"Redefining Leadership: A Journey of Growth and Adaptability"

What is your definition of leadership? This question was asked on the first day of class, and when I first began this course, I defined leadership as one of the most important factors within a business; without it, it is nearly impossible to be successful. To me, it was a process where one leads others toward achievement. However, over the semester, I have come to understand that leadership is much more complex. Through exploring different theories, engaging with guest executive speakers, and participating in insightful discussions about ethics, power, and influence, I have refined my view of leadership into something more meaningful. I now see it as an evolving process where an individual guides a group to reach a common goal while fostering mutual growth and shared purpose.

This course has helped me build on my original definition, shaping a clearer leadership philosophy that I am eager to apply in my future career. As I reflect on what I learned, I want to share the key takeaways that reshaped my understanding of leadership and how they will influence my future career growth.

Leadership as an Evolving Process

The history and changes over time within the idea of leadership reveal a significant shift in our understanding as it was once often seen as an inherited trait but over time has come to be recognized as an evolving process centered on influence, collaboration, and shared objectives. Previously, leadership was often linked to power held by a select few. Today, it is recognized as a skillset that can be developed and displayed by many, emphasizing behaviors, learned skills, and adaptability. This redefinition has deeply shaped my perspective on leadership. Leadership is not about titles or traits we are born with, as these do not automatically make us leaders. It is about the process, the actions, the growth, and the ability to navigate complexity with adaptability and understanding throughout the journey.

Guest executive speakers throughout the colloquium reinforced this evolving understanding. Mr. Jeff England , Chief Supply Chain Officer at QXO said, “Life is a journey, and the journey is a privilege—what matters is the work you put in and your willingness to learn continuously.” This wisdom put a large emphasis on the importance of lifelong growth within leadership. Similarly, Mrs. Krissy Glass , VPO at Uber Freight, emphasized that we as leaders need to “embrace change and be open to the unexpected,” which closely resonated with the idea that leadership requires adaptability and is an ongoing process.

"Life is a journey, and the journey is a privilege—what matters is the work you put in and your willingness to learn continuously."- Jeff England

"Embrace change and be open to the unexpected."- Krissy Glass

The Intersection of Leadership and Ethics

Ethics and leadership are inseparable. Leaders have significant influence, which comes with an ethical responsibility. Ethical leadership is about respecting others, fostering community, and building trust. The lessons on ethical theories taught me that leadership is as much about who you are as it is about what you do.

One of the most impactful ideas was the concept of the “yardstick,” emphasizing the importance of measuring success through your ethical values. This perspective has challenged me to be intentional about aligning my personal and professional actions with my morals. By prioritizing honesty, humility, and integrity, I aim to leave a trail of trust and respect in my leadership journey.

Leadership Adaptability and Skills Development

The course highlighted that leadership is not static; it requires adaptability and continuous skill development. The "Skills Approach," based on Katz’s model, showed that different leadership levels require different skill sets: technical, human, and conceptual. As leaders advance, strategic thinking becomes crucial. This progression is not just theoretical as it is reinforced by the insights of executive speakers. For instance, Mr. Alex Worley , CEO of Happy Egg, emphasized the importance of choosing the harder right over the easier wrong, highlighting how resilience and a willingness to tackle challenges are vital for growth and leadership. This mindset aligns with the idea that leaders must develop beyond their technical skills and build strong human and conceptual abilities to navigate complexity. Furthermore, Mrs. Krissy Glass stated to “trust in the strengths others see in you and remain open to discovering new passions” which echoes the need for continuous self-improvement and adaptability. These perspectives show that effective leadership is shaped not just by the skills we start with but by our commitment to further developing our skills and embracing new challenges.

"Choose the harder right over the easier wrong"- Alex Worley

"Trust in the strengths others see in you and remain open to discovering new passions."- Krissy Glass

Moving Forward: My Vision as a Leader

These lessons have shaped my vision for my own leadership journey. I aim to approach leadership as a continuous learning process—developing not only my technical skills but also my ability to inspire and gain trust among my peers. I am committed to leading ethically, ensuring that my actions align with both my personal values and the broader mission of my organization. Mr. Craig Weiss , SVP of Supply Chain at Conagra stated how important it is to recognize that “our differences make the difference,” this resonates with my vision of fostering inclusivity and adaptability. I will strive to stay adaptable, knowing that effective leadership depends on the context and requires a mix of skills to address changing challenges. James Clear in his book Atomic Habits stated the idea that small, consistent changes lead to remarkable results, with this I will focus on making incremental improvements in my leadership practices. This approach reinforces the importance of habits that build resilience, improve communication, and strengthen trust over time.

"Our differences make the difference"- Craig Weiss

In conclusion, the Honors Supply Chain Colloquium has been more than an academic course as it has been a guide for understanding the complexities of leadership. It has taught me that being an effective leader is not about fitting a specific mold, but about influencing others positively, acting with integrity, and embracing continuous growth. As I step forward in my career, I am more equipped than ever to pursue leadership that is both impactful and lasting.