Statement of Leadership Philosophy
The tools for success
Everyone sees leadership in a different way. If I have learned anything about leadership during my post-secondary experience, it is that there is no one way to view leadership, and leadership is not a set definition. We all have our own philosophies, and we all go about leadership in our own ways.
When I think of leadership, I don't see it as someone standing up in front of a group and giving directions. Leadership must occur in our everyday lives, and far too often we forget that. We are leaders in our own community, our own families, our own workplaces. Theory Y, as proposed by Douglas MacGregor, tells us that work comes as naturally as play. I also believe that being a leader comes just as naturally as play. Everyone has the potential to lead, but those who choose to foster and act upon that potential rise as great leaders.
For me, leadership is taking initiative. It is making good decisions, but not necessarily because someone is watching. Leaders do not command, but guide others around them. Leaders are not swayed by others; they go along a path they make for themselves. Leadership is doing what's right even if it's not popular, instead of doing what's popular even if it's not right. Everyone is capable of doing this, and I believe to look for the best in everyone.