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.