Image from: http://leadershipvancouver.org/
Read the following blog post on 5 Qualities of a Great Leader and react/respond. There are many good points in this blog, too many in fact.
What stood out and why?
Imagine yourself, 15 years in the future, what qualities of a leader do you have? Why are those qualities important to you?
Now, write your own bio in 50 words. Base it off the qualities you posses as a future leader.
Gina Luttrell 
I thought it was a great post! Her points I thought were very valid and well explained. The part about living what you preach really stood out to me. Being the president of my sorority I am obviously a leader to my chapter, and living up to the expectations that I set for others is one of the main points I lead by. I think that to be an effective leader you yourself have to be able to be the person you want others to be.
15 years from now I hope to be a successful women in the PR industry, where that may take me. I will be 37 so I expect I will have a family by then (I hope). I strive to be a strong and inspirational leader, I want young people to look to me and think “I want to be like her some day.” I plan to lead by example and be proud of you I am but what I have accomplished but still be humble. In my sororities symphony my favorite line is “We may encounter misfortune but with humility meet success,” I think its such a powerful line and states that humility is a key component to success.
Bio:
Emma Krzyzaniak, 37, from Los Angeles California, is the creator and owner of her own PR firm. She has reached her success from being a strong and inspirational leader, she has never let anything get her way, she works hard and keeps a calm head while doing so. She believes humility to be a key component in being a successful leader.
I agree that I thought what was posted was very valid and explained extremely well. I found myself hanging on every word of the post and read it a few times. If only more people in this world practiced what they preached. “In my sororities symphony my favorite line is “We may encounter misfortune but with humility meet success,” I like how you related what the blog said to your sorority and it kind of sounds like something that would be in the blog post. It’s true we all have faced misfortune and will probably face it again sometime in our lives to come. But, it’s all in how you embrace the misfortune.
I try to take it as a better opportunity awaits me, when other times it does really get you down. I also like to use it as a learning experience.
I agree that to be an effective leader one must be the person they want others to be, and that is so much easier said than done often times..It’s awesome that you’re the president of your sorority, a lot can be said about someone who is able to efficiently lead their peers! I also like that you said in the future you want young people to view you as an inspiration and someone they can strive to be like. As Chloe said in her blog post, “Your role out in the world influences and effects the lives of others,” so it’s great that you want to embrace that aspect of being a leader well in to your career.
I can understand where you are coming from when you say you have to be the person you want others to be in order to be an effective leader. I agree that it is important to set a good example for others. However, I do not believe people should try to copy the leader. I believe it is important for everyone to have their own personal qualities that are different than the qualities of the leader. In addition, I believe people should keep their own personalities rather than try to take on the personality of the leader, and I think the leader should embrace the fact that each team member is different and then find a way to utilize those differences.
I can definitely relate with the sorority life. I was never president of my sorority, and chances are I won’t ever be, but I have held positions that allowed me to have some sort of leadership role. Being a part of the organization has allowed me to do so much and improve myself. I really liked your part about humility; I strongly agree that it does play a major role in leadership. It is a key component of a leader. It is so important to think about other before yourself.
Throughout my life I took the attributes that I liked and mirrored. The ones that left so much to be desired I abandoned. When you are working, find that person, that mentor and learn from them. Be “that” leader.
I thought the blog post had very good points! What she had to say was very true and everyone should live by it. There really were so many points it’s hard to narrow done which ones I liked best. I see it to often every day of those who do not practice what you preach. For me I would be a leader and do what I want others to do. I would lead by example and want others to feel that what I am doing is for the greater good. I strive to put my best foot forward and embrace the world daily. But, I think this is often forgotten along with many of the things the blog post talked about. We are living in such a fast paced world we forgot to stop and think sometimes. We are so busy with getting through life that we forget to live it, forget to have fun as she mentions. She mentions manners and people putting them on a pedestal which is so true. I like to hear others say please and thank you and I instill it in the children I teach. To me being put up on a pedestal is just going to make you fall harder as she said, which I agree with walking around like nothing is going to happen to you because you are the greatest leader that ever lived is not going to get you very far. It may for a little while but someone will eventually come along and knock that pedestal from underneath you.
