Personal Leadership Philosophy Throughout my life I have worked and served under the leadership of various individuals. Each one has had a unique approach to how he or she chose to lead. Nevertheless, I have observed certain principles that are typically exemplified by the leaders that I respect and admire the most. These leaders are committed to and understand three basic areas: their team’s mission, their respective role in that mission, and the people over whom they have been given stewardship. In order to be an effective leader, a person must deeply understand what they are trying to accomplish and why. That way, they are informed about the overarching purpose of their mission, and their decisions actually contribute toward its realization. If a leader has not internalized the greater purpose that he or she has been called upon to accomplish, they run the risk of being a distraction, or even a hindrance, to the work as …show more content…
This means that they take the time to understand each individual’s background, goals, motives, abilities, etc. By making sure that they understand their team members, the leader not only naturally comes to care for them more, but they also learn how to properly motivate and empower the team members so that they are able to perform their best. It is not easy for a team to be committed to its mission if the team is not committed to its leader. Additionally, having a team that is committed to its leader first requires that the leader show that he or she, while ultimately committed to the mission, is also committed to each team member. To attain this kind of synergy, leaders must learn to effectively and consistently listen, communicate, and work with each team member to optimize the output of the team’s work. The responsibility of listening, communicating, and working well with others falls on the shoulders of each team member as