This past week was the last week of my Leadership in Public Administration class. In a very short amount of time, nine weeks to be exact, I have learned about thirteen different theories or approaches to leadership. One of the last things the professor challenged the class with was to create our own leadership manifesto.
I had never thought about what my leadership manifesto was. Did I even have one? According to Merriam-Webster's online dictionary, the definition of a manifesto is "a written statement declaring publicly the intentions, motives, or views of its issuer." As I thought about it, I realized that I already knew what my manifesto was but I had never committed it to paper.
I have had the opportunity to a member of the board of directors of two different nonprofit organizations. I served as president of the organizations and still continue in a leadership role as part of the national leadership team. I have been a Girl Scout leader and, most importantly, a mom.
So what is my leadership manifesto? I thought about what type of leader I hope I am and have been. I am sure there are times when I did not meet these expectations but one thing I have come to accept is that we are all human, we make mistakes, and the best you can hope for is to learn from your mistakes.
Kathy's Leadership Manifesto:
1. To always be fair and give people the benefit of the doubt. The number of cherries in a can of fruit cocktail is unknown but you divide them equally. Buy a jar of maraschino cherries and use that to even out the number of cherries.
2. To be honest even though at times it may be hard. If you are known as someone who is honest, your word carries weight. People know that they can believe what you say.
3. To encourage others to be the best that they can be. Everyone has the potential for greatness. We all make mistakes. Sometimes we take side trips along our journey. No matter what path you are one, you have something to offer. Keep picking yourself up and going forward.
4. To always look for the positive aspects of any situation and to share that optimism with others. Every situation has a positive and a negative side. Look for the positive and that is what you will see. Use every opportunity as a learning opportunity. Ask yourself "What did I do correctly? What can I do differently next time?"
5. To cultivate an atmosphere of learning and a sense of security for stepping outside one's comfort zone. There is always more to learn. There is no "stupid" question. When you are comfortable you become complacent. Take a chance and step outside your comfort zone because that is when you grow. Don't be afraid to fail. We all fail at some point but if I can, I will do whatever I can to encourage you to keep going forward.
6. To help others identify ways they can make a difference. Everyone influences someone. I once heard the phrase "No man is an island; no man stands alone." I wish I knew where that originated from because it is true. What we do has an effect on at least one other person.
7. To follow through on anything I say I am going to do. If I say I am going to do something, I will do my very best to make it happen. If for some reason I do not, I will be honest and admit where I have made a mistake or did not followed through. It may take some time to make some things happen, but given the chance and the time, I will always do my best.
The past 9 weeks have been a very interesting and enlightening time. You are never too old to learn or try something new. I challenge you to step outside your comfort zone and see where it leads you.
Kathy
I would like to thank Craig LaBorde for giving permission to use his pictures of the fence and the sunset.
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