Cultivating My Leadership Philosophy

This semester I have learned that leadership is not just a role – it is a process of influence and transformation, driven by an individual’s ethics, values, and connections to others. Over the past 16 weeks, I have refined my definition of leadership from simply “aligning others to shared goals” to something more meaningful: Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group to achieve a common goal while fostering mutual growth and purpose. This definition, inspired by one of my class discussions, reflects the complexities of leadership today.

Through lots of self-reflection, guest speakers, and real-life experiences, I have developed a leadership philosophy centered on character and intentional growth. In this article, I will explore how key lessons from my academic career have shifted this philosophy for the better.

Ethics and Character

One of the most crucial lessons I’ve learned is that leadership is inseparable from ethics. Ethics, derived from the Greek word ethos (character), revolves around the principles and values that guide a leader’s decisions. I have explored virtue-based leadership theories, emphasizing integrity, honesty, and fairness. Not only do I strive to embody these in my personal life, additionally, I would also emphasize them in my professional life. In my actions as a leader, I will put high importance on these virtues and try my best to enforce them throughout my team.

Jeff England’s guest lecture was particularly impactful in reinforcing the importance of character. As someone who rose to success through hard work and determination, Jeff taught me that it doesn’t matter where you come from – it matters how hard you work and the integrity you bring to the table. His story left a lasting impression on me and my classmates. Also, he is the perfect example of how unwavering integrity creates great leaders.

Continuous Learning and Growth

In class, we often revisited the idea that leaders are not born; they are made through experience, reflection, and intentional effort. Leadership, as my professor often reminded us, is a process that involves influence and common goals. It is not about authority or power, rather, it is about relationships.

This concept resonated deeply with me, particularly when I reflected on my results from the StrengthsFinder’s assessment. Not only did I learn my strengths and weaknesses, but, I learned the importance of self-evaluation (which I have not always been the best at). My top strengths – Competition, Activator, Developer, Communication, and Belief – highlight both my ability to connect with others and my drive to achieve. At the beginning of the semester, I wouldn’t have been able to fully grasp the importance of harnessing these five strengths. Additionally, my strengths align with the relating and coaching capabilities outlined in class. I aim to leverage these strengths in collaboration efforts, motivating my team, and aligning my goals with organizational objectives.

However, I have also identified areas for growth. For example, while I excel in task-oriented leadership, I sometimes struggle to maintain a broader vision – a critical capability for long-term success. By embracing opportunities for feedback, practicing intentionality, and creating a mindset of continuous learning, I am working to strengthen this weakness. Introspecting has allowed me to embrace tips for improvement from both my managers and peers.

The Power of Perspective

My leadership philosophy has also been shaped by personal experiences tremendously. Introducing Jeff England during his guest lecture was a privilege that deepened my understanding of leadership through storytelling. His belief in grit mirrors my belief that resilience is a key component of good leadership.

I’ve also drawn insights from my internship at Harvest Group throughout the semester, whilst working part-time alongside of school. It is a very interesting experience to hear about what it takes to become a good leader and then to see these traits firsthand within my team at work. I have constantly been reminded of the great leaders within my corporation, which inspires me to dive into my leadership course even more. Leadership is not one-size-fits-all; it requires an understanding of the context and needs of team members.

Ethical Leadership in Practice

A recurring theme in class was the importance of avoiding the “marginal costs” mistake – justifying small ethical compromises for convenience or gain. As discussed in Clayton Christensen’s work, these small compromises can result in lost trust and integrity over time. This principle resonates with my belief that ethical leaders must show consistency and intentionality, even in hard times.

Christensen’s guidance to “choose the right yardstick” for success also challenged me to think beyond my professional goals in terms of status and/or finances. For me, true success lies in building meaningful relationships and staying true to my core, Christian-based, values.

Values and Beliefs

My values – integrity, humility, and commitment to excellence – are at the heart of my leadership philosophy. These values were reinforced by my exploration of authentic leadership, which emphasizes self-awareness and relational transparency. Leaders who are genuine and grounded in their values foster a positive organizational culture, and through this course, I have learned that I aspire to do the same.

Additionally, discussions about transformational leadership also shaped my thoughts. Transformational leaders, as we learned, motivate and inspire others to achieve more than they thought possible. Though I may lean more toward the traits of a traditional authentic leader, I strive to be a leader who motivates and inspires others. Creating an environment where everyone can thrive is extremely important to me.

Becoming the Leader I Aspire to Be

As I look forward, I realize that becoming the leader I aspire to be requires ongoing self-improvement. While I am proud of my strengths, I recognize the areas where I need to grow. As I continue this journey, I am reminded of the words of Clayton Christensen: “Think about the metric by which your life will be judged and make a resolution to live every day so that in the end, your life will be judged a success.” For me that metric is clear – it is the positive impact I have on others and upholding my values along the way.