Relational Leadership Interview

What I Learned About Leadership from an Interview with Dr. Gretchen Caughman In my interview with Dr. Caughman, someone I view as a very capable leader, I learned that communication is an extremely important factor to becoming an effective leader. Additionally, this skill has a large impact on the various components of the Relational Leadership Model. I will be using the information gleaned from this interview and leadership experience to develop my communication skills, and to focus on observing the tactics employed by successful leaders. Hopefully in the future I will be able to find myself emulating these strategies in leadership. I chose to interview Dr. Gretchen Caughman because I hold her in high respect. She capably handles the enormous

An individual can be in a position of leadership but have no followers, while someone without any position may find themselves with a following. In situations like this the real leader is the one who has acquired followers and is effectively leading said followers. According to Dr. Caughman, the characteristic necessary for a leader in order to be effective is communication. Furthermore, it must be remembered that communication is a two-way road. A leader who is choosing to only giver their own views, insight, and direction, as opposed to both giving and taking advice from their followers, will be less effective and

In order for a leader to empower those who are loyal to them they must properly communicate encouragement and appreciation. To empower one’s followers, emotional intelligence and awareness is necessary. The promotion of inclusivity can be acquired through confirming understanding and avoiding the assumption that all members of a unit have the same purpose in mind. Including everyone within a group or making everyone feel as though they are included and necessary for the cause can be a difficult venture, however, if the proper steps are taken it will make the team that much more powerful. As was stated before, ethics are vital to maintain loyalty. For example, it is not ethical to focus solely on the business element of leadership as opposed to the human element and therefore take on dictatorial qualities. This strategy would shortly cause a diminishing of loyalty, and thus lead to the falling away of followers.

Purpose is often viewed as the most important aspect of a project, but without the other elements the purpose may never come to fruition. The purpose of a leader is to guide a cohesive working unit, communicating clearly throughout the process in order to be ethical and convey empowerment and inclusivity. It is through this progression that the desired goals will be reached while maintaining loyalty and promoting other necessary qualities