My philosophy is heavily inspired by Robert Greenleaf’s concept of servant leadership. I believe leadership begins with serving others; helping them unlock their potential and guiding them toward personal and professional growth (Greenleaf, 1977). This involves empathy, active listening, and a commitment to nurturing a sense of purpose. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

In today’s fast-changing world, adaptability is crucial. Heifetz’s adaptive leadership framework highlights the importance of navigating change by mobilizing teams to face challenges and innovate together (Heifetz et al., 2009). I embrace this approach by encouraging my team to see obstacles as opportunities. In uncertain times, open communication and creative problem-solving are key to maintaining momentum and morale.

Leadership cannot exist without followership. True leaders value the perspectives of those they serve. Peter Drucker’s insight, “The most important thing in communication is hearing what isn’t said,” reminds me of the importance of understanding and valuing the insights of followers. 

I view leadership and followership as a partnership where leaders and team members work together toward shared goals built on mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to success (Uhl-Bien et al., 2014).