To become an effective leader, a person must be aware of specific influence tactics. Influence is the ability to affect the behaviors of others in a particular direction. The Leadership Self-Assessment Quiz 8-1 (Chapter 8) "Survey of Influence Tactics" indicated that I'm moderately influential. One way I can become more influential is leading by example and acting as a positive role model. As a leader is it important that my actions and words are consistent if I want to be respected. Group members are more likely to follow the example of leaders they respect. Another way I can become more influential is by making an emotional appeal. As a leader I will provide meaning to work, showing that it has significance to the organization. People are inspired when they feel like the job they are doing matters and makes a difference.

Developing teamwork is a key leadership role. Leaders play an important role in team based organization by building trust and inspiring teamwork and enabling and empowering group members to accomplish their work. The Leadership Self-Assessment Quiz 9-1 (Chapter 9) "Team Player Attitudes," indicated that I have strong positive attitudes toward being a team member and working cooperatively with other members. Fostering teamwork is a key contributor to team success. One way I build team spirit at my job now is by emphasizing pride in being outstanding. I help my group realize why we should be proud of our accomplishments. I help my team members identify the tasks that we are good at and promote it as our key strength. By doing so, I can inspire my team and foster teamwork.

A key part of worker engagement is the opportunity to perform meaningful work. Workers want to feel like the work they do matters or makes a difference. The Leadership Self Assessment Quiz 10-1 (Chapter 10) "How Meaningful Is My Work," in chapter ten showed that I have an average degree of meaningfulness in your work and job. This result did not surprise me. Most of the job I do is administrative, and it would be nice if I could see the impact, if any, my work has on society or on the customer. I get a sense of meaningfulness when I am given the opportunity to lead a project or task. As a leader I would use recognition and pride to motivate others. Recognition is an effective motivator because most workers feel they do not receive enough recognition. Using recognition, including praise, as a motivator is very powerful, and it can increase productivity.

Open communication between leaders and employees helps an organization overcome problems and attain success. Effective communication skills contribute to inspirational leadership. Leadership Self-Assessment"My Self-Portrait of My Communication Effectiveness," it was determined that I most likely am an effective communicator. I think it is very important that leaders participate in genuine conversations with their subordinates and coworkers. As a leader I would utilize face-to-face communication as a method to build relationships, motivate others, and increase collaboration. I would also utilize social media networks to build and maintain a professional network.

Chapter 12 also included the Leadership Self-Assessment Quiz 12-2 "Cross-Cultural Skills and Attitudes." My score indicated that I need to develop more cross-cultural awareness and skills to work effectively in a multicultural work environment. As a leader I will need to overcome communication barriers created by dealing with people from different cultures. Some ways I can overcome these barriers would be to show respect for all workers, use straightforward language, and speak slowly and clearly, and look for signs of misunderstanding when your language is not the listener's native language.

Strategic leadership deals with the major purposes of an organization and provides the direction and inspiration necessary to create, direct, or sustain an organization. In the Leadership Self-Assessment Quiz 13-1 (Chapter 13) "Are You a Strategic Thinker?" my score suggested that I already think strategically, which should help me provide strategic leadership to others. Strategic leadership has six important components: (1) the high-level cognitive activity by the leader, (2) human and emotional aspect, (3) gathering multiple inputs to formulate strategy, (4) anticipating and creating a future, (5) revolutionary and contrarian thinking, and (6) creating a vision. Leaders engage in strategic leadership when they act, think, and influence in ways that promote the competitive advantage of their organization