Michael's Credo

The outcome of my Myers-Briggs experience

In my leadership class, we experienced the Myers-Briggs tool, which allows individuals to further understand themselves. According to the test I am an ESTJ. Simply put I am Extraverted Sensing Thinking Judging
person. I prefer facts and concrete details. I like to live in the present, maintaining an environment in which everything runs smoothly and systematically. I honor traditions and laws, and have a clear set of standards and beliefs. I expect the same of others, and struggle to have patience or understanding of individuals who do not value these systems. I value competence and efficiency, and I desire to see quick results for my efforts.
As an ESTJ I a model citizen, and pillar of the community. I take my commitments seriously, and follow my own standards of "good citizenship". As an ESTJ I enjoy interacting with people, and having fun. As an ESTJ I focus on the family, community, or work. As a leader I learned so much about how I can improve and how I can be effective. If you aspire to be an effective leader I recommend trying the Myers-Briggs tool for yourself.

My Credo

I am pleased to present my voice thread credo a project of the Parish Episcopal School Leadership for the 21^st Century Class.

http://voicethread.com/share/1663616/

A New Outlook On Leadership

           After several weeks of learning about leadership and speaking with leaders of both the private sector and community service, I gained a greater knowledge of what leadership is all about. I believe leaders are not born, but made. After reading text from James Kouzes and Barry Posner I discovered the four main characteristics that people want in their leaders. According to their survey, the common person is more willing to follow a leader who is honest, forward-looking, competent, and inspiring. Through practice I hope to improve as a leader in these areas. I learned that leading sometimes means going first, living the behaviors you want others to adopt. Essentially, leading from the front. Followers will believe not what they hear leaders say but what they see leader do on a daily basis. Most of all I learned how significant it is to be credible. In my leadership class I have completed some assignments late, but after learning how important a track record is to one’s credibility, I will complete assignments on time from now on. Ultimately, this class has shed new light on my view of what is means to be a leader and through observing and practicing I am becoming an even better leader.

Interview with a Leader

1. What is your philosophy on leading?

I believe a leader has to be a student. It is tough for a leader to be around enough other leaders to pick this up just through discussion, so I think a leader has to be a reader and a learner. Furthermore, I can’t vision someone leading in a field they know nothing about. One must be competent.

2. How do you cope with daily struggles a leader?

I pray for guidance each day for strength. I get feedback from my congregation and other leaders and try to use their wisdom every day. I realize that every day will be a new challenge and that I will make mistakes, but at the end of the day I have to remember I am merely human and that I will make mistakes. However, I must learn from them and try not to make the same mistakes twice.

3. What advice do you give to upcoming leaders?

Ask for help when you don’t know something. Many people feel that aksing for help is a sign of weakness, but really it is a sign of honesty and wisdom.

4. What traits do you believe a leader should possess?

A leader should be honest, credible, and humble.

5. Are leaders born or made?

I believe that leaders are made. Through practicing and learning leaders can be made at any age.

6. How do you build credibility as a leader?

As a leader I built credibility by doing simple things. Simple things such as attending meetings of other ministries, making sure I always do what I say I will do, and taking time to get to know my congregation.

7. Have you ever tried to act as a mentor to a colleague?

Yes, from teenagers to adults, I mentor a variety og different people interested in taking a leadership role at the church. Like the many mentors I had to mold me into the man I am today, I believe I have a duty to teach others willing to observe and learn how to be a leader.

My Leader

One individual who I believe exemplifies the attributes of a true leader is my pastor. Dr. C.W. Wallace is a remarkable man who leads a congregation of hundreds of members. Instead of attempting to lead every single ministry or group, like Mr. MacDowell, Dr. Wallace tries to “grow leaders”. By getting their feedback and trusting his “team” Dr. Wallace can be competent and lead effectively. My questions for him will be

1. What is your philosophy on leading?

2. How do you cope with daily struggles a leader?

3. What advice do you give to upcoming leaders?

4. What traits do you believe a leader should possess?

Are Leaders born or made?

Leadership is an observable, learnable set of practices.  Leadership is not something mystical and ethereal that cannot be understood by ordinary people. Given the opportunity for feedback and practice, those with the desire and persistence to lead – to make a difference – can substantially improve their abilities to do so. 

   - Kouzes and Posner, The Leadership Challenge

After interviewing Mr. MacDowell, I believe that leaders are made. Like Kouzes and Posner I believe “leadership is an observable, learnable set of principles”. MacDowell explained how as a CEO he tries to grow people. He teaches his employees to lead others. MacDowell runs an employee-owned company which allows his employees to give “feedback”. I admire the way in which MacDowell showed his leadership through his “desire and persistence”. In every position that MacDowell held, he always tried to perform above the status quo. By working hard and carrying himself in high manner he exemplified key attributes that leaders must have. MacDowell along with Kouzes and Posner’s The Leadership Challenge, support my belief leaders are made.