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Describe a leader (not manager) that you know or is a public figure and assess them using the attributes of the GILL as described.  If you choose someone who is not a public figure, disguise their name and characteristics to protect their identity.

Unlike most authors, Rupprecht, Waldrop, & Grawitch (2013) wrote on leadership skills that are not related to task management or relationships. They discuss the importance of mission and vision, shared values, strategy, empowerment, and influence, motivation, and inspiration. Tanner, one of my close friends, is a great leader at the camp that he works at. He is well respected and admired not just by the campers but also by his fellow camp counselors.

Rupprecht, Waldrop, & Grawitch (2013) discuss the importance of defining and communicating a vision. Tanner shares his camp’s vision for seeing campers pursue their relationship with Christ and to gain team-building skills through the activities done at camp, and he shares this vision with his campers. James & Lahti (2011) talk about the importance of effectively communicating a vision. If the leader does not communicate effectively, it would be difficult for the followers to embrace the vision.

One of the characteristics of leadership that Tanner practices regularly is creating a strategy. He is the AC (Adventure Coordinator) at his camp, so he has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. When he plans these trips, I know he doesn’t just think about the logistics. He takes it as an opportunity to help his campers grow, so he thinks of things that he can do to ensure that the campers grow from their experiences on the trip and that they have a good time. Watson-Thompson, Fawcett, & Schultz (2008) discuss the importance of strategic planning when trying to bring about change. They also found that it can be especially effective for addressing goals.

Another one of attributes of leadership that he clearly exhibits is the ability to empower his campers. He makes the campers feel like they can accomplish anything. There have been several campers who were too scared to try certain tasks, but when Tanner talks to them, they realize that they can do it and develop a greater sense of confidence. MacPhee, Skelton-Green, Bouthillette, & Suryaprakash (2012) did a study involving a leadership empowerment program with nurses, and they found that the nurses had more self-confidence in their responsibilities after the program.

Tanner is a wonderful leader, and he is loved by his campers and fellow counselors. He has told me that his work at camp has been very rewarding and he hopes to continue to grow as a leader.

References:

James, K., & Lahti, K. (2011). Organizational Vision and System Influences on Employee Inspiration and Organizational Performance.Creativity & Innovation Management, 20(2), 108-120. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8691.2011.00595.x

MacPhee, M., Skelton-Green, J., Bouthillette, F., & Suryaprakash, N. (2012). An empowerment framework for nursing leadership development: supporting evidence. Journal Of Advanced Nursing, 68(1), 159-169. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2648.2011.05746.x

Rupprecht, E A., Waldrop, J. S., & Grawitch, M. J. (2013). Initial validation of a new measure of leadership. Consulting Psychology Journal: Practice and Research, 65(2), 128--‐148. doi:10.1037/a0033127 

Watson-Thompson, J., Fawcett, S., & Schultz, J. (2008). Differential effects of strategic planning on community change in two urban neighborhood coalitions. American Journal Of Community Psychology, 42(1-2), 25-38. doi:10.1007/s10464-008-9188-6