Write a three to five (3-5) page paper (1000 – 1200 words), not including the title and reference pages, assessing your personal leadership readiness that includes the following:

Unit 1 Focus Paper: Personal leadership readiness.

Focus Paper Rubric

Specific Requirements for this Assignment

Value

Content, focus, use of research, and organization

50 Points

Response successfully answers the Assignment question(s); thoroughly uses the text and other literature. Includes a strong thesis statement, introduction, and conclusion. The main points of the paper are developed clearly. All arguments are supported well (no errors in logic) using outside sources as assigned.

Sources are primarily academic journals, with thoughtful use of web sources. References are applied substantively to the paper topic. Skillfully addresses counter-arguments and does not ignore data contradicting its claim. Refers to sources both in-text and in the reference page.

Introduction.

5

Research on leadership traits, behaviors, and attitudes as the foundational content.

20

Includes at least three cited and referenced resources – at least one of which must be a peer reviewed (scholarly) journal article.

10

Clearly answered the assignment questions. The main points of the paper are developed clearly.

Conclusion should summarize the primary points of the paper and bring forward a call to action.

Analysis, critical thinking, and recommendations

30 Points

Response exhibits strong higher-order critical thinking and analysis (e.g., evaluation). Paper shows original thought.

Analysis includes proper classifications, explanations, comparisons, and inferences.

Critical thinking includes appropriate judgments, conclusions, and assessment based on evaluation and synthesis of information.

Exhibited strong, higher-order, critical thinking skills and analysis; demonstrated original thought; used proper explanations, comparisons, and inferences.

Analysis of your personal leadership traits, behaviors, and attitudes as well as your overall readiness for leadership. Identify gaps that must be closed for you to progress to the next level of leadership. Be sure to connect research to your analysis.

15

Recommendations for your personal development to assist you in closing the gaps identified in your personal analysis. Connecting research to your recommendations will make them stronger.

Writing Style, Grammar, and APA Format

20 Points

Grammatical skills are strong with typically less than one error per page.

Correct use of APA when assigned.

Appropriate to the Assignment, fresh (interesting to read), accurate, (no far-fetched, unsupported comments), precise (say what you mean), and concise (not wordy).

Assignment is in 12-point font. Narrative sections are double-spaced.

Assignment is free of serious errors; grammar, punctuation, and spelling help to clarify the meaning by following accepted conventions.

6

Correct use of APA, including appropriate section headings.

Writing style is appropriate to the Assignment, fresh (interesting to read), accurate, (no far-fetched, unsupported comments), precise (say what you mean), and concise (not wordy).

2

Total Points

100