Leadership Philosophy in Professional Counseling
The process of leading is usually discussed in the scope of military and corporate professions, neglecting to understand the impact of leadership in the counseling profession. The difference lies in the focus of the professions. They give a position of authority to an individual without parameters of how to engage others to complete organizational tasks. While leadership in Professional Counseling focuses on buy-in of the followers to develop, organize, and implement plans enhance the mission of the organization.
Hence, the major counseling associations, and accreditation bodies emphasize the leader guides and allows the members to be the decision makers. The American Counseling Association (ACA) details this concept in the 2016 Leadership Handbook stating, “the officer understands that power and authority are bestowed by those being led” (p. 103). Therefore, it is important to develop an ethical and culturally relevant Leadership Philosophy to have a framework to ensure an organization’s mission aligns with your values, especially for someone with a
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Reflecting on my values and beliefs, my philosophy is: Leadership is a multi-faceted relationship between leaders and members of a group that is situationally dependent. I believe a leader must be loyal, operate from a multi-cultural and egalitarian lens, creating an environment that seeks justice for others. Leaders are willing to accept challenges while maintaining their integrity. I value opportunities for growth and the ability to remain static when the opportunity for growth conflicts with personal values, and as a leader in Professional Counseling these ideals are necessary to build upon the work of those that laid the groundwork in the