Personal Definition of Leadership

Defining leadership can be done in a hundred different ways. Everyone has different

attributes and competencies they think are important to leadership, and that is what allows for so

many different variations. I believe leadership is a skill that can be honed over time, and can be

developed so one can be made effective through proper training and mentorship. My personal

definition of leadership is being able to motivate a group of people by providing proper purpose,

direction, and motivation cultivated through mutual trust and shared understanding. Ultimately,

successful leadership is define by results. Was the leader able to accomplish a positive outcome

in an encouraging culture.

In higher education, leadership is not necessarily about wielding power, but being a

proficient and versatile performer able to adapt to new market conditions or strategic directions

at any given time . Ruben et al (2017) discusses how leaders should understand that a cruise-

control approach to leadership is no longer an option. A higher education administrator needs to

be able to respond to the needs of their team, while providing a culture where the followers have

a sense of protection from the “non-sense” and are being encouraged to develop and succeed

within their careers. Higher education leaders also have a duty to embrace their role as an

educators, and be stewards of the institution’s mission and vision.

Leadership/Management Style

My leadership and management style will be a combination of authoritative and

coaching. The authoritative management style will allow me to provide a clear and concise

purpose, direction, and motivation, while being firm, fair and impartial. Then, I can step back

and allow my staff to work. Within this style, if the staff works freely and efficiently, it will

allow me to operate strategically. The other half of my leadership style will be a coaching style.
This will allow me to be a developmental leader. I will be able to provide opportunities for

professional development, and help my staff develop their strengths and improve their

performance.

Leadership Framework

My leadership philosophy has been formed through my 18 years of military service, in

addition to coaching and officiating different sports within the communities I have lived. A

common theme of all good leaders is treating people with dignity and respect. Everyone should

adhere to the “Golden Rule”; while understanding that people don’t care how much you know,

until they know how much you care. Ruben et al (2017) explains how the servant leader has an

inclination to serve, and that conscious choice brings one to aspire to lead. Conversely, servant

leaders focus on the well-being of people and the communities to which they belong, along with

sharing power and putting people first. This often allows the people and the organization to

operate at a high level.

Leaders need to take a personal interest in the well-being of their subordinates. Ruben et al

(2017) states how with transformational leaders a have keen ability to create change in the lives

of those they lead. One of the biggest points of my leadership philosophy is that if you take care

of your workers, the job will take care of itself, and that is how positives cultures are created.

Any good leader should strive to be the best example of a consummate professional with the

leader attributes of character, presence, and intellect, along with the leader competencies of

leads, develops, and achieves. Leaders should be open and approachable, and use open

communication so they can build a cohesive team. Leaders should at all times strive to be candid

and straight forward leader.

 Leadership success in higher education requires intellectual curiosity. This enables

leaders to absorb new information, master new and evolving disciplines, and better understand

and respond to the needs and challenges of a diverse group of stakeholders.

Personal Mission Statement

I want to create autonomous leaders, that will produce more leaders and champions in life

by instilling the highest values on integrity, responsibility, accountability, and mission success. 

Excellence starts here!

 Reference

Ruben, B.D., De Lisi, R., & Gigliotti, R.A. (2017). A guide for leaders in higher education:

Core

concepts, competencies, and tools. Sterling, VA: Stylus.