My Leadership Philosophy
In its simplest form, leadership is about guiding others to achieve a common goal. Although this might seem simple, it becomes complicated when facing unprecedented challenges.
I believe that I am a leader who can inspire others through dedication and openness. In my leadership philosophy, openness is a cornerstone value. I believe in creating an environment where diverse perspectives are embraced, input is valued, and collaboration is encouraged. When I dedicate myself to creating these environments, I aim to inspire others to strive for their best. Through leading by example, I hope to create an atmosphere where collective success is achieved.
When I first stepped into a traditional leadership role, it was my freshman year as Scenic Designer of my high school’s theater department. As excited as I was for this opportunity, I was apprehensive. My freshman year was the first year of in-person theater after COVID. Due to regulations, we had to hold our show outdoors in the parking lot. I was nervous about holding a leadership position as a freshman, and having to design and create a set that was outdoors, as that was something I had never done before. Having to create an outdoor set following no preexisting framework tested me to show dedication in my leadership. Although the task was daunting, I knew that there were people counting on me to help them create a set for the show. I dedicated myself to the challenge and embraced the unknown. Through this process, others began to follow my example by joining me in building a set with new techniques. Once I proved my dedication to creating the set, others felt more confident in my direction. As my team grew, I learned just how important it was to create an open environment that was founded on collaboration. I knew that my peers didn’t just want someone telling them what to do, and appreciated when group leaders were collaborating with them. By constantly checking in with my team, asking for feedback and ideas, and working through problems together, I was able to create an open environment where everyone felt like their ideas were valued.
No matter how my leadership style and philosophy changes in the future, I know one thing will stay the same. I will always value dedication, openness, and the ability to lead by example. Taking this leadership class has helped me learn more about what it means to be a leader, and I am so excited to see where my new skills take me in the future.