Bio: Lisa McNulty, from Michigan is the president of a large Public Relations firm who leads her employees by example. Everything that is taught is lead from experience as she works alongside her team. Getting to the top has taken her time as she started at the PR firm as an intern 15 years ago.
Ok I love that you said, “We are so busy with getting through life that we forget to live it,” that’s very true, and I try to remind myself everyday to take life seriously without being TOO serious…If that makes sense. I think it’s great that you value being a leader by doing what you want others to do and I’m sure that spending time teaching children gives you more than enough practice with that.
Spending a lot of time teaching and working with children definitely changes a person. Simply being around my niece has forced me to change little habits I have and things I say, my road rage is at an all time low. She’s making me a better leader and she doesn’t even know it! 🙂
I hadn’t thought about it until you said it but it’s true! Being around children sometimes have a way of making us our best selves! We are know every word we say and every action we do is so carefully watched by a child when we are in their presence that we act on our best behavior! Maybe I should start thinking like that when I am tempted to loose my temper on the road (great example haha) or want to give up on something. Kids… gotta love ’em!
Same! I had a really hard time picking which ones I agreed with most. I thought they were all valid and essential in being a good leader. I love that you said you would lead by example, that has always been something I have strived to do. I think that if you want people to act a certain way the best way to do it is to do it yourself. I always live by the golden rule, treat others the way you want to be treated. How fair would it be if you said one thing and did another? That is not how a leader should act and in the end no one would respect you.
I really liked the point that we live in such a fast paced world sometimes we forget to have fun. If a boss takes the time to have fun, it sends a message to the workers that it is allowed for them, too. I think that if a leader can make work fun then it will increase productivity and results. It will also make the workplace a much more healthy environment for everybody. If people look forward to work and really try hard, that is the result of a good leader. It will make people take pride in their work, and it will ensure employees care about the job they are paid to do.
I liked that you said in your post that you would lead by example because I think every leader should remember than any action can count against you, but I also believe it is important for a leader to own up to mistakes rather than pretend it didn’t happen. I believe more people would trust a leader who is honest about things rather than one who prefers to avoid the fact that a mistake happened, and this will teach your teach to be more open when something goes wrong, which is crucial since everyone needs to help out in a PR firm when there is negative press going around. Therefore, learning how to handle mistakes is important in the field because you have to be able to think fast, but you also have to be able to work as a team in order to handle the crisis. In addition, I think a leader should also relate to the team because leading by example is great, but if you are not understanding where other people are coming from then they will probably choose not to follow your example even if it is a good one. Therefore, I think it is important to make time to listen to those around you because a great leader is one who doesn’t know it all, but who is constantly trying to learn from others in order to make improvements each and every day.
I liked that you said in your post that you would lead by example because I think every leader should remember that any action can count against him or her, but I also believe it is important for a leader to own up to mistakes rather than pretend a mistake did not occur. I believe more people would trust a leader who is honest about things rather than one who prefers to avoid the fact that a mistake happened, and this will teach those around you to be more open when something goes wrong. This is crucial in public relations since everyone needs to help out in a PR firm when there is negative press going around. Therefore, learning how to handle mistakes is important in the field because you have to be able to think fast, but you also have to be able to work as a team in order to handle the crisis. In addition, I think a leader should also relate to the team because leading by example is great, but if you are not understanding where other people are coming from then they will probably choose not to follow your example even if it is a good one. Therefore, I think it is important to make time to listen to those around you because a great leader is one who does not know it all, but who is constantly trying to learn from others in order to make improvements each day.
I think Chloe’s blog post on leadership qualities is great; it’s concise yet sufficiently thorough and informative. The point in #4, “Look and speak to everyone from truth, with clarity and at the same level,” stood out to me the most. I’ve experienced entirely too many instances where people in leadership positions (professors, managers, etc.) changed their entire tone and demeanor based on who they’re speaking with. Even people who are not in leadership should value the idea that no one is beyond basic manners. I don’t think enough value is put on how much being relatable and accessible to others in the work place can increase productivity and harmony!
