Prior to my experience in PL (Public Leadership), I did not know much about the aspects of being a good leader. I knew the basics, like being a good listener and communicator, but I was not fully knowledgable on the challenges and strengths that come along with it. When I think of leadership now, I think of someone who knows how to communicate well with others, take accountability, work effectively on a team, be supportive, encouraging, and one that gives back to the community.
My Leadership Style
Strengths:
Good Listener/Communicator
Effective/supportive Team Member
Always willing to hear every opinion
Hard-working
Determined
Always showing perseverance
Leadership Theories: The most important leadership theory I learned about was Servant Leadership. Servant leadership involves an individual who always puts the needs of others first. Ever since we learned about this, I have done my best to make it my duty to become a servant leader. As a leader, one's primary goal should be to ensure that the requests of people are met. With this leadership comes developing trust with the people you are leading, along with displaying loyalty. Another important leadership style that I learned from this program is Authentic Leadership. This leadership style involves leading with a purpose and being mission driven. Most importantly, it involves leading by example. An authentic leader demonstrates self-awareness, transparency, and consistency. This leadership style is important to me because it is encouraging to the people being led, and shows them that you are committed to the goals of the group.
How My Leadership Understanding Has Changed
During my first semester in the Public Leadership Scholars program, I had to write a paper on a prominent leader. I chose to write about Nelson Mandela. Prior to writing this paper, I knew how great Mandela was. However, it was not until I did more research on his leadership strengths and weaknesses, that I became inspired to follow on his footsteps. Nelson Mandela made change by displaying inspiration, charisma, and humility. This paper demonstrated the leadership styles that I hope to obtain. Writing this paper allowed me to view how even the most amazing leaders of our time have their faults too. They are successful because they address those faults and work towards fixing them. During my third semester, I wrote a paper on the qualities that make a good leader. I chose to demonstrate what these qualities were by discussing the qualities of Martin Luther King Jr. Martin Luther King has always been one of my favorite leaders because of his fights for equality. This program introduced me to many new leadership qualities, but this paper allowed me to find the ones that mattered to me the most. Those qualities are determination, education, and integrity. My research for this paper allowed me to discover the main reasons why Martin Luther King Jr., was successful, and ultimately how I can ensure that I am a successful leader. Lastly, an experience that truly had an effect on me was our volunteer trip the DC Central Kitchen. One of the most important aspects of being a good leader is giving back to the community. When I signed up for this trip and saw that it was four hours long, I thought that I was going to be there forever. Once I got there, the time went by fast, and I honestly would not have minded to stay longer. It felt good knowing that I could contribute to someone's meal that day. This event was a demonstration of servant leadership. We put the needs of the less fortunate above our own. Instead of staying on campus to hang out with my friends, I went out and did something meaningful. When we reflected on this experience, I realized how much I truly enjoyed it and how it opened my eyes to want to volunteer even more.
Click on the images below to see the papers I wrote during my semester at PL!
How PL Has Contributed to My Personal Life
I am currently a hostess at the Olive Garden Italian Restaurant. One aspect of PL that has helped me at work is authentic leadership. I have been working there for about two and a half years, so oftentimes when we get new hosts, the manager asks me to show them around and sometimes train them. Because of this program, I am able to effectively lead new team members by demonstrating my commitment to the position, and showing them the things that I do in order to lead by example. These things include cleaning the bathroom when no one else wants too, taking someone's order if the to-go workers are extremely busy, and overall doing whatever I can to help the team. Additionally, PL has allowed me to work much better in group projects. Before this program, I was the member that went with the flow and did whatever part was not done. Now, I try my best to take the lead and make sure everyone's parts get done and that the assignment is turned in on time. I am also the member who is always willing to email the teacher when a problem arises.