Embracing Transformational Leadership

Introduction My journey through leadership studies in the University of Arkansas’ Supply Chain Management program has provided a blend of academic rigor and real-world application. It has shown me that leadership is a journey, one that is unique to our own lives. In this article, I dive into my own leadership story, shaped by personal experiences, values, and beliefs. Drawing from insights from class lectures, executive speakers, and peer discussions, this class has helped shape my understanding and aspirations in becoming a transformational leader committed to empowering and believing in others.

My Personal Leadership Perspective

Leadership, to me, is not about holding a position or giving orders, it's about empowerment and enabling others to reach their full potential. In the words of executive speaker Mark McEntire , CEO of TMX Princeton, "The best leaders create more leaders." A good leader, in my view, embodies qualities such as authenticity, hard work, humility, and curiosity. These attributes, coupled with the belief that leadership is about transforming others, form the cornerstone of my leadership philosophy.

Leadership through Experience

My journey of defining leadership has been enriched by my life experiences. As a Walton Honors Peer mentor for incoming freshmen and a sports captain, I've had the privilege of leading diverse groups of individuals. These experiences allowed me to create harmony among people, relate to their feelings, and foster collaboration. They reinforced my belief that leadership is about connecting with others on a personal level, understanding their unique perspectives, and working together towards a common goal.

Ethical Foundation in Leadership

In addition to these principles, my leadership philosophy is deeply rooted in my ethics. I firmly believe in doing what's right and honest, even if it's the harder path to tread. As Maya Angelou once said, "People forget what you said, they forget what you did, but they'll never forget how you made them feel." This quote summarizes my belief that the impact of leadership is not just in words and actions but in the emotional connection we create with those we lead. There have been moments when I had to make ethical choices as a leader, such as holding people accountable, even when they were friends, or resisting the temptation to compromise my core values. These experiences have only solidified my commitment to ethical leadership.

Key Insights from Class Lectures

Throughout this course we have had the privilege of listening to many executive speakers that hold leadership positions within top companies. The insights shared by these industry leaders have significantly shaped my leadership philosophy. Mark emphasized the importance of being "a credit maker, not a credit taker," along with his principle that "managing is about me, leading is about we.” This has reinforced my belief in leading with humility and integrity, valuing collective success over individual accolades. Benjamin Outt , VP of Supply Chain at P&G, highlighted the need for constant self-reflection asking "What did I do wrong? What can I do better?" and reminded us to "enjoy the ride" as leadership is a journey full of unpredictability.

Shelley Simpson , President of JB Hunt, shared a critical lesson, "Leaders make mistakes, admit and own up to them." This resonated with my experiences as a peer mentor and team captain, where I embraced honesty and responsibility in my leadership approach. Additionally, the lecture on "Transformational Leadership" deeply impacted me. Transformational leadership is defined as a style where leaders encourage, inspire, and motivate employees to innovate and create change that will help grow and shape the future success of the company. It's about being a visionary, fostering an environment of trust, and encouraging significant change. This concept has not only solidified my aspiration to be a transformational leader but also expanded my understanding of leadership as a dynamic, empowering, and evolving journey.

Key Insights from Class Readings

Another transformative lesson I’ve absorbed comes from reading the book, The Leadership Secrets of Nick Saban, where I learned about a famous philosophy of his called "The Process." This philosophy underlines the importance of focusing on consistent, daily efforts and habits rather than fixating solely on end goals. Saban's approach emphasizes doing things the right way and trusting that results will follow. This resonates with my leadership journey, especially in the realm of supply chain management. Embracing a process-oriented mindset, I've learned to appreciate the value of each decision, no matter how small, and its impact on overall efficiency. This philosophy has not only reinforced my commitment to detail and precision but has also served as a guiding principle in navigating complex challenges.

In addition to reading a leadership novel of our choice, we read many leadership focused articles. One article in particular, Ten Principles of Motivation by Dr. Nido Qubein really stood out to me. Within the article he said, "There’s only one thing that counts in a business: building the self-esteem of your employees. Nothing else matters, because what they feel about themselves is what they give to your customers." This philosophy highlights the crucial link between an employee's self-perception and their contribution to customer satisfaction. Through my roles as a peer mentor and team captain, I've observed firsthand the power of valuing and uplifting team members. Embracing this perspective, I strive to create a work environment where every individual feels valued and empowered, understanding that their self-esteem directly influences their performance and, in turn, the overall success of the organization.

Conclusion

As I reflect on my journey through the University of Arkansas’ Supply Chain Management program, I realize that leadership is not a destination, but a continuous journey of growth, learning, and self-discovery. This journey has reinforced my commitment to authentic, empowering leadership, where success is measured not just by personal achievements, but by the growth and development of those I lead. As I continue to grow, I carry with me the lessons learned from this course and the aspiration to inspire others in their own leadership paths.