15 years from now, I will be a leader not only in my career in PR but in my community as well. I have so many ideas at the moment on how I can improve the world around me, and hopefully by the time I’m 37 I will be well into the process of implementing them. In 15 years I also hope to be teaching what I’ve learned in PR and community outreach to others who have lots of ideas as well. My leadership qualities will definitely be my humility and care for other people; it’s important for me to embody these traits because they’re what I believe to be the essence of my being. I feel the most fulfilled and content when I am working to improve the lives and situations of others and when I am helping people reach their goals.
Bio: Kaitlynn Williams of Seattle, Washington is the President of Koplin PR, and head of communications for Save the Children Dominicana, Inc. Kaitlynn became involved within her community at a very young age and attributes her success to her perseverance, drive to illustrate a vision, and genuinely caring for the lives of other people.
Oh I totally agree! I too have encountered one too many people who seem to have that “better than thou” air about them. I honestly fine nothing more annoying. If you want someone to look up to you and respect you I find that treating them as an equal and trying your best to relate to them is the best way to do it. I understand that there are those who have worked hard to get where they are but never forget the little guy! Without them you couldn’t be the big guy! Everyone is valuable and deserves respect.
I completely agree! When I think about my co-workers, managers, friends or simply the people that surround me on a daily basis, those who are genuine and truly humble are the ones I admire most. Arrogance is something I literally can’t stand, it’s just so unnecessary to me. Why would someone even for a second think they are better than another? Though your pay check may be bigger or your job title might be more impressive, you have no ideas who that person is or what they’ve gone through. Perspective is always key! Sadly too many people forget to have it.
I too thought the blog post was concise and thorough and the information she included really left you wondering. It’s true people do change their whole tone when it comes to who they are speaking with, and we may do the same and not even notice it. You are so right when you said “I don’t think enough value is put on how much being relatable and accessible to others in the work place can increase productivity and harmony!” Everyone is just out for themselves it seems in today’s world. They all want what’s best for them and do not care about the little man or any others for that matter. I like your 15 years from now and how you want to better the community around you. It’s a great goal to have to better your surroundings and not just thinking to better yourself.
Tone is so crucial when speaking to others, especially when you are in a leadership position. Sometimes I think I have an issue with authority, like when people are telling you what to do, but I have learned that it is more about how people are telling you what to do. Whether it is at a job or for school, I think it is important to show people respect in order to receive it back. Basic manners are so important!
I loved when she said, “The role of a leader and an artist are essentially the same: to not only see, but to embody the vision and define the reality of what he or she sees and lives.” As someone who views herself as both an artist and a leader I couldn’t agree more! Two of the five that really stood out to me was “humility” and “embody what you preach”. When I think back on the leaders throughout history and in my own life that I truly admire, their grace, hardwork and authenticity are what stand out the most to me. I think people who go out of their way to help others and truly want to help them (not just do it to appear better or for credit) is one of the rarest traits but is necessary for a good leader to have. In the future, I hope I will embody all of those things but most of all I hope people will look at me as someone who is genuine, gracious and hardworking.
Bio: Lauren Bronson of Ann Arbor Michigan is the president of Public Relations at the international non-profit organization, World Vision. Her genuine desire to help others, her driven and hard working attitude results in exceptional work. She is a team player who always pulls her weight and will never say no to a ice cream.
I liked that you highlighted the fact that leaders and artistry are intertwined. An effective leader needs to be creative and come up with ingenious strategies to ensure positive results. It is not easy and takes a variety of skills to pull this off. I appreciate the fact that you mentioned being “genuine, gracious and hardworking.” Those three attributes alone can make someone a terrific leader. Just being aware of that puts you ahead of most people in leadership roles.
Lauren, I agree with the what you said about leaders being those that help others not just for credibility. This is a very necessary trait for leaders to have because those that they encounter and put their trust in them need to feel that since of humbleness that some don’t have.
I thought this post was great! Although short and sweet, I found it very to the point! She seemed to touch on many key aspects of a great leader and explain them in a clear and applicable way. What stood out to me was the first point she made about finding humility.
“Once you assume the position that you know everything, you know nothing. When you greet life with a beginner’s mind, you have the capacity to grow.”
These two sentences really rang true to me because they reminded me of something my grandmother always told me about always keeping an open mind and never saying no to an opportunity to learn something new. Even at 93, before she passed away, my grandmother was always excited to learn something new. I have always kept these words of wisdom in the back of my mind and had strived to seek out and embrace new experiences as I get older.
