My Leadership Journey
What is leadership? What makes a leader? ...Is it a person’s job title? Is it depends on their number of followers? An Attitude? A philosophy? My understanding of leadership has transformed greatly through my education and travel experiences. My definition of leadership started with a narrow idea of “a title of power” and journeyed to a more personalized “Authentic” theory. I started by believing that a title defines a leader. A leader was someone with “President” at the beginning or “Manager” at the end. A leader was someone who was in charge of a team of people and be able to make decisions. No one was dear to reject a leader’s opinions. This way of thinking is most relating to the old fashion leadership theories, which assume leadership is a king with his people, he could kill who ever by his willing. |
This definition of leadership transformed when I moved out the country to San Diego State University, I was submerged into a whole new perspective of leadership. Traveling here without any prior connection or friends took me out of my comfort zone. It encouraged me to get involved in things I might not normally go for. The first couple days of school I tried to talk with people in the class and even looked for opportunities to join some student associations. I had joined the Chinese Student and Scholars Association, which gave me an opportunity to connect new students and learn more about leadership. I will say that CSSA has given me a great amount of confidence in myself and in perusing leadership roles. Last year, CSSA and other university hosted the Share Voice singing competition. I had a chance to be one of the team leaders. It boosted my confidence to get me involved with association planning committees and projects. In my work place, my boss had me to train new employees and I became a shift lead in the restaurant. This position empowered me to become a good trainer and also taught me so much about leadership that I had never considered before. |
Through 2 years in San Diego State University, I found that I connect with Servant Leadership the most. For me, I find great respect with my leaders that do this and I feel that I will strive to do this as I continue on as a leader as well. A servant leadership involves leading with honesty, humility, integrity, and a focus on results. These qualities can be learned and developed. It is not only about a leader grows by themselves, but also they serve other and grow with others.
My next step was to keep growing myself to become an effective servant leader, I might change my leadership theory in the future depends on what team and work place that I am into because a truly leader will change their leadership style in different environment. Even though my school life is almost done, but my leadership journey will not stop here and it just begin with a new chapter with my hospitality industry life… |