Leadership Philosphy
lead·er·ship
/ˈlēdərˌSHip/
noun
an act where one stands brave in their convictions, provides people the tools to fight from themselves, and dreams of a world where equity and liberation are possible.
I have chosen to define leadership in this way because it is the type of leader I hope to grow into someday. Leaders, at least to me, have characteristics that encompass all of the theories I have learned over the years; yes, they're charismatic, pragmatic, and personable. But they also practice empathy. They know when to take space, but they also know when to be allies and lift up the voices of the overlooked. Most importantly, they don't give in to cynicism. When the going gets tough, they make space for self-care, find light in the darkness, and they imagine a world where "equity" and "inclusion" are not just buzzwords but are simply inherent and fundamental.
My Leadership Identity
I would say that my leadership identity is one rooted in being a team player, values inclusivity and intersectionality, is empathetic, and is slowly, but surely working on being brave. For a long time, I believed that leaders were people who came from a certain background, that in order to be in the room where decision-making happens, you had to look a certain way. I was involved in high school, but I was always left wanting to do more. So, when I entered the Leadership Studies Minor, I had no idea what we would be learning. All I knew was that I enjoyed taking Dr. Maes' class the summer before my freshman year and that I was hungry for more. I was also a little lost; Boulder's campus is huge and it's a predominantly white institution. It can leave you feeling othered at times. But I found solace in the MLS program, where I learned about the resistance and persistence that everyday people have practiced for decades. I felt seen and now all I want to do is make sure that others feel seen as well, not only for who they are but for all they will grow to be.
I would also say that my identity has shifted from being a yes-person to someone who is now mindful about over-committing herself. It is one thing to stand up for others, but it is another thing to stand up for yourself. In order to lead for others, you have to be able to look within, even the parts that may not be pretty, and grow from those reflections. Leadership requires bravery and bravery requires risk-taking. Those who know me know that I am the most risk-averse person. But as I reflect on my time in LSM, I would say that I take more risks than I give myself credit for. I’ve learned that I have to be comfortable being uncomfortable and that if I brave through it, it could lead to endless possibilities.
I still struggle to see myself as a leader. Sometimes, imposter syndrome takes over and it feels like I have all these thoughts and no way to let them out. But then I think back to my freshman year, where I wrote, “I am in charge of who I want to be and what I choose to consume...What we put out into the world is what receive and maybe if we put out something positive into the world, we will receive something that is purely and truly beautiful.” This one quote summarizes what I want my leadership identity to be at the end of the day: one where I recognize that I am powerful in my own right, and thus positively contribute to my community, and the world.