Bio: Jackie Caliguro, from Germantown, Maryland is president of her own PR firm. She attributes her success to her wonderful family and friends who have always supported her. Although a natural born leader, she always embraces the chance to learn something new. She works hard and loves what she does and lifts up those around her through her passion and hard work. She loves coffee, cupcakes, and her Boston Terriers.
Your grandma sounded like a very inspirational person! We can all learn from someone like that; to stay curious and keep learning. What else did you think of the blog post? Considering how much you learned from your grandma, did she teach you a lot about leading? My grandma is inspirational to me too! Your post reminded me of how much she reminds me of a good leader. She’s the true matriarch in our family. I’m sure your grandma was the same and even if she didn’t specifically tell you how to be a leader, like the blog suggests, she led by example.
Alison,
Yes! My grandmother was a wonderful and inspirational lady! I wouldn’t say she necessarily taught me how to be a leader, but rather showed through her example the qualities that leaders should possess. Through watching her from a young age I realized what qualities I wanted to possess myself and what qualities would warrant respect from others.
I think sometimes the best lessons are learned by watching others.
I absolutely love the advice your grandmother gave you! From what you mention about her, she seemed to have lived a great life, filled with new things and joy! I think we can all benefit from her advice. Learning something new, especially in our fields of study, can be nothing but beneficial to us. As well as keeping an open mind, because sometimes that new thing you need to learn, may not always be the most ideal event. Your advice was great! And I love your bio!
-Ken
This was a very relevant post. I think leadership is one of the hardest characteristics to conquer, and it can make the difference during everyday tasks or when there is a stressful situation. I think there need to be some very broad guidelines and steps for anyone in a leadership role to follow, and this gave five good examples of how to be an effective leader when it’s time to take charge of the situation.
The things that stood out were how basic all of the qualities were. To be a good leader one has to have a very good work ethic and be ethical. These were highlighted in blog’s five points. I don’t think it is very complicated to be a good leader, but it can be very difficult.
I think in 15 years I will be in a leadership position of some sort. I have held billets in the Marines and was responsible for an entire squad and millions of dollars of equipment. I learned a lot about what to do, and what not to do. The best reaction I received from my men was when I led from the front, and I lived my life for no other reason than to serve with my friends. I think this exemplifies “Embody what you teach,” to a certain degree.
Another good point was “Have fun.” A boss that can lead and execute, but also make it enjoyable is always a plus for the workplace. I think this is very underrated, and it can usually ensure good results. “Life is meant to be fun, enlightening and rewarding,” the blog said. I think this can attain to work, and an enjoyable boss will usually make a huge difference.
Good leaders need to be very catering and understanding, and this is something that is kind of explained in the blog as well.
“Everyone’s background, mind, upbringing, culture, and framework is different—the more you can be mutable, shift and transform, the more people you can access and the more varied the dance,” explains this point well I think.
50 Word Bio-
Kenneth Bowen is a public relations officer with a very unique background. After honorably serving as an infantry Marine and retiring as a decorated Sergeant, Bowen decided to study public relations and journalism at Eastern Michigan University. Starting his career, he has charisma, creativity, and life experience to rely on.
I know you must wonder why I’m constantly asking you how you do it… It’s because I think you’ve already taken that leader role for a lot of us in PR at Eastern. You may not see it, but you do an amazing job with standing your ground and easing “heavy” situations. So yes I agree with what you’ve said about the blog post, but I want you to recognize that you fit the description that you gave.
The part about being humble really caught my attention because I believe this has a huge impact on the willingness of others to contribute to the company. If you are a humble leader, I believe people will be more likely to express their ideas to you because they think you are easier to approach. In addition, I think it is important to remember to learn from others no matter how successful you are on your own because different perspectives will help you learn how to approach different audiences or situations. However, I also agree that it is important to not just say what you mean, but to also show it. I believe this is important as a leader because this shows you are reliable, and people will be more willing to respect what you have to say if your actions match your words.
As a future leader, I want to aim to be approachable because I want my peers to have a willingness to share their ideas with me. In addition, I want to be enthusiastic because I want to help increase someone’s energy level if he or she is having an off day. Most importantly, I want everyone to know we are in it together so we will lose and we will win as a team because I do not want any person to blame himself or herself nor do I want anyone to demean the work of others.
