Values of Leadership.

          Leadership is not a one direction or one discipline topic.  The concept of leadership to me can pertain to a single person, a group, or an idea controlling the path.  When I think of leadership, the obvious first things that come to mind is my own experiences.  We all relate the word to different characteristics we hold or held by others we admire.  However, it should be acknowledged that the act of being a leader is not just an act in itself, but upholding certain “values.”  Values are what make up many of our decisions every single day.  Holding ethical and moral values are key components in knowing yourself, and additionally knowing your surroundings.  In turn, values are extremely influential when it comes to being a leader and determining what type of leader you grow into.  Just like our personalities, each person has a different set of values, which can either align with or contradict others.  However, that is to say, just because two individuals values do not align, doesn’t mean they cannot “value” differing opinions as tools of reference.  Many times when a leader doesn’t hold the same beliefs or outlook on a situation, they can at least portray their view by example and live by their own values they maintain.  Not only has it been discussed in class, but I also believe being a role model in a sense is the best way to influence our values.  Without them it is hard to have an opinion or stance to be an effective leader. 

In most, if not all, leadership situations I feel that ethics come into play.  Whether faced w a moral dilemma or an internal conflict of a group, there is always a time when you have to take a side.  Without having a moral opinion, it is hard to be a leader or take charge of a group that is necessitating direction and guidance.  Furthermore, I have found it is also easier to be an effective leader when I am passionate and hold a strong stance of the topic at hand. 

When it comes to my own personal values, I would say it is slightly a case-by-case matter of situation.  I know I value honesty and owning up to mistakes very highly.  Failure is not a bad thing in my book, but denying a mistakes and trying to cover up an issue is something that, from experiences in teams and in the workplace, is not a worthy trait.  In addition to honesty, I think the accountability and authenticity go along the same lines as being true to yourself and what you are working towards.  Many people say that to be a good leader you don’t have to be driven and outspoken.  While I know in most instances I possess these characteristics, I also feel that I can be the reserved and a “backseat” leader.  The value that I believe allows anyone to be a leader, no matter the type, is intentionality.  Having a purpose and a plan is key to being seen as a forerunner in a group.  While there is no right or wrong answer to what makes a good leader, it is important for everyone to be able to justify why they believe in a plan or method, which necessitates holding individual values to form an opinion. 

Why Leadership?

A few weeks prior, I was not planning on taking a second session class. However with a turn of events, a prior class was canceling out a current one.  I knew I had to take a second session and wanted to make sure I could get a class that was different than all my business and accounting classes.  When I saw a leadership class was on the list of options, I automatically decided on it.  I have taken a leadership class before, during sophomore year, and enjoyed the conversation and the variability it provided to my schedule. I have always seen myself as a leader, but I know my strong personality and drive for perfection can come off the wrong way to some.  I am taking this course so that I can refine the skills I have, and learn new ones.  I want to be able to reach the same accomplishments, but with all types of people involved, not just "Type A's."  Learning to work and collaborate with different personalities is key to thriving in the type of group work I will be working in at my future job.   

         At this point in my life, I feel I do have what it takes to be a good leader.  With that said, I am only one certain type of leader and tend to work better with the same driven people.  I understand that leadership is not a one type, one path, and one personality trait.  It takes many different traits and attributes to form a leader and there will always better leaders for certain situations.  I see leadership as not only having the courage to stand out but also have the capacity to stand down and be a team player.  In my past experiences I have been the varsity captain for my basketball team and in-charge of work and case group situations.  From those incidents I have gained the image that leadership is a balance between give and take.  It takes a lot of responsibility in addition to your own effort and time given to the group.

         My expectations for myself in this class are mostly to “broaden my horizon” on what leadership is and how best to implement it in different situations.  I feel I have a good base on the fundamental attributes but I want to see different types of leadership put into action.  Gaining knowledge on when and how to become a leader will not only help myself, but also help others in the different group situations we will partake in together.  I think it will be initially hard to accept other leading procedures that are different than the one I am accustom to, but that is why I am taking this class.  I do expect to disagree or have different views with my classmates.  I feel that is natural for everyone to have different viewpoints and opinions.  However, I think that differing views are necessary for everyone in the class to see alternative perspectives of the situation at hand.  Disagreeing is one of the main ways I believe we can come to a mutual understanding and conquer barriers that are normally put up in group situations.