Leadership

Leadership is the ability to influence and guide others toward a common goal while incorporating trust and collaboration. Not everyone can carry the leadership trait. This is because leadership involves making strategic decisions while also allowing everyone’s voices to be heard. 

When it comes to a leadership model, I believe that a competent leader has to hold the highest integrity. Integrity means being honest and having strong moral principles. For a leader, it is crucial to have an excellent moral compass so that leaders are able to provide others with reasonable and responsible knowledge. Integrity also establishes trust and confidence. I believe that it is also important for a leader to acquire reflection and self-management skills. With these three skills, a leader will be able to take constructive criticism without letting it affect their self-esteem. This is a difficult trait to acquire, but with the right skills and habits, it is very possible and makes for an exceptional leader.

I believe that competencies like reflection and self-management are crucial as a college student. Reflection is one trait that would allow me to grow personally. The practice of leadership begins within. In order to be an amazing leader for others, one must develop a true connection and trust with oneself. Reflection allows a leader to examine themselves and grow from it. As a leader, an individual must be responsible for their behavior and wellbeing. In order for one to be the best version of themselves, they must start within. In my future career, I really see empathy in the field of speech pathology. This field can be very intense, and having empathy is a crucial part of working with elders, rehab patients, and children with communication disorders. It is important to be composed and to put myself in a patient’s position. 

As a leader who is learning every day, I believe that my biggest weaknesses are systems thinking and innovation. When it comes to critical thinking, problem solving, or creativity, I can be very hesitant to think or share my ideas. I believe this is because I don't believe in my abilities as much as I should. In order to improve this, I will have to actively practice and work my mind. Retraining my mind to believe in my abilities and ideas is the biggest way to improve these weaknesses.