Introduction
We all have a great leader that we look up to, whether it’s because we’re inspired by their life or admire their body of work. What kind of leader are you?
Each of us has a specific skill set that makes us a certain kind of leader. The question is whether or not we leverage them to be the best leader for others.
This custom essay tackles what being a leader means, and the qualities of great leadership. This is just a sample, but if you’re interested in an article like this, contact EssayBasics for your essay writing needs.
What Kind Of Leader Am I Essay
Each of us is a unique individual. As such, we have one-of-a-kind traits that distinguish us from another person. Our DNA also dictates our leadership style.
A leadership style is a manner in which a person utilizes power to lead other individuals. There are different leadership styles depending on the situation, the followers, and the function of the leader.
My Leadership Style
In my dealings with my family, peers, and other acquaintances, I gradually got to know the real me through different situations. These events made me understand the kind of leader that I am. I have realized that I am an amalgamation of different leadership styles. Here are a few that I discovered early on.
Cross-Cultural Leader
I consider myself a cross-cultural leader. There was an instance when I was made a group leader in our youth group at church. There were various ethnic representations in our committee. Although we shared the same beliefs that were grounded on biblical truths, there was this feeling of discomfort as most of my team members were new. Our well-intentioned Youth Coordinator mixed us together in an effort to promote diverse insights.
At the time, I didn’t agree with the decision for me to be the team leader. We were tasked to serve as the main committee for a Youth Conference. While I didn’t have a positive perspective on leadership then, I knew that I had to put in the hard work.
In order to lead my team well, I had to make the effort to understand the different cultures that were represented in the group – Mexican, Filipino, Chinese, Black American, and Caucasian. I realized that my being white could cause my team members to feel intimidated. Crossing cultures through relationships became one of my key tasks then as a leader.
Democratic Leader
I am fond of watching documentaries about leaders from different nations. I enjoy learning how nations rise and fall because of leadership. As an American, I am proud of the principles of democracy that this nation has upheld through the centuries.
I believe I am more of a democratic leader. In a high school organization where I used to be a president, I practiced delegation. I did not monopolize conversations. When there was an activity that had to be sponsored by our organization, I listened to the contributions of all the members, whether or not I agreed with their opinions.
In the world of democracy, both pros and the cons must be heard. There is a balance between both sides. If all members are on the same side, then it would not be healthy as it is possible that that side might be erroneous. It also prevents people from hearing different perspectives that could enrich each other.
When I preside, I always recognize both sides of the argument. Thus, I alternate speakers to give people from opposing views a chance to defend their perspectives and arguments.
Finally, in delegating tasks, I see to it that everything is fairly distributed to all members of the team whether or not they belonged to or supported my party.
Conclusion
With my different leadership skills, I was able to utilize different leadership styles based on what the situation called for. However, if you ask me what my predominant style is, I would have to say that democratic leadership is my strongest suit. I love it when people from different sides have a seat at the table. I am happy when fairness and equality are practiced.
At the end of the day, after some self-reflection, I’ve come to the realization that good leadership in any style is all about promoting a shared vision for the team. It is all about making decisions based not on one’s preference, but on keeping the greater good in mind.
For us to truly be effective leaders, we need to have a high level of self-awareness. We need to know our strengths and our blind spots so that we can lead ourselves well first. It is only then that we can support our team in aligning their goals with the big picture. Ask yourselves the ultimate question today: “How is my leadership?”
What Will I Do To Become A Good Leader (Short Essay Example)
Is being a good leader about possessing the charm to persuade all people to do what you want? Or is it about thoughtful decision-making with the greater good in mind?
I believe it’s the latter. I’m a believer in servant leadership, where the structure is not a top-down hierarchy and the one in charge is the sole representative at the top. In this scenario, the structure is actually the reverse, where the one leading exists to serve his team. His purpose is to rally them to a bigger purpose and determine how each individual can fit into that picture.
Being a leader is not a job, it’s a calling. Everyone has the potential to lead, but not everyone is willing to do so. This is because people know the cost of being a front-liner. As the person leading, you are the one who gets the first hit from competition or opposition.
It takes great emotional intelligence to lead because we cannot let our feelings get in the way of our decision-making. Despite our feelings, our priority is the welfare of people and the preservation of the shared vision.
FAQs
What Makes a Leader?
Effective leaders have top-notch communication skills. They know how to relay a message in a way that is relevant for the ones listening. They also build team spirit. They don’t believe in isolation because to them, success is a community effort. They also make the effort to mentor and coach group members in order to upskill them and shape them into values-centric contributors. They are of the key issues inside and outside the aware of key issues inside and outside the company that needs troubleshooting, and they don’t waste time dealing with them. Their goal is not to control, but to empower.
What Are The 3 Most Important Characteristics of a Leader Essay?
In writing an essay on leadership style and skills, it is important to first start by reflecting on your favorite mentors and coaches. There is no universal skill set that represents one correct answer, so your response to this will be more personal. Draw from your experiences. Think of how your mentors and coaches invested in you. If you’ve experienced bad examples of leadership in your life, think about what these people could have done differently. Also, think of your future self. If you were to take charge of people ten years from now, what version of yourself do you want them to benefit from? Approaching the essay from different angles will give your readers plenty to think about. You also want to add a call to action or reflection at the end by bringing the question back to them.
