PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY OF LEADERSHIP

My definition of leadership is founded on personal values, vulnerability, and a willingness to make mistakes. I believe a leader cannot fail, so long as they acknowledge their shortcomings, learn, and adapt to the next challenge. A leader considers all points of view and is receptive to criticism. They are a mirror who reflects the entirety of their constituents, a mediator who acknowledges different needs while keeping ethical, overarching goals as a priority.

My leadership identity is dynamic, evolving, and open to growth while keeping in mind past lessons learned. I strive to be a good communicator who walks the line between opposing views. The world needs all types of leaders; there are some with strongly-held stances who advocate for one particular side or group. There are others who see the whole picture from a meta-perspective, connecting dots from far away. I feel more aligned with the latter, envisioning a world and culture that I want to live in, and working across communities in an effort to unite. I recognize that conflict is unavoidable and necessary. I reject the notion of a single solution. I believe in multiple truths, realities, and ways of living for all people. I want to lead in a way that honors my truth without oppressing someone else’s.

These definitions and identities of leadership have, admittedly, not changed very much during my time at CU. The majority of my leadership experiences evolved during my time outside of college. I gained incredibly valuable life experience that led me to question my own strengths, weaknesses, and personal assumptions. However, being in a classroom with younger students and watching their growth confirms my previous notions about leadership. We are all leaders in that we all live our individual lives. We lead ourselves on a daily basis, facing the opportunity to write our own narratives through intentional choices. These choices can empower not only ourselves but the communities we move within. Parker Palmer, in his book, Let Your Life Speak, points out “that if we are made for community, then leadership is everyone’s vocation, and it can be an evasion to insist that it is not.” If we deny our power as leaders and individuals, then we will never access the ability to create collective change. As I interact with my student peers, I tell my story and encourage them to tell their own. Everyone is a leader, but not everyone believes in their own strength. I hope that a raised awareness around leadership emboldens young people to write their own narratives and create their own worlds.