my
aspirational
leader
ruth pearce | indiana university
ruth pearce | indiana university
My Aspirational Leader
As I journey through my leadership development, I've taken time to reflect on the kind of leader I aspire to become, as well as the qualities I'd seek in someone I’d be eager to follow.
This poem is dedicated to exploring those aspirations, both a vision of the leader I’m striving to grow into and an embodiment of the traits I value in others.
"If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." —John Quincy Adams
In a wondrous world of leadership, where dreams like rivers flow,
Lives a leader true and kind, whose heart’s aglow.
She listens with a gentle ear, to understand each tale,
Sees through eyes not her own, where others might just fail.
With empathy she leads, a beacon in the night,
Guiding through the stormy seas, with a touch so light.
She supports, she uplifts, through challenges galore,
Building resilience in her team, opening every door.
Her actions shine with integrity, a path of clear intent,
With a vision for the morrow, and the messages she’s sent.
She inspires, oh how she inspires! With optimism bright,
Creating goals that all can share, reaching for new heights.
In her garden of ideas, creativity blooms wild,
Each innovative thought embraced, like the laugh of a child.
Transparent in her dealings, with honesty she steers,
Building trust and fairness, calming hidden fears.
With values as her compass, she guides each crucial choice,
In her presence, every soul finds reason to rejoice.
Empowering all around her, to standards high and true,
Motivating through her example, showing what we can do.
Adaptive, inclusive, celebrating each unique face,
In her colorful tapestry, everyone finds their place.
Encouraging contribution, with accountability at heart,
She diagnoses, analyzes, each challenge to outsmart.
A leader like no other, in her you find a friend,
Committed to diversity, her love will never end.
In the book of leadership, her story brightly penned,
In pages turned by those she’s touched, her legacy will extend.
So let us follow where she leads, with strength and love combined,
For in her wake we find a trail of better humankind (OpenAI, 2024).