense of respect and authority which may cause them to become
an authoritarian leadership style. Others thrive to lead simply because they have a passion to
help others. Their motive is to assist any and all who are in need of direction. Once I completed
an assessment on this topic, my score indicated I am more inclined to lead to achieve success.
My scores for social power and affiliation were nearly the same. I completely agree with the
results of this assessment, because I am goal oriented. I set high goals to achieve in hopes that I
can help others do the same. I do not feel the need to be in complete control at all times, and I do
not seek to form relationships to gain professional acceptance. My passion to help others
outweighs my need for control.
Another assessment I completed was concerning one’s emotional intelligence or EI.
When a person is aware of their emotional intelligence they are able to maintain their feelings at

4. LEADERSHIP’S EXCURSION 4
a stable level. A person with a high level of emotional intelligence is able to remain calm when a
conflict may arise (McGraw-Hill Primus, 2004). They are able to be level-headed and listen to
both sides thoroughly. They also tend to be aware of others emotions, too. This helps a leader
be considerate of how an employee may decipher good or bad news. When completing the
assessment, it revealed I had a score of 76 for my emotion al intelligence. This score is in a good
range, but does need improvement. I do tend to think before I speak, because I do not want to
offend anyone. It is best to not say anything if it is not positive. The final assessment I
completed was on the styles of conflict. The purpose is to determine how people react when
faced with a dilemma. Once I finished the assessment, I learned I would most likely collaborate
with others when a conflict arises. I believe this is correct, because I would be sure to carefully
consider all the facts before coming to a conclusion. People have different reactions to various
situations. The way one feels may determine just how they resolve conflict on that particular
day. This is one reason that keeping your emotional intelligence under control is useful. Leaders
must make decisions based on facts only. It is unethical for them to allow their emotions to
become an obstacle. One should have a clear mind and base their decision solely on the facts
associated. When one uses their emotions instead, an irreversible decision may be made. This
could cause unforeseen damage to the employee/employer relationship and the business, also.
When employees notice a leader’s ability to handle conflict well, they are seen as fair and tend to
gain much more respect.
I have always admired a leader’s ability to gain the attention of others. It is one of the
characteristics that are appealing to others. Becoming a leader has been a work in progress for
me. I have always been afraid of being the center of attention, so I would shy away from any

5. LEADERSHIP’S EXCURSION 5
roles which pertained to leading others. However, I noticed I was very skilled academically
while attending high school. Others always looked to me to assist them with homework or
projects. Also, when working in groups, I noticed that others relied heavily on my opinion. I did
not quite understand why others were so interested in what I had to say. After several months of
being asked to help a classmate, I decided to ask my teacher could I tutor. This was the first time
I stepped into a leadership role. Highly pleased, my teacher was eager to accommodate me. She
asked which subject I preferred to tutor and I answered any. Many classmates could not quite
understand why I would want to do such a thing as tutor. I simply explained I just like to help
others and learning is as fun as you make it. Initially, I was unsure if my peers would allow me
to have some control and assist them with their work. I was delighted they were relieved to have
the help, and I continued to tutor the remainder of high school. This experience was one that was
fulfilling to me, because it gave me the opportunity to help others while enjoying myself.
Another time when I was needed to lead was when my mother injured herself. This event
happened recently while she was at work. As the fourth of five children, I never expected to be
the primary person to care for my mother. However, when she needed someone to help her get
to the hospital, I was there. Just arriving home from work, I immediately ceased what I was
doing to go accompany my mother. Once arriving on the scene, I asked where my siblings were.
She replied “I called you, Kesha, because I knew you would come”. Those few words meant a
great deal to me. It let me know my mother depends on me to guide her back to health.
Although I am a mother of six, I made sure to take my mother to her follow-up appointments,
because I wanted her to know that I am always available to guide her no matter the
circumstances. Knowing that others depend on you in tumultuous times is refreshing and gives

6. LEADERSHIP’S EXCURSION 6
me a sense of accomplishment.
There are numerous leaders in the world that I admire for many different reasons. Some
are decisive, organized, and responsible. However, there are not many people who have
influenced my personal life. One person who has been greatly influential is my mother, Karene.
She has proven to be resilient and determined throughout her career as a certified nursing
assistant. A single mother of five, she has always maintained employment and a vehicle of her
own. My mother is very organized and frugal when it comes to spending. She is a very humble
person who does not like to accept gifts from others. She is the epitome of an independent
person who remains focused and motivated to reach her professional goals. My mother has
never indulged in tobacco or alcohol products, and that is one of the primary reasons she has
influenced me. I admire her ability to say no and aspire to adopt some of the leadership traits
that she has. The people who have influenced my life the greatest would be my six children. It
takes a certain amount of maturity and independence to take care of this many children.
Motherhood is something I am quite proud to be a part of because the rewards are endless. All
of my children are special in their own way, but one of them has had a greater impact on my life
than the others. It is my eight year old son Kevell who was unexpectedly born with Down
syndrome. When first hearing the news of his diagnosis, I began to worry whether I was capable
of raising a child with a disability. I was unsure if I had the emotional and mental strength to
handle medical problems. I was also unsure how others would treat him. What I was sure of is I
was not going to let anyone harm or take advantage of him. Needless to say, everyone who has
graced Kevell’s presence has been in complete amazement. Raising my children has been a
journey that is exuding surprises from every direction. It is the one thing in life I have great

7. LEADERSHIP’S EXCURSION 7
confidence. My mother and children are people who will continuously provide me with
leadership skills to last a lifetime.
I have made promising progress in my excursion to become an effective leader.
However, there are still a few things which require improvement. In becoming a better leader, I
need to be more welcome to change. I have a tendency to be apprehensive when change is on
the horizon, because I am so accustomed to being in a comfort zone. Changes are constantly
being made within companies and I am determined to be more welcoming to it. Another issue I
face when leading others is becoming more vocal. I have been shy most of my life, and I tend to
speak at a low tone. I am very aware of what I need to say and how to say it, but my nerves
become an obstacle each time. I have been practicing speaking louder when talking to others so
they will fully understand my point. My main flaw as a leader is public speaking. It is
something that invigorates a great deal of fear within me. I always worry how I sound and look
when presenting information to others. I know I have a good speaking voice, but I must learn to
use it more. To make me more comfortable, I decided to do my presentations for school in front
of people who are unfamiliar to me. I prefer for those who do not know me well to evaluate my
progress. Fortunately, I have received only positive feedback. I also have been recording myself
when speaking, and both things have given me great confidence. I am actually looking forward
to my next presentation so I can show my classmates how much I have improved. There are
always improvements that can be made to one’s leadership skills. People just have to be willing
to accept them.
Overall, learning about leadership has been more useful than first expected. It is key to

8. LEADERSHIP’S EXCURSION 8
lead others in the way you want to be led. Leaders are instrumental and guiding others into the
proper direction in the business world. They are seen as creative and inspiring minds that are
needed to rejuvenate an employee’s appreciation for their job. Keeping control of one’s
emotions and remaining unbiased when conflict arises are essential for a leader. The world looks
at leaders as innovators and anyone can become a historical leader if enough time is invested.

9. LEADERSHIP’S EXCURSION 9
References
Leadership MOD 340. 2004. McGraw-Hill Primus.