End of PL reflection

Reflect on your understanding of leadership. How has it changed over your time in PL? What do you think of leadership now/What does leadership mean to you now?

One of the biggest things that this course has taught me is the difference between leadership and management. This has changed my understanding of what true leadership is. Management is about controlling people whereas leadership is much more persuading. Leadership requires you to inspire people to do things they never thought they would do. An employee could land their dream job, but ultimately if the leader is not able to inspire, persuade people, or lead ethically it can lead the employee from quitting that job.

2. Describe your leadership style referencing Strengths, leadership theories/styles, etc from class

I believe my leadership style is a mix of consensus and direct leadership. I gain people’s trust by having some consensus leadership, giving people some room to make decisions for themselves, lead, and grow. I also believe that some things require direct leadership where I need to give direct instructions to get things done efficiently. As a leader, I believe one of my strengths is having a strategic plan beforehand with realistic goals. This helps as a leader because goals help set a mission that you and your followers can follow. I also believe another strength of mine is effective negotiation. I know when it is necessary to not completely win over in a negotiation to keep ties with the trustee. I also have self-awareness, and this skill helps as a leader because not only am I communicating with the group but I am also understanding why people are behaving the way they are.

3. What facilitated the change in your understanding of leadership?

I choose to put this Leadership Philosophy paper here because I really feel it shows my view on the ways I believe how a leader can be great through what I have learned in this course. I highlight some points that I think separate a leader from being good to being great.

4. How have you used an element of leadership learned through PL in your life? (either a formal leadership role or a personal interaction).

I was elected VP of finance for my sorority, Delta Gamma, and I have already gained so many skills in budgeting and working with many different types of people that I believe are a huge asset I will use throughout my career. I have helped my chapter a lot with their dues, making sure everyone is paying on time, and helping work with members in times of financial need. I am also responsible for the housing contracts, so I am making sure the new member class is able to have a chance to live together fostering high ideals of friendship in the sorority. I am also a person members can lean on and text when having difficulties with the housing situation. For example, a member called me freaking out about her medical condition and not being able to live in the house, and I calmed her down and made sure I was there for her. Overall as a leader, I have been a role model for others and someone members can count on. I feel I am not trying to control people but to inspire others to also “do good”.