This assignment requires you to articulate your personal philosophy of leadership development and your own development as a leader. The paper (8 to 10 pages) should draw from existing leadership and leadership development theories, as well as the course readings, discussions and materials. You will post your paper Week Seven Assignment folder (drop box) on or prior to Sunday (midnight) of Week Seven.
Your paper should address the following topics:

An ideal leader 

DETERMINE: In your opinion, what are the qualities of an ideal leader? 
DESCRIBE: the characteristics, competencies, skills and traits that an ideal leader possesses and why?
Example: When thinking about an ideal leader you might consider a well-known leader who has positively impacted and influenced the lives of others around the world. You may also choose someone in your local community that is impacting the lives of those around you, when considering these traits.

Becoming a Leader 

ASSESS: From your perspective, what does it take to become a leader in terms of training, education, networking, experience, character development, mentoring etc. and why?

My Personal Leadership Development – Where are you now? 

Writing in first person, look at your personal leadership development and your description of your ideal leader. 
DETERMINE: Where you currently are in your development as a leader? 
ADDRESS: What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?

Where will you be?

ANALYSIS: What are the one or two areas of continuous improvement and how do you intend to work on those?
SYNTHESIS: Referring to the course textbook(s), what leadership traits might you wish to develop (focusing on those you have already identified or those you wish to gain)?