To me, leadership is the capacity to uplift and encourage people toward a common objective. It entails establishing a clear course and regularly updating the group's vision, as well as fostering a welcoming workplace that encourages growth and development. As a high school student, I used to believe that leadership was only for certain people or those in positions of authority. My understanding of leadership, on the other hand, has evolved. I am now convinced that charisma, confidence, and assertiveness are not the only characteristics that distinguish a leader.

In my opinion, the fundamental values of leadership are honesty, self-awareness, courage, respect, empathy, and Thankfulness. These qualities support leaders in building team members' trust and fostering a productive workplace. Integrity is significant because it encourages ethical and honest conduct, both of which are necessary for developing trust. Self-awareness is crucial because it enables leaders to recognize their assets and weaknesses, which in turn enables them to maximize the talents of their team members. Courage is essential for leaders because it allows them to take risks and make difficult decisions. Respect and empathy are important because they foster inclusivity and a sense of belonging, both of which are necessary for building a diverse and thriving team. Thankfulness is important because it fosters a grateful culture, which can boost morale and team cohesion.

Furthermore, my definition of leadership is intertwined with anti-racism. As a leader, you must actively work to create a diverse and inclusive workplace in which everyone feels valued and respected. Leaders, in my opinion, should be actively involved in dismantling systemic racism and promoting equity in their organizations. It is critical to recognize how systemic racism has impacted individuals and communities and to work toward a more just and equitable society.

My core values of education, insight, cooperation, loyalty, and inspiration are consistent with my understanding of leadership. Education is critical because it enables leaders to continually improve their skills and knowledge. Insightfulness is important because it allows leaders to see beyond the obvious and make sound decisions. Cooperation is essential because it encourages teamwork and collaboration. Loyalty is essential because it promotes trust and commitment. Inspiration is essential because it motivates and energizes team members to work together toward a common goal.

To summarize, my definition of leadership has evolved from a narrow perspective to a more inclusive and values-based perspective. I believe that leadership should be founded on integrity, self-awareness, courage, respect, empathy, and thankfulness, and that it is critical to actively work toward creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters growth and development for all. Finally, my core values of education, insightfulness, cooperation, loyalty, and inspiration are consistent with my definition of leadership and guide my actions as a leader.