ObjectivesEach class member is required to develop an individual leadership development plan (LDP) reflecting the results of the four Skills for... papers submitted as homework and any assessments available, leading to a personal situational analysis. The LDP should clearly demonstrate a synthesis of relevant leadership theories explored in the class in the formulation of a personal action plan that includes specific development activities, necessary resources, and target completion dates.

Guidelines Papers must be 15 pages in length, 12-point font, double-spaced, include a cover page,

table of contents, introduction, body of the report, summary and conclusion, a personal reflection on the assignment, and reference page(s).

Even though this is not a scientific-type writing assignment, and is mostly creative in nature, references are still very important. At least six authoritative outside references are required from the Online Library (anonymous authors or web pages are not acceptable). These should be listed on the last page titled Reference.

Appropriate citations are required in the body of the report.

All DeVry University policies are in effect, including the plagiarism policy.

Any questions about this paper may be discussed in the weekly Q & A discussion topic.

This paper is worth 250 total points and will be graded on quality of research topic, quality of paper information, use of citations, grammar, and sentence structure.

Milestones

Participate in class discussions and correspondence with professor regarding the LDP (Week 1).

Learn insights about yourself through readings, reflections, assessments, and Skills for assignments (Weeks 2–6).

Understand who you are and where you want to go—benchmarking your current leadership strengths and developmental opportunities as completed in the LDP template in Doc Sharing (Weeks 2–6).

Develop full narrative  (body of paper) as per format guidelines in Doc Sharing for grading (Week 7).

Develop a specific action plan, and submit it for grading (Week 7).

Grading Rubrics

Category Points % Description

 Professional Presentation  10  4% The paper includes the elements as appropriate for length: cover page, table of

contents, list of charts, and tables as needed.

 Organization and Cohesiveness  10  4% The paper was organized, had topical flow, and used appropriate industry

vocabulary, concepts, and presented a logical flow throughout.

Editing  5  2% Sentences are complete, clear, and concise. Sentence transitions are present and maintain the flow of thought.  The paper follows APA format.

Personal Mission Statement  25  10%

The paper gives a sense of personal vision and purpose. It speaks to where one is today and where one is headed on his or her personal leadership journey. It portrays philosophy of leadership.

Past, Present, and Future Analysis  50  20%

The paper looks at past lessons and practices, current realities, and future potential. It seeks to garner lessons from experiences thus far, as well as potential opportunities to learn and practice. It identifies possible formal and informal assignments for their leadership potential.

 Literature Review  75  30%

The paper outlines contemporary and classic leadership writings and theory, highlighting their applicability and effectiveness for the writer's current or future industry. Assess the implications of current leadership trends on the writer's personal development.

 Action Plan Document  50  20%

The paper has complete and comprehensive completion of writer's LDP map template, ensuring specific actions, supporters, and dates, as well as objectives for strengths and developmental needs.

 References  25  10% This section includes a list of references for all cited articles and books used in the preparation and development of the LDP.

Total  250 100 A quality paper will meet or exceed all of the above requirements.

Best PracticesThe following are the best practices in preparing this paper.

Cover Page—Include for whom you prepared the paper, your name, course number, and date.

Table of Contents—List the main ideas and sections of your paper and the pages in which they are located. The illustrations should be included separately.

Introduction—Use a header on your paper that speaks to the introduction of topics, their main ideas, and the tone you are seeking.

Body of Your Report—State the main ideas and major points in each idea. Show some division, like separate sections that identify key areas and use labels and headers to differentiate. Utilize the format guidelines included in Doc Sharing as your major topic headers.

Summary and Conclusion—Outline the benefits and ideas discussed and how they will lead to specific actions in the future.

References—Use the citation format as specified in the Syllabus.

Additional hints on preparing the best possible project.

1. Apply a three-step process of writing: plan, write, and complete.

2. Prepare an outline of your research paper before you go forward.

3. Complete a first draft, and then go back to edit, evaluate, and make any changes required.

4. Use visual communications to further clarify and support the written part of your report.

You could use examples like graphs, diagrams, photographs, flowcharts, maps, and drawings. Think of the LDP as a document you might submit to your manager as part of your personal development plan that demonstrates how you intend to develop your own leadership abilities and pursue promotional opportunities within your business or industry.

Finally, keep in mind that the key reason for this course is to give an aspiring leader a more personal perspective about what it means to be a leader, as well as suggestions on how to become one.

Leadership is a bit like surfing. Both involve keeping your balance while learning the best path to follow amid constantly changing conditions. Your challenge now is to start moving on the path to more effective leadership by developing your own skills and abilities.  Hopefully, this project will contribute much to that process.

My book:

LEADERSHIP: ENHANCING THE LESSONS OF EXPERIENCE

Published by McGraw-Hill/Irwin, a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY, 10020. Copyright © 2012, 2009, 2006, 2002, 1999, 1996, 1993 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior

written consent of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., including, but not limited to, in any network or other electronic storage or transmission, or broadcast for distance learning.

Some ancillaries, including electronic and print components, may not be available to customers outside the United States.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 DOC/DOC 1 0 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

ISBN 978-0-07-811265-2

MHID 0-07-811265-6

Vice president and editor-in-chief: Brent Gordon

Executive director of development: Ann Torbert

Managing development editor: Laura Hurst Spell

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Typeface: 10/12 Palatino

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Hughes, Richard L.

Leadership : enhancing the lessons of experience / Richard L. Hughes, Robert C. Ginnett,

Gordon J. Curphy. — 7th ed.

p. cm.

Includes index.

ISBN-13: 978-0-07-811265-2 (alk. paper)

ISBN-10: 0-07-811265-6 (alk. paper)

1. Leadership. I. Ginnett, Robert C. II. Curphy, Gordon J. III. Title.

HM1261.H84 2012

303.3’4—dc22