My Leadership Philosophy

When leading troops it is essential for the leader to understand his or her command environment and how they fit in to that environment. For me, becoming an effective leader begins with this: How do I fit in to my organization and what can I offer my organization and the Soldiers that look to me for guidance. To become an effective leader I have had to address this issue first and foremost. My philosophy is simple, know the needs of the organization, know my personal strengths and weaknesses, and know my Soldiers. This is the philosophy that I try to pass to my subordinates. By knowing these three simple statements I have found that I can become a more effective team member as well as leader to both enlisted and officers alike who look to me for guidance.

Leadership on many occasions has been misinterpreted by many individuals. Many assume that leadership is an easy skill people can develop, however, it isn't. Leadership comes with significant responsibilities such as establishing an influence, guidance, or encouragement on others. While there are some people who seek leadership with the purpose to obtain the power and abusing it for self-interest. I can proudly identify myself as a person who has been titled a leader because I have portrayed an influence. Around my last two years of high school, I became a youth leader at church. Being a youth leader was not only a major learning experience for those who I supported but also for myself. For instance, I had to go through a discipleship class

Leadership has been present throughout my life. I can remember being able to take charge of groups when I was only in elementary school. I have been able to have many opportunities since then to be in a leadership role. Each one of these roles has had an impact on my life and the way that I view leadership.

Leadership starts at the top, and the top is not the man, but the faith in God that flows out of him. There is, different types of leadership and many ways to display this quality. God is our ultimate leader, and He revealed ways on how to be an effective leader in the church, in the house and in life. Therefore, the focus of this paper will be the Pastor epistles and the type of leadership model that they share and put forth. Now, effective ways of leadership may manifest differently in each individual. God made us all unique and gave each of us a specific talent or gift. Therefore, this class has made me investigate and look at myself more in depth and see what type of leadership model I would follow, and feel is the best model.

To me a leader is someone who influences a group of people. Leadership is an action that the leader preforms. Leadership shows the impact you have on people, what you believe, and why they should follow you. Being a leader at times can be very hard. It is always hard to stand up for what you believe. There is always going to be someone to tell you your wrong and tear you down. If you are a leader you have to learn to endure this and move forward. A leader is a mentors and helps others.

Leadership is a skill that one is not able to learn based on a set teaching, but rather a skill based off personal experiences. I am the leader, everywhere I turn, everyone I talk to, from a school game to a class party – feeling like I am critiqued for everything I do and say.

Since I was in elementary school, my parents and teachers have encouraged us to be leaders in every activity. When I prepared for to application of universities, my advisors told me I should emphasize my quality of leadership to attract admissions officers. Is leadership so important for all people to be successful? What will happen if everyone desires to be a leader?

Leaders are not born they are made. The basics of leadership can be learned by anyone, but most people choose not to take up the mantle. When a leader is formed they are crafted with honor, courage, and commitment.

Over the years as a student body, as individuals and as young adults we have been presented with the question, ‘what is a leader?’ personally, I find the answer constantly changing. In respect to the continual growth of my understanding of people, the world and myself; what defines a leader to me evolves based on the experiences and individuals I encounter. An enormous contributor to my concept of leadership has been the St Hilda’s environment and our our motto of Non Nobis Solemn. It seems that no matter how the definition may expand and evolve, there are certain qualities and beliefs which are recurrent and remain at the foundation. It is my understanding that I can bring forth a number of these idiosyncrasies as an individual and possibly,

Leadership to me is someone who leads by example, one who steps up in times of crisis and is able to think and act creatively in difficult situations. In light of recent events I believe the definition of leadership has changed. A leader may have a high profile or a low profile. There are over 100 different definitions of leadership that have been identified. Leadership is considered a trait, skill, ability, behavior, relationship and a process. Trait theories help us identify traits and qualities that are helpful when leading others. Leaders need the required traits that a particular situation demands. For an example, A high school class room with bored students requires a leader who is inspiring and creative. In addition to, leaders being

“Volunteers are not paid--not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless” (Into The Wild). As the quote mentions, volunteers do not get paid, but they serve for others that are in need and the value is worth much more than money. Life is not always about wealth. Time is valuable too and if a person spends a little time off of their phone to help a great cause, it could save many lives or even lead to a bright smile. In leadership class this semester, I have taken time out of my busy schedule to aid others happiness, which pleases me in the end. Reflecting upon my experiences, I have used three main standards of a leader such as engaging in strategic planning, facilitating productive group process, and showing initiative.

Leadership is not something that you inherit. Leadership takes self-commitment, and dedication to obtain. There were many people, as well as situations in my life that made me want to become a better leader. This personal self-commitment to being a leader is why it is my favorite thing.

How to be an effective leader is something we are introduced to at a young age. The basis of leadership that we gain as a child is built upon throughout our lives as we encounter various situations. A leader that I have admired for my entire life is my mother, Traci LaForce; each time I have been asked to relay an account of someone I admire and aspire to be like, she is always the first person that comes to my mind. She worked as a registered nurse for 18 years, beginning in a nursing home caring for the elderly and most recently in the emergency room, rapidly caring for patients with immediate medical issues. Her dedication to her career and compassion for her patients shone through in her commitment to ensuring that she had done the

Confidence, communication and commitment are just three of many traits that a leader possesses. Having those traits may help you become a leader but continuous hard work and dedication makes you one. To continue to be a leader you must also be intelligent, courageous, and determined. Becoming a leader is difficult but continuing to be one is even more difficult.

A leader does simply command and call to action, finds solutions to problems through engaging in conversation and listening more. Leadership has been one of the most common character traits instilled in myself since high school, considering my high school’s philosophy is to prepare leaders through academic excellence, character, and extra-curricular. Transitioning into college I have been taught just how important learning how to lead is. I have been taught a leader on campus will be more successful in school, have greater networking opportunities, and will more likely find successful career opportunities. One of the key characteristics to becoming a good leader is being able to listen. According to the Huffington Post blog, “a person learns about 85% of what they know through listening” (Jose Costa). Therefore, by attempting to listen more and give greater attention to the conversation I ultimately was able to learn more directly about myself.