Maria, Daughter of Immigrants

Maria, Daughter of Immigrants
Name
Course
College
Tutor
March 26, 2015
Maria, Daughter of Immigrants
Question One
How did this autobiography help you to better understand the attributes of a leader?
Maria, Daughter of Immigrants is a thought provoking memoir in which Berriozábal gives an account of her family’s immigration details with lucid detail; she further explores her days as a teenager with the fond memories of the many things that served to mentor her as a community worker. Later, she illustrates her ensuing rise in political arena to become the first Latina to serve on the city council of a main U.S. city (María, 2012). Berriozábal name is identical with community organization and political achievements. Through this autobiography I have been able to understand the core attributes that make an individual to become a successful leader. Berriozábal was a pro active person, always thinking several steps ahead; as a responsible citizen she realized that the only way should could help to organize her community was by getting involved in political system. As she worked with the political class, she was able to contribute massively towards the development of youth and elderly development, sustainable development and affordable housing (María, 2012). Thus, she was proactive because she worked to master the environment with the intent of avoiding problems before they arise.
A leader must be adaptable so as to handle unexpected situations prudently. Berriozábal was able to adapt to her role as the first Latina serving in the city council effectively; she handled her role with flexibility and insight (María, 2012). In order to be a good leader an individual must be an effective communicator. Maria was able to mobilize the Latina community because she was a good communicator and she used to listen a lot she was willing to work with the community and sought to understand their needs. She was able to ask questions, consider the available options in order to lead her followers in the right direction. Another outstanding attribute that made Berriozábal stand out as a leader is that she was Open-Minded before making a key decision she always analyzed suggestions from all the interested parties and sought to work for the good of them all.
Question Two
Utilizing the concepts and theories introduced in this course regarding leadership styles, describe the type of leader that best fits Maria Antoinette Berriozabal’s leadership style. Utilizing the theoretical model proposed by Schmid, is she a people-oriented leader or task-oriented leader? Or both? Explain and give examples of how she performed certain tasks as a leader that corresponds to these concepts.
People-oriented leadership.
Besides being a hands on person María Antonietta Berriozábal exercised people-oriented leadership. She concentrated on delegation and the freedom of the subordinates. This paved way for both the council and the subordinate staff to develop. There are three main issues that Berriozábal stood for: justice, inclusiveness and democracy (María, 2012). Maria focused on supporting her subordinates, inspiring them and building on team relationships. This fostered collaboration and good communication inevi...