LEADERSHIP REFLECTION: A PERSONAL MISSION By: Rachel Barto

MY MISSION STATEMENT  My goals, for not only leadership, but for life in general involve equality for all.  All my life, I’ve been very interested in civil right of all types of people, may they be black, white, gay, straight, democrat, or republican, I strongly believe in the acceptance of everyone.  I feel as though our nation would thrive if we could embrace equality.

FROM THE READING  Northouse says, “Authentic leadership develops in people over a lifetime and can be triggered by major life events, such as severe illness or a new career.” For me, becoming a color guard captain my senior year of high school really formed my authentic leadership style. I realized how I wanted to lead my guard and how I wanted them to interact with me.

FROM THE READING CONT.  Northouse also states, “Authentic leaders understand their own values and behave toward others based on these values.” They have a “true north” and know “where they are going.”  I’ve always had a general sense of where I wanted to go in life and how I wanted to be perceived. I knew being a follower would not last long for me, because I loved guiding people in the right direction. However, I don’t feel like I behave towards other based on my views. Being a leader means you understand everyone’s personal views and values and doing nothing to disrespect them. Instead of behaving towards them in a certain way, I try to hear what they have to say.

QUESTIONS THAT ARISE  Sometimes I question myself with: “Am I doing everything in my power to try to make this world a better place?” Or “What else can I do to advocate for world problems that are important to me?”  I struggle with finding answers to these rhetorical questions because well, I’m just a kid. However, age is only a number, and if I want to start somewhere, it starts now.

CONCLUSION  Moving forward with my life means learning from my mistakes and weaving them into my leadership. I wish to continue my life with: Confidence To stand up for what I believe in. Hope To continue fighting and believing that our world can become one. Optimism To guide any followers I may have with a positive outlook on life. Resilience To keep going no matter what obstacles I may face.