Mattie Smyth

PART II: Definition of Leadership and Reflection

 

 

One with the capacity for quality leadership is one who can influence, motivate, inspire, and help others realize their potential. They mentor, lead by example, and make a difference. Leadership takes knowing oneself and requires the ability to recognize one’s limits in order to grow. It requires knowing when and how to delegate and when and how to change a course of action. It requires trusting others and trusting one’s own instincts. Leadership is rooted in honor and integrity and may often involve making difficult decisions which may be unpopular, but will work to benefit the group as a whole. A leader takes the group not where they might initially want to go, but where they need to go, and instills the group with confidence, knowing they are moving in the right direction. These traits of a good leader are ones that I have embodied in all of my roles.

 

The Bible describes leadership as a quality which requires a ‘servant attitude.’ Luke 22: 26-27 says, “…Let the greatest among you be as the youngest, and the leader as the servant. For who is greater: the one seated at the table or the one who serves...I am among you as the one who serves.” We learn here that true leadership is demonstrated by example, as Jesus did by being a servant for the Lord and others. The Bible teaches us to be humble, a quality that all leaders should exemplify.

 

Throughout my time at Creighton I hope to put this definition into practice. I want to be a leader for others because being a leader is so much more than just something to put on a resume. After spending a year in this program I have come to realize that by helping, leading, and serving others in any way you can there is something that changes inside yourself as well as those you are there for. At Creighton I hope to lead by example and inspire my mentees next year. I hope to delegate tasks and recongnize my limits better in Program Board next year. I hope to keep my values rooted in honor and integrity with every position I already hold and will acquire in the future. 

 

While the dictionary defines a leader as “one who leads or guides,” being a leader includes so much more than that. Good leaders earn their positions through hard work, persistence, sacrifice, and a strong commitment to success, all attributes I try to uphold in everything I do.