Upon the start of this course, I thought I had a good idea of what leadership meant to me. I still think a lot of my beliefs hold true. If you would have asked me six months ago what makes a great leader I would have stated two things; someone who acts with integrity and leads by example. I still hold these as the highest characteristics of leadership. I would now add a third, accountability.
• Integrity: I have stated many times that we as individuals have only one thing to sell in this world, ourselves. If you do not have integrity you have nothing to sell and will suffer for it. Integrity builds trust, respect and character. Without it we will have no chance of ever becoming a successful leader.
• Lead by example: I believe that we should all being willing and able to do the hard work. Nothing will motivate people more than a leader who shows others what do to do by setting the example. This is one of the easiest and most effective tools there is in leadership.
• Accountability: This semester has taught me what accountability truly means. I have always looked at it as being accountable to others for your responsibilities. Now I know that accountability really means to be accountable to you. Your words and actions will define you to others; always being accountable for those is a concept that has opened my eyes. When a situation does not have a desired outcome, I have always looked to find a reason (blame) why outside of myself. I see now that this is not being accountable. I believe if I am ever to achieve my goals of leadership I need to start being accountable for everything in my life, if not, these goals will never be realized.
