LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY 

Leadership has to be unraveled and one must have the ability to look at the different aspects of leadership in its separate contexts. After, looking at each aspect one must piece them back together to take a step back and look at the larger picture. In this paper I will explain my philosophy of leadership and what it takes to me to be a leader. There are many events in my life that have shaped who I am, and the kind of leader I have become over the years. I believe that a leader must have the ability to create a vision, Initiate action, still while engaging others to make a positive difference in first themselves and further in others.

Student affair professionals’ primary contribution to higher education is the ability to understand the issues that students are facing and the ability to make an impact in student’s lives. Student Affairs professionals learn the balance between challenge and support, with the ultimate goal of students reaching their full potential. My philosophy of leadership in higher education is that of one of my mentors Dr. Ron Vogel; “students, students, students”.  Dr. Vogel always says, my first thought is the students, my second thought is the students and final thought is the students.  My philosophy is the same in that; I want to be able to equip students with their essential necessities to be successful.  Students are my first, second, and final priority.  I want to make a contribution to the lives of students who may not realize a college degree is attainable.  Education has helped me develop a sense of self and the attributes that I possess.  When I began college it was because I thought I should, I wanted to finish as fast as possible but somewhere along the way I fell in love with learning. I want to utilize my skills and knowledge to be able to work with other students from under-supported and under-resourced communities. 

When looking at Leadership over the years I have found that leadership is more than simply having followers and it isn’t acquired my following a few set of rules. Leadership is multifaceted; it is having the ability to make the right choices and being able to express them clearly, concisely, and being concrete. Communicating a clear vision that has meaning and have the ability to influence students is powerful to possess as a leader. The key is to engage others in your vision, and empower followers to pursue a shared purpose of achieving a positive out come within your organization.

My leadership philosophy has been shaped by several factors, the first of which is developing knowledge of myself. I am a firm believer that until you know yourself first, you are not able to meet your fullest potential as a leader. The greatest understanding exist when an individual knows first themselves and what they can do and the abilities they possess. Secondly, the challenges that a leader has to overcome are aspects that contribute to the principles they develop as a leader. My principles on leadership steams as a result of my childhood, however, these principles have been shaped and tested throughout my life, as I have been challenged to make decisions as a campus leader. I believe that leaders are born with certain characteristics such as, confidence, and the ability to inspire and encourage others to action. Finally, in order to an effective leader you need to have a passion for leadership.

This passion motivates the group in challenging circumstances, and is what is passed down through generations of leaders. Passion should be deeply rooted in order for a leader to feel some sort of self -actualization. If a leader doesn’t have a strong passion, it is difficult to be a great leader. A leader’s passion is the force that drives them into action. Passion is the component that creates a fire in both the leader and the follower, pushing the organization to achieve their shared goals. My goal is to provide every student with the foundation and tools to help them succeed in their higher education experience.   I believe that every student I come in contact with has the ability to develop and grow to his or her fullest potential. What sets me apart is, my tenacious passion for students, and the ability to know how to push the students into action and when to all they need is support. I am familiar with the environmental situations that students are dealing with due to my own experiences and struggles as an undergraduate and graduate student.

Ultimately, my philosophy on leadership is a continued and everlasting commitment and dedication to ensuring that all students are given the opportunity to be successful in their higher education endeavors. Taking each student and unraveling their layers like an onion and understanding the individual needs of a student. I believe that I must lead with genuineness and integrity. Having integrity inspires change and servitude. Living genuinely and with integrity enables a leader to develop their passions, resulting in a commitment to serving students and a life dedicated to leadership.