One way you can clarify your assumptions about leadership is to use images to describe your ideal leader.

Through the use of such images, you can understand your views of the role of leaders in organizations and your expectations of leaders. These images are your personal theories of leadership. For example, viewing leaders as facilitators presents a considerably different image from viewing them as parents.

1. Select your image: List the characteristics of that image.

2. Share and clarify: In groups of three or four, share your leadership image and discuss its implications for your own leadership style.

3. Class discussion Groups will share two of their individual members’ images of leadership. Discuss implications of various images for the following aspects:

a. A person’s leadership style

b. Impact on organizational culture and structure

c. Compatibility with current or past leaders

d. Potential shortcomings of each image