How I Transcend In The Coast Guard: My Personal Philosophy Of Leadership

My personal leadership philosophy and the theories behind why I lead the way that I do

will be explained in detail. My definition of leadership will be provided based on my experiences throughout my life and career. Furthermore, those influences that shaped who I am today will be discussed. Much of the information that will be used will come from the LPI/360 feedback I received from those managers and co-workers who I have worked with throughout my career. Often, it’s mentioned that personal values and the organizational core values must align to be successful in the Coast Guard. These values ultimately shape who I am as a leader and my leadership philosophy. As a member of the Chiefs Mess and as a class member of the SELC it is my

Everyone has their own definition and everyone perceives it differently based on their own experiences. My definition of leadership is one that can inspire others to perform at the best of their abilities no matter what the circumstance. To be a beacon or a light that others can look to when times are tough and to show compassion, strength and humility when needed is the cornerstone of successful leadership in any organization. Unfortunately, in my career there’s not many times I have had that inspiration or that light to look to when I needed it. Instead, I felt as if I was on my own following those that would rather treat me and others disgracefully, disdainfully or just downright horribly. I can count on one hand the positive influential people that have affected me in my career and that is not the path that anyone in this organization should have to go down. I’m a person that has encountered adversity throughout my life and it’s no different in the Coast Guard. Early on, I knew that I had to be the one to take control of my life and my career. My childhood prepared me for the career I would embark on and I would take on the motto, “Push forward and never regret.” No matter what negative influence there was or bad experience I would encounter, I would always see the silver lining and see the positive. This philosophy would allow me to mentor, guide and lead some amazing people

The values that I live by are Independence, Respect, Discipline, Strength and Happiness. These are important to me through my career, but more importantly through the course of my life. As a kid growing up as an only child and with one parent, Independence was paramount. I grew up way too quickly and I established that discipline was needed to push forward no matter what the issue. I developed an inner strength as a teenager as my mother and I had personal issues that tested my resolve. Growing up, I experienced many negative times, whether it be attempted suicide, potentially not having a place to stay or in some ways taking care of my mother. After those experiences, I learned to always strive for happiness no matter what this life has in store. Finally, Respect was something I felt I had never earned from my mother. She demanded I respect her and help with anything that was needed, but I felt it was never appreciated. I realized that respect was something that was to be earned through actions of those values that I hold so dear. Ironically, I’m typing this essay in part because of my mother. I never thought I would be here today, but those values pushed me forward to be successful in life and to be successful in this