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Personal Leadership Philosophy Paper

Leadership is the act of leading but what does that entail? There is not one finite

definition of what that means. We all have different ways that we inspire, motivate, and

contribute to the teams we are a part of. Each of us is unique. It only makes sense that we would

have leadership styles that reflect that concept. I had many experiences that allowed me to see

that people and knowledge are my passion. I used this class to help guide my voyage of

self-discovery. I still dont know if I have the coordinates quite set yet but I have plotted a course

knowing how I can better navigate the ever-changing seas and how I can help guide my team to

set sail towards success. As a captain I want to be able to guide my crew through the smooth and

raging waters of whatever comes our way.

My upbringing shines a huge light on who I am as a leader. My dad left at an early age

and so it inspired a lot of independence. It led me to trust my instincts and fight for what I

believe in. I am able to have confidence in my own abilities and ideas and also have faith in my

team. My family is also Mormon. One of the basic tenets of the religion is to follow the teaching

of Christ. Some of the many characteristics he illustrated are humility, charity, forgiveness, and

love. I tried to exemplify those by following the doctrine that everyone deserves to be treated

with respect and dignity.

My mom is Southern. She grew up in Oklahoma and for part of my childhood, I lived

with my North Carolinian grandmother. They instilled in me the warmth that only comes from

the drawl of a feisty woman offering you a slice of pecan pie and a ear to listen. She was one of

the most tender people I will ever know. She made over a dozen cakes in two days so each

person that helped take care of my grandpa before he died could feel appreciated. I have yet to
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receive a better bear hug or a truer example of serving the people she cared for. She would have

had people walk to the edge of the earth for her because she was so admired. Her influence

stemmed from her heart.

One of the main theories of leadership we focus on this semester is Strengthsquest. It is a

personality quiz that is meant to illuminate your talents while teaching you how to cultivate

them. It is also a really good way to acknowledge the things that you excel at. As a people,

especially women, we tend to focus on our weaknesses. This is one of the things I most

appreciated about this quiz. I am able to recall much easier the ways that I am an effective leader.

I can see that I am capable through my ability to build strong bonds with all different walks of

life and my constant need to seek for the information that illuminates my world.

The top strength was Individualization. One of the sentences that stuck out to me is that I

have a restless mind. I am always thinking and have so many ideas because I want to keep

coming up with solutions and expand my knowledge. Individualization means I see us all as as

unique. For example, I carefully make note of each persons likes and dislikes, from hobbies to

personal preferences, so that I can better cater to their personality. I love to make the people feel

they are seen. It also means that I am able to see other peoples perspectives through empathy.

This was fostered by my mom. She is an LCSW and helped me think of people as unique

individuals that although we may be similar have experienced things that have changed how we

see the world. No two hearts are the same.

My second strength is WOO. This is known as Winning Over Others. I love meeting new

people and creating new relationships. I moved 9 times as a child and I had to assimilate quickly.

I would talk to my teachers and classmates to establish a rapport. I was able to cultivate
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relationships quickly and subsequently blend in. I avoided the label new kid every time. Being

on Central Region also gave me the opportunity to talk to a vast assortment of students to try to

get them to events. I have a keen ability to find connections with others even while washing my

hands in the restroom. I find people to be an adventure and there are always adventures to be

had.

My third strength is Input. I tease that I major in confusion and am majorly confused. It is

only because I have such curiosity and never stop inquiring about varied subjects. I often feel I

dont know enough about the subjects that fascinate me and want to keep gaining insight so that I

can have greater, deeper conversations. Both my parents have masters degrees and so the

prevalence of education is a theme that began at a young age. Knowledge is one of my strengths.

Part of my life I didnt have a television and it was one of the most formative years in my love of

learning. I feasted on books and words. I cherish words in all forms. I just want to know all that I

can.

My fourth strength is Includer. I was bedridden for years. I spent five birthdays in a row

wishing for one friend. I was alone and forgotten. That is hard. I dont want others to feel that

way. I have many experiences, that grow every year, that makes me realize how little judging

benefits anyone. I was bullied and have been proven wrong with my uneducated conclusions

about people over and over. It only impairs connections. I try to make everyone feel like they

have someone that cares because you never know what another person is going through.I want to

make everyone feel a part of the group and a sense of belonging. I see us all as being unique in

our interests, but having the same basic need to be appreciated and included.
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My fifth strength is Restorative. I enjoy solving problems and seeking out puzzles and

sometimes those are in math, people, or jigsaw form. Finding where the pieces best fit excites

me. I find an immense sense of pride in being able to pinpoint the weaknesses through trial and

error and make a complete picture. In my elementary and junior-high-school days, I was

involved in many academic competitions. I try to be the best and to figure out what I can do

better to improve my results. I have a strong sense of duty and dedication to the people I love and

so I feel can feel disappointed when I do not feel that I have enough for or with them. I can be

very self-critical. Sometimes, It can be detrimental but it has also spurred me to action and

reflection. Through my ability to see my mistakes I can create change and surpass my yesterdays

to a better tomorrow.

My whole life has been devoted to the people I love. I find ways to make people happy

from Rick the bus driver to the girl sitting alone in the choir room named Taara. Connection is

what brings me joy because it is the branches that help me grow taller and more grounded.

Through others experiences I feel my roots expand and my ability to reach the water of differing

perspectives and ideas. I want to grow new leaves with the wisdom I am acquiring now, and be

humble enough to know when to know it is time for restoration and rebirth. I want to be able to

let go of my shortcomings and try to become better. I am thirsty to become a better leader and I

will do that through soaking up all that I can through my readings and my interactions with

people. This will lead me to become more equipped to withstand any wind that might try to

uproot me or my team. My philosophy is just like the Sequoia trees, you are less likely to fall if

you merge together because you can withstand much more united than on your own.