Resonant Leader
In a true leadership the resonance creation means building an atmosphere of positivity to allow the best in employees to be free. Resonant leaders make difference by appealing to emotions of their subordinates. I have met such a leader in my current employment. He is a true democratic leader being able to collaborate, to resolve conflicts effectively, to listen to employees’ concerns and to create such a working atmosphere where each employee contributes his/her best to achieve a given task.
I am currently employed as the server administrator in IT department of the large corporation. Our IT department as it is usual for these technical jobs are very specific. Our team is very culturally diverse, my colleagues are professionals, and each team member is very charismatic. It is really a complicated task to manage such a diverse team. However, our current leader drives this team remarkably: the tasks are carried out within the deadlines and with a high level of quality.
From the chart given in Goleman et al. (45) describing six leadership styles, I define the style of this manager as a democratic leader. He builds resonance by emphasizing value that employee has in the team, thus promoting commitment through participation. I should admit that such a leader tries to get valuable input from team members.
As it is stated by Goleman et al. “even if a leader has a strong vision, the democratic style works well to surface ideas about how to implement that vision or generate fresh ideas for executing it” (68). This democratic leader demonstrates triad of abilities in emotional intelligence field: conflict management, team work and collaboration and influence (Goleman, et al. 69). My manager is a superb listener that defines his strong communicative skills. My colleagues admit that he does not pretend that he listens carefully. He creates a sense that he cares deeply about the concerns, thoughts and proposals that the employees express.
It is also worth noting that according to Goleman et al. (69) empathy is a core emotional intelligence competence. This is highly important especially in a case of diverse team. Our team leader faces serious burdens in the form of conflicts based on the cultural differences. However, his unique ability to listen and a high spirit of collaboration helps to minimize the tension inside the department.
Regarding my personal characteristics, I am a classical type A employee. I am a workaholic, a very goal-oriented person. I know that the task should be carried out, do not bother about efforts it will require and how the task will be executed. I do prefer to plan everything, do not waste a time. It is a usual practice that I interrupt a speaker because I am always in a hurry. Some colleagues can describe me as too competitive, sometimes hostile. However, this is the way I perform my duties: perfectly and on time.
I have to point out that my manager is …
