Higher Leadership Unit 1

Leadership:  An Introduction
SCQF Level 6
F78C 12/ASP001

 

Folio (Parts 1 and 2)

Task 1 – Find out information about leadership.

•	Gather information on leadership (ie principles, styles, skills and qualities) from a variety of sources.
•	Interpret and adapt the information gathered.
•	Produce a report on leadership based on the information you have gathered.

Task 2 – Reach conclusions about what makes an effective leader.

•	Reach conclusions about the skills and qualities which can be found in effective leaders.  This should be based on your report for Task 1.
•	Provide an explanation to support these conclusions.

Information on leadership styles

To gather the information required for Task 1 you will have to carry out research into leadership.  This should focus on the principles, styles, skills and qualities associated with leadership.  You will use this information to produce a report.  You will have to adapt and interpret the information you have researched for use in your report.  Retain the information you have gathered for your folio.  

The templates on the following pages will enable you to focus your research and record the sources of information that you have used.

Template 1 (a) – Sources of information

Learner name  	  Centre  	

You must use at least four sources of information.  

As part of my research I have used the following sources of information.

Internet websites
	Business journals	
Textbooks
	DVDs	
Newspapers and magazines
	People
	
Television
	Other (please specify)

Template 1 (b) – Report on leadership

Learner name  	  Centre  	

You can produce one piece of work for the tasks described below.

For Task 1 you will need to report on what you have found out about leadership.  You will need to adapt and interpret the information you have researched for use in your report.  

Task 2 asks you to reach conclusions on the skills and qualities that you think make an effective leader.  You must provide an explanation to support your conclusions.  To do this you will need to identify real life examples of at least two effective leaders and compare the different ways in which they provide effective leadership.  

You can choose to present your report in a variety of ways.  

Tick () the style of presentation you have chosen to use.

Written report		Video		
Presentation/talk		Podcast		
Electronic presentation		Other		

The following headings may help you to produce your report.

Leadership principles, styles, skills and qualities

Comparing different leaders

Conclusions – what skills and qualities can be found in effective leaders?

Learner guidance 

Task 3 – Evaluate your own potential for leadership.

•	Evaluate your own skills, qualities and experiences in relation to leadership.
•	Draw conclusions about your own skills, qualities and experiences based on your evaluation.
•	Provide an explanation to support these conclusions.

To complete this task you have to carry out an evaluation in relation to leadership.  You will need to think about your:

•	skills (ie what you can do)
•	qualities (ie being approachable, well organised etc)
•	experiences (ie work experience, taking responsibility, leading an aspect of work).

Part of your evaluation could be done with a partner.  Part of being an effective leader is to be aware of how you appear to others as well as being able to evaluate yourself.  Choose someone who will be honest, but sincere with you.  

On the following pages there are two templates containing evaluation techniques.  You may choose to use one of these techniques or you may choose another means to carry out your evaluation.  Your tutor will be able to give you some advice to help you carry out your evaluation.

Template 2 (a) – Evaluation – SWOT analysis

Learner name  	  Centre  	

This template uses an evaluation technique called SWOT analysis.  This technique asks you to think in detail about what you think of your skills, qualities and experience.  Once you have filled it in yourself, you could show it to a partner for more ideas/feedback.  Complete the template below with reference to your skills, qualities and experiences.

Strengths
	Weaknesses
	
Opportunities
	Threats

Template 2 (b) – Evaluation – Johari’s Windows

Learner name  	  Centre  	

This template uses an evaluation technique called Johari’s Windows.  This technique asks you to write down what you think about yourself and what someone else does.  At the end of the exercise you should have a good idea of how you feel about yourself and how you appear to others.  Complete the template below with reference to your skills, qualities and experiences.

Window 1 – 'open' information

Things that I and others know about me:
	Window 2 – 'blind' information

Things that others know about me that I don’t know:
	
Window 3 – 'hidden' information

Things I know about me that others don’t know:
	Window 4 – 'unknown' information

Things that I and others don’t know about me:

Conclusions

Use the space below to help you draw conclusions about your skills, qualities and experiences in relation to leadership.  You must provide an explanation to support your conclusions.  Remember, a good leader will be as aware of their weaknesses as they are of their strengths.  

Folio checklist

Learner name  	  Centre  	

The checklist below will help you gather all the information you need for your portfolio.

I have gathered the following evidence into my folio.	Tick ()	
A table showing that I used at least three sources of information to find out about leadership styles.		
A report on leadership.
		
Conclusions on what makes an effective leader.
		
A self-evaluation of my own skills, qualities and experience in relation to leadership.