My Next Step in Leadership

In the next year to come, I plan on putting what I have learned about leadership to use. Upon being asked to be head captain for my cheer squad next year, I had to think about program and the path it is going and how I feel about it. The plan for next year is to take out the dance aspect of cheerleading, my personal favorite part, along with many others on the squad and in the stands. I'm not a fan of this decision, cheerleading is much more than just yelling. Without dance, we may not have a very large squad next year. As a future leader, I have to consider what others are thinking about the program: Do they like not getting to dance? Will they even try out next year if they will only be yelling chants? I do not conduct a team when I don't enjoy the sport. It is in my power to do the best I can to turn the program back around and back onto the right path. I will have to be a credible leader, using all I have learned about forward-looking, doing what I say I will do, being honest, competent, and inspiring. I have the power to do something big and I will do everything in my capacity to make it work for the better and to keep my cheerleaders coming back with bigger and better spirit than before.

Leadership Class Group Task

My leadership class at school was designated a task in which we had to identify whether we had a trash problem around the campus or not. After reviewing all data we collected from pictures, surveys, and interviews, we to the conclusion that there is indeed a problem and we need to do something to fix it. While working on this project, our group displayed a few traits that without them, the work would be incomplete. We all demonstrated true forward looking, credibility, and emotional intelligence. By forward looking, we were able to see the big picture and not only find a resolution to the issue for now, but also for the future by putting our main target as the younger kids who will hopefully continue the tradition of caring for the school and keeping it looking neat. Without emotional intelligence, none of us would have been able to complete the assignment, instead we would be getting frustrated with each other and and never get anything done, which also means being credible. Even through snow days and distractions, we all worked really well together and stayed cool, calm, and collected.

Resonant Leader

I would advice an up and coming leader to be resonant by watching and learning from one of the past. Take Gandhi for example, as he was being attacked by his followers, he stayed calm, cool, and collected, not raising his voice or showing anger, not once. I have been put in many situations in cheerleading practice where I had to stay calm and not lose my temper, as much as I felt the need to. I took a step back, took a few deep breathes, and remained calm, not raising my voice once. This is not something that comes naturally. You must practice it to get better, to become a resonant leader. If you fail to do so and you continually snap at your followers or employees, or whomever it might be, you will lose all credibility you worked so hard to acheive.

Myers Briggs Test

Over the course of two classes, Parish's Leadership class took the Myers Briggs test, digger deeper into we are and understanding our own style. My results came in the form of ESFJ. This describes me as helpful, war, and cooperative. It also says that I exercise determination and i work to achieve results that make things better for all concerned. It shocked me to see how accurate the test was, everything it described me as was true. I definitely always try to get everything done in an orderly fashion, making sure every is heart and most are happy in the end. I believe the test will help realize my weaknesses and learn how to make them stronger, in the long run, making me a better leader.

Goleman Quote Analysis

“No creature can fly with just one wing. Gifted leadership occurs where heart and head – feeling and thought – meet. These are the two wings that allow a leader to soar.”

 

To me, Goleman is saying that no leader can lead with just smarts, but also with a passion for what they are doing. In other words, have the 'total package'. They must use knowledge and logic and be fully aware of their surroundings in order to be truly successful. Being a smart leader is equally important as being a passionate one and when one utilizes these traits they become a stronger, better, and matured leader.

My Credo

A Changed View on Leadership

       Over the past several weeks, Mr. Monaco has taught me the true definition of a leader through interactive lectures, guest speakers, and class discussions.  Reflecting upon our previous lessons, I can now confidently define a leader as a person who acts as a model citizen.  A leader is a person who shows others the ropes and brings a group together to achieve a common goal.  Leaders must be cooperative, open to all ideas, patient, and informative.  The most successful leaders today are those with strong verbal and communication skills.  A leader must be respected in order to earn the attention admiration of his or her peers.  Hearing Mr. Monaco lecture in the classroom has not only influenced my definition of the word “leader”, but has allowed me to reflect on my own character.  How can I be a leader?  I have the ability to listen, work with others, and contribute my creative ideas.  Of course, I have some work to do to become a better leader, but I aspire to strive each day to accomplish my goal.