My Natural Leadership Qualities
My leadership style developed while serving with the US Army in Afghanistan from 2004-2005. The soldiers under my supervision depended on me to be more than a manager or supervisor. These soldiers needed a leader who kept them going by consistently providing inspiration and support. Leading soldiers in circumstances such as a deployment to Afghanistan requires the ability to motivate and inspire others regardless of how difficult or frustrating the current conditions may be. I found that the inspiring words of Hollywood don’t mean much when people are faced with imminent danger, and at times depression, on a daily basis. Words won’t last long enough to keep people going strong. Instead they need a consistent and personal reminder of their importance, their value to the organization, and what they have (back home) to fight for. My behavior and actions, and the actions of those around me inspired others to work as hard for the good of the organization. My leadership views have changed little since that time. I believe in working with people in groups and individually in order make them better at what they do, and inspire them, and remind them of the impact of their efforts. My dominant leadership style is Dynamic Assertive.
I run a coaching program for new instructors at my organization. Coaching allows me to fully commit myself to improving an individual’s specific needs. Coaching is about making others better, more successful, and independent. Seeing people grow and become more confident in their work is very rewarding for both leaders and their followers. Coaching requires humility and confidence in oneself. Coaching means sharing all the knowledge and experience you have with others in order to bring them up to your own level. This requires a selfless attitude for the betterment of the organization. I don’t believe in hoarding knowledge so that I am the “go to” guy, by sharing knowledge the organization as a whole becomes better. One part of being a Dynamic Assertive is being able to stand up and say what is needed or what should be done at the right time, but not all the time. I believe in letting others speak and share their thoughts.
The other side of being a Dynamic Assertive is being charismatic and inspiring others. I believe in encouraging and trying inspiring others to meet lofty goals. Inspiration is one of the most powerful ways in which to lead others to great things. If an entire organization shares a singular vision there is little that can stop it from reaching its goals.
One final aspect of my leadership is networking with others. Linking people together and networking is extremely valuable. Everyone has something to offer and building teamwork, morale and overall harmony at work is always important. I tend to focus on individuals and to take it upon myself to help others reach their goals but there are always others who can help them as well. Referring people to others in an organization leads to strong connections that can enhance overall performance.
