In considering the traits approach to leadership, I believe determination has definitely added to my ability to lead. Northouse describes determination as "the desire to get the job done" (p. 24) Initiative, persistence, and drive is some of the characteristics associated with determination. These traits have helped me go far in my career and have built upon my ability to lead. I never imagined myself as a leader.
As a kid, I was very shy and introverted. When I joined the Air Force it was difficult to crack out of my "shell". However, once I started getting promoted and put in positions with legitimate power, I realized I needed to step up to the plate to be the best Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) and Senior NCO I could be. My determination allowed me to overcome obstacles such as my quiet personality. My drive to succeed has been rewarded with a promotion to the rank of Master Sergeant and earned me several awards, degrees, and certifications. This has further led to me having increased knowledge and information that, in turn, I share with my team, peers, and supervisors.
I am empathetic and friendly, which increases my influence with others. I enjoy listening to others, hearing their stories and helping them through personal difficulties. However, I am also passive which makes it difficult to hold others accountable when necessary.
When I became an instructor, I assumed you needed a tough demeanor to deal with tech school students and to keep them in line. Therefore, I adopted an aggressive style which did not come naturally. In fact, it was almost painful to yell at students and pretend to be the hard as nails instructor. It didn't take long for me to realize this wasn't effective for my students and wasn't beneficial to my leadership or well-being.
Now, I understand that it is more of a balancing act. Being passive gives others the opportunity to challenge my authority and not trust my leadership whereas aggressive leadership pushed others away and created undue conflict. My aim is to be an active and assertive leader; firm and fair. I still must hold others accountable for their actions but try to do it in ways that suit my leadership style. I believe this is how to show authenticity and transparency.
Although these traits have added to my ability to lead, there are others that I am lacking. Self-confidence has always been a struggle for me. I tend not be self-assured in my abilities. Nevertheless, I have taken the "fake it till you make it" attitude towards confidence. Surprisingly, this has helped overcome tricky situations that I otherwise wouldn't have felt sure of. It has also built my confidence level a little bit over time.
Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: theory and practice (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE.
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