My Leadership Philosophy

Leadership Philosophy

Google defines evolution as “the gradual development of something, especially from a simple to a more complex form” (https://www.google.com/#q=Evolution+definition). In hindsight, my original perspective of leadership was simplistic and naïve. However, through this journey at Gonzaga and the valuable lessons gained, I experienced an awakening of spirit which opened my mind to the power of vulnerability, authenticity, and wholeness. Thus, this epiphany altered and enhanced my philosophy of leadership. “Only by finding the way to transcend their own private truths can leaders gain new insight into what motivates others, and thereby facilitate transformations in both individuals and organizations” (Carey, 1999, p. back cover).

Quite simply, my mindset was focused on learning how to make people do what I wanted them to do. I gave no consideration to the feelings or ambitions of these people I would one day lead. I honed solely on earning the glory from a leader’s accomplishments.

Discovering himself to be an oppressor may cause considerable anguish, but it does not necessarily lead to solidarity with the oppressed. Solidarity requires that one enter into the situation of those with whom one is solidary; it is a radical posture. True solidarity with the oppressed means fighting at their side to transform the objective reality which has made them these “beings for another”. (Freire, 2000, p. 49)

I am not a mean person. Nor would I ever intentionally harm someone to get ahead in life or work, though my previous statement of intent might suggest otherwise. At the time, I possessed a limited and extremely flawed view of leadership, one that was demonstrated by the leaders I encountered throughout my career. These are dated examples of leadership. Through the education received in the Organizational Leadership program, I now know better; and this new perspective fits with who I am as a person. I feel a sense of wholeness when I share my vision of future leadership. I look forward to the day

So many thoughts fill my mind, it’s hard to know where to begin with my words. During this program, I had an awakening; a full scale, life changing breakthrough that opened my heart and spirit to the positively inspiring joy of leadership. I feel so fortunate that I experienced this journey before obtaining a leadership role. I cringe at the idea of what I might have put people through under my self-embedded reign.

The person who becomes embedded in the self to the exclusion of others must exert tremendous control over others in order to keep them in line. It is this over-control, perceived or not, which is the root of feelings of out-of-syncness and dislocation within the organization. (Carey, 1999, p. 6)

Throughout this program, I gained many lessons that contributed to my philosophy. However, the four attributes I believe most critical to a true leader are authenticity, mindfulness, vulnerability, and transformational. These components spoke to my heart and through them I have gained so much, both personally and as a leader. “I knew I had heard my soul speak – and I knew that I had to act on what I had heard” (Palmer, 2004, p. 131). I feel so passionate about inspiring others and seeing them realize their dreams. I believe if I lead with quality leadership and heart, everyone has an opportunity to grow and learn from each other. One person can make a difference, and together…endless possibilities. On becoming