Requirement: Using the terms, concepts, and theories learned in this course, write a 5 to 7 page (Times New Roman 12 font with double-spaced lines) leadership essay defining your leadership philosophy with one or more of the leadership theories we have studied. Each page should be approximately 350 words, so the total word count (not counting the reference page and the title page) should be at least 1750 words. Papers with fewer than 1750 words will have deductions for lack of content. Quotes should be rare and properly cited. Papers with excessive quotes will have deductions.
Research: Additionally, using the APUS Online Library, conduct research and incorporate at least two (2) additional sources other than your textbook to support your essay. Use the APA Style to cite your “in-text” references and to list your references on a reference page (see page three of this document for examples). A copy of APA Style Examples can be found in the lessons section of the classroom under course materials.
Your essay will address these questions:

A. What leadership model, style, or theory best describes you as a leader? Give examples using the terms and concepts in your textbook.

1) Skills Approach
2) Situational Approach
3) Contingency Approach
4) LMX
5) Other

B. What are your most distinguishing leadership traits?

C. As a follower, what leadership approach do you prefer?

D. What leadership model or theory best describes how you influence others? Give examples using the terms and concepts in your textbook.

E. Based on your self-assessments, your current leadership and motivational skills, and the knowledge you have gained from study the course materials, what goals will you set and what plan of action will you implement to improve your (1) leadership and (2) motivation? Include the type of leadership theory or model you intend implement to achieve your goals.

F. What is your timeline to complete each of these self-improvement goals?

Save your essay as Last Name_Leadership Research Essay_MGMT312.doc (e.g. Smith_Leadership Research Essay_MGMT312.doc).

When you are ready, upload your essay for grading.

Paper Format:

A. Title Page – Include a title page with your name, student number, title of your paper, course number, course name, and date.

B. Introductory Paragraph – Include an introductory paragraph that ends with your thesis sentence.

C. Thesis Sentence – Highlight your thesis sentence in bold font. Your thesis sentence could read something like this: This essay will describe my leadership in terms of the XXXX theory and present a plan of action to improve my leadership and motivation skills. You should support your thesis with at least three supporting paragraphs and a summary paragraph. Be sure to include theories, models, terms, concepts and principles learned throughout the course. Your thesis statement should be the only bold writing in your entire essay.

D. Font and Spacing – Use Times New Roman 12 font with double spaced lines.

E. Length – Write a 5 to 7 page essay not including the title page and citation page.

F. Reference Page – Include all sources including your textbook on a Reference page

1. Utilize the APA Style for documenting sources. Remember to include at least 2 sources other than your textbooks. Finally, remember Wikipedia is NOT a scholarly source. Quotes must be properly cited. Limit quotes to less than 10% of your paper if you must have any.

2. Punctuation, essay format (thesis, supporting paragraphs with transition and topic sentences, and summary) grammar and documentation count toward your grade.