A Communicative Theory for Leadership

As a student at our fine university, your thoughts are constantly turning to the big picture. What are you going to do when you graduate? What’s out there on that big scary road we call the future? When you graduate, you will apply for entry-level jobs, pursue paid internships, and hunger after the chance just to be the boss’ assistant. Sadly, that’s where a lot of graduates make their first mistake. Everyone should know the steps to be an effective leader if you ultimately want to reach a high rung on the ladder of success. The LMX (Leader-Member Exchange) Theory is a highly suggested theory used in organizational communication for leaders in the workplace.  I have taken this theory and broken down its stages into three quick, easy steps that will help you to become the best leader that YOU can be!

1. Acceptance of the Role

When a new member joins a team that has already been in the creation process, their abilities and interactions with the other members of that team need to be immediately assessed. Ask yourself; can they work cohesive with the group? Do they handle new task and team building strategies well? Do not feel as though you are adding unnecessary pressure towards this new team member. It is important for them to establish their standing and show themselves as capable and proficient. If said member is not tested, then you as the leader will be at fault for any failures that occur or tasks that cannot be fulfilled. So it is vital that you utilize this stage to discover the strengths and weaknesses of the new member.

2. Creation of the Role

If you have moved into stage two, this means the new member has been accepted. This makes him a part of your “in” group. Your “in” group contains high level positions of trusted officials. These are the people you have chosen to represent your ideas and carry out your direct orders. In war, they would be your lieutenants and colonels. At this stage, your confidence and assurance in them is solid since they have shown great consistency through stage one. However, the members should always be reminded that your trust is earned, not given freely and can easily be revoked should failure become constant. This shouldn’t be looked at as too harsh though, as the member should receive rewards as well. A position of importance and benefits is given in return for loyalty and ambition. Therefore, the member has something to continuously work to keep. They need to remember that there are always new members on the horizon.

3. Routinization

By this stage you and the member should have a comfortable social exchange established. There should be no need to explain projects when they are assigned or expand on information already given. The member agrees with your goals and actively helps you accomplish those goals. Many members become an apprentice of the leader and therefore become leaders themselves. The leader can then trust them to lead others. They understand the thoughts and motives why something is needed. You have ultimately trained and groomed them to become extensions of your own self.

People have always said that life is one big race, and as a college graduate you are putting yourself ahead of the competition. Statistically the majority of people who are managers, CEOs, and supervisors pursued higher learning. You will find yourself in a position of leadership, so it is important that you know how to not only get there, but stay there! Remember; do not follow where the path may lead. Instead, go where there is no path, and lead a trail. That is true leadership.

Dear Instagram

Here is a great example of a designer who uses a website to search for jobs. In this case, she wanted to work for Instagram and made a specific site just for them!

Link: Dear Instagram

Your First Job: In College

Here at Liberty University, the mission is to strive for Christian excellence and the same is desired from our ambitious students. Every day, as students, we are faced with challenges and life situations that are intended for us to grow academically and spiritually. Whether you are a first semester freshman or a seasoned fifth year veteran one thing will always join us together, money or a lack thereof. Here’s the solution: get a job.  Now there are many questions that arise when you begin to find a job. Where will you find the time? Do you have reliable transportation? Can you afford to sacrifice social time with your friends at the Rot? Start with HR. The human resources department at Liberty University offers a great selection of work-study jobs.

Work study jobs are offered through the university and available on campus. They offer to work around your class schedule, to guarantee days off during semester breaks and holidays, and you get to work here on campus. This campus is constantly expanding so there are always new departments and buildings for students to work in. Working specifically in a department is a great way to network as well. The setbacks would include a set amount of low hours and usually making minimum wage.

Culinary jobs are abundant in college towns. Simple equation: a surplus of students in one location equals a surplus of restaurants in that same location. Being a waiter, waitress, hostess, or cook is a valuable job. Tips at most restaurants on a Friday or Saturday night are substantial. Working at a restaurant greatly improves your communication skills and reflects on a resume that you have excellent customer service. Be ready for some long nights and always remember that not every customer is a happy one.

College friendly jobs are all around you! Corporations such as Starbucks and Chick-fil-a cater to students. Starbucks has always been the hang out for the young and hip. Why not work there? There are so many perks! There’s free coffee for your tired brain and a constant stream of business to keep your paycheck heavy. Starbucks also offers health and dental benefits depending on how many hours you log. A high percentage of Chick-fil-a employees are between the ages of 16-21. They offer scholarships and educational benefits to hard working employees. These jobs attract large amounts of college students-among others-so expect constant, heavy traffic throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening to help the hours pass by quickly.

A job in college doesn’t have to be just a quick buck. If you play it right, your college job can be a stepping-stone into the workforce or some extra experience on your thin resume. Remember, you often start with a job you don’t want on the way to fulfilling the destiny you do want.