Heidi Guenther was the communications intern for the American Red Cross before she started at WXYZ-TV. She is compassionate, enthusiastic, and patient. Guenther values the opinions and ideas of others. Most importantly, she believes an assignment is not complete until you contribute a piece of your heart to it.
Great points Heidi! A leader who is humble is inspirational and people may feel more at ease about following someone like that. I find that when there is a humble leader it is, in fact, easier to approach them and the team is more willing to listen to their opinions and more than that, respect them. I also agree with you that different perspectives are important to be a good leader and further more a good leader should keep learning to grow. Your way of leading sounds like a great way to be. I think more leaders should try to be more approachable and think of themselves as part of the team, winning and losing as a team, as you said. How could you motivate your team though? How can energy be promoted for team members from a leader standpoint?
Heidi,
Great ideas! I think being humble will definitely help you in any career and profession…but most of all life. When your humble, your less likely to become big headed and think you know everything…which makes it easier for people to respect your opinion and more likely to take heed to your direction. Being enthusiastic in the work place is definitely a huge benefit as well. I know that if I see my manager dragging around and appearing like they don’t want to be at work, makes me feel the same way. When your a leader, you set the standard for everyone that works for you as well. They are always watching what your doing, how you act/react toward things as well, when your a leader you lead in every aspect of your life.
The article was amazing and well thought out from the author Chloe Park. One of the quotes that stood out to me that some leaders may not embody is “a leader breathes from a place of we, not me”. This caught my eye because there are those that are in it all for themselves for the title they possess or the notoriety and aren’t in it for the common interests of the community and they people that depend on them. Some are just plain selfish, but not all. Other quotes that stood out were “When you greet life with a beginner’s mind, you have the capacity to grow and Keep your feet planted on the ground, stay in your body, settle onto the Earth and stay here”. Having a beginners mind does give you room to grow and the mindset that its okay to make mistakes and learn from them. Even if you have many of the traits to be a leader, there is ALWAYS room for improvement and ways to be stronger. Keeping your feet planted is very important as well because no one wants to truly follow someone on a “high horse”. We need to be able to relate and feel that we have a similar story and connection.
The qualities of a leader that I have now and I’m sure that I will have 15 years from now are the we not me mentality, greeting life with a beginner’s mind and keep my feet planted on Earth and staying humble. I feel all these qualities embodies who I am and what makes a good leader. I always stay humble and have been brought up as a child to do so. I speak to people with a caring and understanding tone and never felt I was better than anyone because I know there is also room for improvement in myself. I’m always up fro learning new things even though sometimes I get scared or nervous since it is something different. This shows the humility part of myself. I always try to thank those that have helped guide me and give me advice to be a great leader and this helps me stay grounded as well.
Bio: Darius Osborne has been involved in many leadership roles in organizations such as The Boys and Girls Club, Student Government, LGBTRC, Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and ASB. His family has always instilled in him to stay humble and genuine to those he encounters along the way. He loves to give back and work hard. He is now a successful PR professional in the fashion industry and stays grounded whether it be at work or among those that look up to him.
Darius,
I think you highlighted some very good points of the post. I too liked that the author pointed out that being a leader involves having a “we, not me” mentality. As you said, some people just do not grasp this concept! I feel that the best and most influential leaders are those that understand they are part of a team and that their success wold not be possible without the help and hard work of others.
I too am always up for a new challenge, or learning something new. Recognizing that you will never know everything is an important quality of a good leader and in life in general. As you stated, there is always room for improvement and new ideas!
Also, I love that you want to go into the fashion industry 🙂
Exactly, how can you be apart of a team if you are focused on how YOU will succeed. If we fail, you will too… So helping us, helps you!
It is weird how people forget that being selfless is more rewarding. This can also bring about a learning ability (interacting with different personalities can help you become a more effective leader), growth as a team and can potentially better the organization.
And you’re right, I see the leader in you every Tuesday and Thursday. You are kind and open for suggestion, a leader is someone that is approachable and I see that in you!
