McClendon Leadership Award

I have written a few essays including quotes and definitions this past month on what leadership meant to me. Although the prompts are similar, I can diversify my answer every time because of all that leadership entails. To truly capture what a good leader encompasses far exceeds a 600-word limitation. I believe good leadership positively impacts the world because people become motivated, inspired, and most importantly feel supported. Leadership is crucial to future generations because visions are created, tone is established, and performance is improved. Leadership is vital to any organization because it generates a vision. Leaders possess the high visibility to share their ideas, objectives, or mission with a multitude of people. Change is inevitable, however; it does not always occur naturally. Leaders have the unique opportunity to have insight into long-term goals and pathways to achieve those goals while tending to the feedback of their subordinates. Leadership replaces fear with confidence by utilizing active listening skills towards the concerns brought forward. A good leader depicts how the vision not only benefits the organization but also the individuals personally. My commander conveys critical information about the mission and properly delegates tasks at adequate levels. Good leadership guarantees that my safety and overall career progression are a priority as I tackle tasks and perform essential functions. Leaders are important because they set the tone for the group. Initially outlining the general attitude of a situation or place gives people a role model to mimic. As a leader, exemplifying good spirits, establishing honesty, and maintaining integrity amid change, challenges, or adversity reflect on the moods of the group. Honesty is commendable because it acknowledges limitations and flaws but more importantly values a person’s right to have awareness of current events. Honesty does not attempt to generate a false sense of security. Good leadership understands some pushback is natural, yet they refuse to waiver in their values, hence maintaining their integrity. I was employed with the Office of Sustainability at Auburn University where I thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with leadership because of the passion each staff member held towards their roles. Their passion and drive towards research, how they interacted with other organizations, and their diligent work ethic all impacted how I chose to show up every day. Lastly, leadership is pivotal to the development and progression of society. A powerful leader instills motivation in those they lead. They possess an innate ability to produce an efficient environment littered with creative individuals. Good leadership enhances the balance between applauding technical expertise and engagement efforts. Performance in an organization improves when people feel valued, see representation, and are given proper resources to excel personally and professionally. As a student intern at Eastman Chemical Company, leadership encouraged interns to participate in Employee Resource Groups. I connected with my peers over common interests while acknowledging the differences that make us unique. I established relationships with like-minded individuals who cared about advocacy and felt supported doing so during work hours because the company generated the space, resources, and people to do so. Strengthening the camaraderie amongst coworkers directly increased collaboration efforts and overall performance. Leadership is more than a position; it is a mindset encompassing moral values. Differing leadership styles integrate people’s unique skills, teaching/learning methods, and outreach to effectively influence others. Through change and improvement, leaders create a positive difference in the world. Guidance in an ever-changing world will always be of the utmost importance.

Leadership is defined by our actions and the lasting effects, and leadership is what keeps the planet spinning. It is what keeps people growing and changing. I have had many leadership positions, yet, it was not until this summer that I felt like a leader making a difference. This summer, I participated in a program with the American Red Cross, as a Section Lead. Through the program, along with my other Section Leads, I presented lessons, led activities, and so much more. We mentored our participants in all aspects of disaster preparedness. The most gratifying activity I led was a simulated search and rescue. Before the activity, we had prepared a lesson on the basics when it comes to search and rescue and then started the mission. There had been a major Earthquake where 10 people went missing, and it was our job to save them. We assessed the situation and deemed it was safe enough to enter, and we searched high and low to find the missing behind fallen tables, behind broken furniture, and under the rubble. Under my direction, my participants were able to find all of the missing persons, and the 10 missing people were found. Through this position, I was able to not only teach my participants but also foster an environment where the participants were allowed to make mistakes, learn, and grow. It is important to me in leadership positions to create an environment for people to have the space to grow and flourish. Without doing that, the impact is lessened and does not allow for lasting prosperity. Not only is the growth of others important in leadership positions, but also your personal growth. In this same position, I saw a lot of my personal growth. Over the summer, I was paired with other Section Leads as well as participants from all over the Los Angeles Area from various backgrounds. Because of the diverse population and the frequency with which I saw them, I learned to grow out of my shy shell and I became comfortable around new people. In this position, I also grew as a public speaker. Having to do presentations nearly daily, and in front of new people, I quickly got comfortable speaking in front of people. It soon became quite easy to teach and demonstrate skills to others. I remember the first presentation I did was nerve-racking, and I dreaded it. It felt like a nightmare. After doing tens more presentations, I wasn't nervous, and I was having fun doing the presentations. On the last day, I gave a speech to my participants, and I remember doing it with such ease. Leadership is not only about your label but how your actions influence other people. Over the summer, I fostered personal growth for not only others, but for myself as well, and made sure others had lifesaving information.