This is the third of three leadership interview assignments for this course. Please review the Protocol for Leadership Interviews before submitting this assignment for instructions, an example interview, and sample questions.

Some goals to keep in mind as you write this assignment:

• Develop your personal leadership learning goals
• Develop your leadership career development goals
• Assess your current network for resources to assist you in your growth – who do you know, who needs to know you and who do you need to know
• Identify 3 resources that can help you attain both your focus area goals
• Engage in the work to keep this network working

Submit Executive summaries in writing along with key learning outcomes

Assignment: Leadership Interviews for Insights – Think Big and Think Connections

You are tasked with interviewing three leaders – one each for three assignments. The first interview is due in Module 3, the second in Module 5, and the final one in Module 7. Refer to the instructions, templates, examples, and tips for success below.

Introduction

21^st century leaders need to be connected with and to a wide variety of people. They will need a network of people who can help them think about the world, how they can be better in this world and how they can bring better ideas to this world.

This is a key aspect of leadership today; leaders are not to be all-knowing but rather leaders need to know where to go to get knowledge. Their network is their source, and their net created becomes purposeful, not just connections accepted on LinkedIn or other social media site. It must be filled with connections that have meaning. This means the following:

• The network connections know who you are. Know what you are up to. Know your goals and aspirations.
• The network connections respond to your requests to engage.
• The network connections are comfortable reaching out to you and your response to their requests for engagement.

How does this happen when everyone is working at a speed/pace that leaves little time to breathe let alone do anything extra?

It happens because it is a priority for leadership. Leaders build habits of connection — they work the net for the net to work. They are constantly seeking to add and engage people. These become daily habits for success.

This assignment is intended for you to determine the strength of your net. How much work do you need to do to build a 21^st century network? What can you learn from those around you if you learned on purpose – and just asked? It does not have to be hard, it does not have to be extra. Look to make it happen within your normal interactions – if you are not having normal interactions with the leaders you want to learn from, you need to change your habits. The work starts here.