Free «This I Believe» Essay

“The point is not to become a leader. The point is to become yourself, and to use yourself completely – all your gifts, skills and energies – to make your vision manifest. You must withhold nothing. You must, in sum, become the person you started out to be, and to enjoy the process of becoming.” These are the thoughts of Warren Bennis on becoming a leader. To begin with, my views about my life and my leadership capabilities as a graduate student at Murray State University are based on the courage and charisma of famous leaders, such as Nelson Mandela, a renowned global iconic and legendary leader, and John F. Kennedy, former US president, among others. The modern world needs more leaders to stand up and lead the way as evidenced by the multitude of present followers. Therefore, I firmly believe in the ethos of Tom Peters who said that the objective of leaders should be the creation of more front-runners as opposed to the creation of more followers. It means that we should not rely on other people to create examples for us to follow; instead, we should strive to positively influence the lives of others so that they may accomplish their aims and goals.

I am endeavoring to live my life in a manner that conforms to my beliefs and principles by taking center stage in situations that demand responsibility. For example, I am trying to create my own path in preference to following the road that has been most travelled. I resolutely believe that the best way to guide my colleagues at work and at school is stepping up to the role of leadership and influencing their lives in a good way. This is important because a leader largely determines if the people pursue good or bad ways in life. Therefore, creating a good example is a component of good leadership. 

When I was a youngster, my vision in leadership has been solely based on making a difference in the lives of my colleagues and the whole world in general. It is what has pushed me forward and motivated me to take challenging paths that have been ignored by many. Moreover, my vision focuses on practical and collective power grounded on establishing hope for the despondent hearts. With the aim of bringing out the best in people, I believe that giving them hope and the necessary resources is the way forward.

I have laid down a concrete plan aimed at achieving my leadership vision for the betterment of my community and the world at large. Firstly, building trust with my colleagues is central to the success of my leadership. Some people believe that trust has to be earned whereas others freely express trust immediately by dint of perception. Regardless, it is essential to earn the trust of other people since it largely determines the boundaries of leadership. Secondly, my plans to achieve my leadership beliefs emphasize on the need to connect people irrespective of their gender, race, tribe, social status, or economic class. I believe that the ability to connect people may lead to acceleration of passions and successes that majority of individuals crave for. What is more, I do my level best to articulate a vibrant and optimistic vision by setting short-term and long-term goals and objectives that are attainable. Most importantly, I remain truthful to my principles regardless of the challenges and obstacles encountered in life. Similarly, I have the responsibility to create a conducive environment whereby people do not only believe in achieving their goals but also in eliminating fear and self-protectiveness commonly associated with leadership.

As a leader, I want to be remembered as someone who was passionate and willing to help the world achieve its full potential. Particularly, I want the people to remember my capability to challenge and endow them with the intention of realizing their key goals and objectives in life. In addition, I want to be remembered as a key player whose principles on leadership and life were based on courage, humility and trust, a leader who would remain true to his principles regardless of the complexity of the situation.

A Summary Statement

In conclusion, my beliefs about leadership are grounded on courage, trust and humility. I believe that the main goal and objective of leaders should be the creation of more leaders as opposed to creating more followers. In order to live in accordance with my beliefs, I try to create a good example to my colleagues at work and to my companions at Murray State University. Moreover, my leadership vision is centered on making a difference to the lives of my community and the world at large. Therefore, I dare to take a new road that seems difficult to the majority of people. In the contemporary world where the number of followers outstrips the number of capable leaders, taking responsibility forms the hallmark of successful and effective leaders. For that reason, my plans to achieve my leadership vision encompass connecting the whole world regardless of the cultural differences and social diversity. Additionally, educating the people on the importance of setting realizable and attainable long-term and short-term goals is key for their growth, development and improvement of their standards of living. Ultimately, I want the world to remember me as a leader who was courageous and fearless, and whose sole aim was to make the universe an improved place. This is what I believe.