What a great post! The one thing that really stood out to me in this post was the part about humility. That has been something that I have actually really been focusing on lately. I find it so important. Just last week I came across a post about humility, it said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” I really liked this quote and I think it is something that can be directly related to leadership. It is very important to focus on the group rather yourself.
Another part that really stood out to me was the have fun portion. I do think people get so wrapped up in everything and focusing on achieving their goals, which is important, they forget to enjoy it. It is important to love what you’re doing.
In 15 years I hope to have made something for myself in life. I hope that I am en event planner at a company that I love, who knows, maybe I will have a great position somewhere in the MLB. I really enjoy the role of leadership and in my career I hope to be some type of leader. Maybe not like a President of a company or anything too high, but I don’t feel comfortable leading some people, whether it is on a project or a small committee.
Bio:
Abbey Flores is a strong willed woman who started without much but has worked her way to co-owning her own event coordinating business in Chicago. At a rather young age, Abbey knew exactly what she wanted to be and hasn’t stopped working at it since. Hard work and determination was the key components to getting her here today.
I really loved this post! I definitely felt like a lot of the things she touched on in this article 1 of 2 things for me: 1. Things I definitely need to work on and be better at; or 2. Things I think I’m doing pretty well at already. I think what stood out to me the most would be having your light switch ON!! This directly relates to things I need to work on, sometimes I allow how casual and groggy I feel at home (when in relaxation mode) to be brought out into the world. My personal goal at EMU is to not graduate until I’ve felt like I’ve touched someone else, or influenced someone else in some capacity. I also loved the part of not just practicing what you preach, but actually embodying what you preach, especially if you plan to be a walking brand. In 15 years, I will be 37!! I plan to definitely be married, with a couple of kids. By this time, I would have my MBA, with a concentration in entrepreneurship. I plan to be well established in my career, and currently owning my own non-profit organization, as well as other stores in the retail world! ; )
Bio: Misha Byrd, a native of Southfield, MI is the founder and CEO of BePR Inc. She splits her time between BePR and her personal brand “The B Floor”, which includes her personal clothing line, and a line of retail stores. She attributes her success to her loving husband and children.
When I think of what a leader is I think of who has influenced my understanding of a leader in my life; professors, parents, etc. This blog definitely affirmed many of my beliefs of what a real leader is. I have learned throughout the years that a true leader embodies what the blog says: humility, embody what you preach, be an example, practice good speaking skills and have fun with it. I instantly thought back to the leaders I’ve learned from. Specifically, my managers at Bed Bath and Beyond who taught me what it takes to lead a group of people of all ages. I learned that a leader, in retail for example, can’t be serious all the time, there has to be some playfulness at work. People respond well to leaders who are charismatic and have a positive attitude or outlook. I also learned that if you scold someone for doing something, then make sure you are abiding by your own rules, or like the blog says “embody what you preach.” So true. A true leader not only preaches but believes and practices what they preach with every fiber of their being.
Bio: Michigan native, Alison Kangas, is an events specialist at Conde’ Nast. After graduating from Eastern Michigan University in the spring of 2014, Kangas interned through the summer for Weber Shandwick, where her hard work and dedicated work ethic earned her a spot in their PR department an events specialist assistant.
I have to say that it took me a while to think this one over. It’s not that I’m modest, but to think about how I am a leader in a field where there are so many practitioners that have those qualities and have embraced them so much better than I have, I feel as if I’m not fit to be on that level.
The article surprisingly gave me hope. While I don’t see myself fit to imagine my future right now, I do see that I have the skills that can get me there. I just need to work on the controlling factors. (lol getting my life together).
I do believe that honesty can create more chatter and more interest than anything else. So number four definitely stood out to me. Number five did as well, how can you put your whole heart into your work if you have no passion for it?! Your drive and your success come together through enjoying your work. That is something that a lot of people miss, but it something that should always be a factor in applying for a job.
If you are going to work for a company you should enjoy it, be empowered by it and that will help you/help them become a better company/brand.
I suppose I’ll have a go at this future bio thing: As the Public Relations Chair for LowerNine.org, Michigan native, Ashley Hutcherson has helped to bring the Ninth Ward of New Orleans further into the light. While she continues her work with the nonprofit organization she also manages to freelance for The Times-Picayune newspaper and Southern Living magazine.