Rosa Parks’ humility was a defining aspect of her leadership style. Despite the significant impact of her actions and her central role in the Civil Rights Movement, she remained modest about her accomplishments. More than 60 years ago, the last place we might have expected to look for leadership was on a Montgomery bus. And yet, on December 1, 1955, when a diminutive passenger occupied her seat, she set a direction for an entire country. No small fete in leadership. A Lesson From the Past. Rosa Parks has a lot to teach us about leadership. Rosa Parks (born February 4, 1913, Tuskegee, Alabama, U.S.—died October 24, 2005, Detroit, Michigan) was an American civil rights activist whose refusal to relinquish her seat on a public bus precipitated the 1955–56 Montgomery bus boycott in Alabama, which became the spark that ignited the civil rights movement in the United States. Rosa Parks’ story is an inspiring example of leadership and activism, and her legacy continues to be a powerful reminder of the importance of fighting for what is right. Her contributions to the civil rights movement and her commitment to justice have had a lasting impact and will continue to inspire future generations. “Transformational leadership involves challenging the status quo, and encouraging others to think creatively. Rosa Parks’ leadership was not verbal, but through her actions, she stimulated a string of creative and new ways to address the problem of segregation.” Winston Churchill. Rosa Parks. Martin Luther King Jr. Mother Teresa Rosa Louise Parks is a person who developed a few separate leadership styles . She is a quiet, charismatic, democratic and servant leader. Rosa Parks is believed to be the ‘mother of the civil rights movement’ (American Academy of Achievement, 1996–2012) and therefore she is a key influential leader within history. 4 Rosa Louise Parks’ Political Philosophy Rosa Parks was a lady who fought for her Civil Rights in 1955. Her leadership style as well as the cool, calm, and collective attitude says she had a certain distinct political philosophy. Rosa used an innovational/radical political philosophy. This Rosa Parks is a seminal figure in the American Civil Rights Movement, renowned for her courageous act of defiance against racial segregation. Rosa Parks’ leadership and legacy provide And there is no greater example of leadership than Rosa Parks, a quiet woman with an unconquerable desire to eradicate injustice and inequality. Leadership is more than flair. We sometimes think of iconic leaders as being flamboyant, larger-than – life types who make their marks on the world with great pomp and ceremony. In the 1950s, Rosa Parks gave the US Civil Rights Movement a huge boost, and inspired Martin Luther King Jr. King's leadership role made him enemies. He survived two bomb attacks but was not What kind of leadership style did Rosa Parks have? “Transformational leadership involves challenging the status quo, and encouraging others to think creatively. Rosa Parks’ leadership was not verbal, but through her actions, she stimulated a string of creative and new ways to address the problem of segregation.” Rosa lived in a time when segregation, and racism were common in America, and she was constantly beset with issues concerning her race. Concerning her response to conflict, Tavaana states, “It was there that Rosa Parks, an African American woman, refused to vacate her seat in the middle of the bus so that a white man could sit in her place. Rosa Parks, Gregory J. Reed (1994). “Quiet Strength: The Faith, the Hope, and the Heart of a Woman who Changed a Nation”, Zondervan 128 Copy quote Like leadership traits, follower traits are likely to be common across effective followers across any backdrop. Reading Rosa Parks’ story, my question was two-fold: what were the dominant traits that made her a powerful follower, and how would similar traits play out in employees within organizations? Rosa Parks (born February 4, 1913, Tuskegee, Alabama, U.S.—died October 24, 2005, Detroit, Michigan) was an American civil rights activist whose refusal to relinquish her seat on a public bus precipitated the 1955–56 Montgomery bus boycott in Alabama, which became the spark that ignited the civil rights movement in the United States. The next leadership style Rosa uses is Laissez-faire, which means Rose uses a hands off approach with minimal direction and everyone fulfills a purpose. This leadership style is first used when Rosa refuses to give up her seat to a white passenger on the bus ride on December 1, 1955. Rosa Parks’ leadership and legacy provide valuable lessons for future generations. Her courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice serve as an enduring inspiration for those Rosa Parks 1913-2005 “Rosa Parks, Leadership Artist and Designer.” Innovative Higher Education no. 5: 305. Parks, Rosa, and James Haskins. ROSA PARKS’ WAY. Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus in 1955. It was time for the way things had been done in the past to change. By deciding to passively resist, Rosa Parks led by example. Her action on the bus that day resulted in a civil rights movement that, ultimately, changed the culture of a nation. Rosa Parks’ leadership style and traits are very effective, and ones that may be wise for others to emulate. Throughout her life, she exemplified diligence, persistence, and determination. Even in the face of great trials – like being arrested and threatened – she held true to her beliefs.
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