Leadership Mission Statement and Philosophy

Leadership is the art and skill of inspiring subordinates and guiding them in ways you direct. The definition differs for everyone, but at its root leadership is a keenly unique practice and style up to the one leading. It is especially important to note that leadership is a personal journey and encapsulates more than simply completing tasks. Leadership to me is all about how I can influence those in my care and listen to their needs effectively while keeping the mission in mind. (&)

Leaders serve their people. They would not be a leader without them as they are the ones who make the whole dream work in the first place. Therefore, a leader’s most important duty and purpose is to the welfare and stability of those the leader works for. (+) Moreover, an ideal leader is one that is not overly aggressive and allows subordinates to carry on with the mission without micromanaging while still maintaining authority within the group (an example might be through experience or knowledge). Furthermore, good leaders are highly revered role models as they constantly set the best example possible for their peers and those lower than them in authority. This inevitably causes a better climate of respect for everyone in the unit. (=)

According to a Human Values Scale test I partook in, three ethical and moral beliefs rose to the top where I scored a 5 on a 1-5 scale: Stimulation, Benevolence, and Universalism. Stimulation refers to the need for a defined goal that provides challenge and purpose in life. I believe all people should have the chance to set high goals for themselves and be challenged to achieve them. As a leader, I try to give everyone the best possible shot at improving themselves and developing goals that will aid their growth. Benevolence is the goal of providing people you are in contact with the most amount of dignity and respect they deserve through improving their own personal welfare. I show this through my willingness to listen to others’ opinions completely and learn from them enough to integrate those thoughts into my own. Finally, universalism champions the idea of attempting to best understand others through understanding and appreciation of their held beliefs while also protecting their beliefs as your own. Universalism also values the protection of those who cannot speak and nature. As a human, I would hope that most people are universalists that would also value the act of allowing others to discuss and exercise their beliefs while respecting them for having the moxie to have them in the first place (Schwartz, 1992). (1)

Leaders who are accepting of opinions that are different than their own have always caused me great admiration and respect, which is indicative of my Universalist perspective. A great character trait to have as a leader is to be able to be respectful and kind to everyone regardless of if they personally like them or not. (1) To be a leader is to be a startingly influential figure in other people’s lives which bears a large weight of responsibility, and if I stick to my beliefs, hopefully, I will be successful. In my own experience, a humble leader is typically the most successful leader.  As a leader, not only would I want to be seen as humble, but also fair, demanding, and understanding in reputation. (2,3)

If there is one thing I fear most about leadership and being a leader, it is the constant eyes that are on you at all times watching your every move. If anything it would make me nervous and self-conscious, but then again, my people are counting on me to lead them and be confident so the least I could do is stand straight and move with purpose! Proper leaders are aware of how their actions affect others and make a conscious effort to leave lasting good impressions on those they lead through the decisions they make. In past experience having eyes from upper leadership on you causes you to be more locked on and motivated. (4)