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.

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.

A Leader for Diversity

This past year I have served as the President of the Dallas Area Diversity Youth Organization. DADYO is comprised of all the private schools around the Dallas area such as Parish, Jesuit, Greenhill, Ursuline, ESD, Hockaday, and St. Marks. DADYO’s mission is to provide opportunities for students to promote understanding of cultures in order to unify our community. As President, I strive to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable communicating because ccommunication enables diversity. Good examples of different cultures foster diversity. Every area of the school community from headmaster down to the lowest ranks must be proactive in listening, accepting and welcoming people and ideas that are different than their own. This breeds acceptance and can transform a school into a loving and welcoming academic community. As a leader I listen to others and respect others opinions. By being open to other beliefs and accepting people who differ from me, I lead by example. I encourage those who normally are afraid to talk, to speak up. I engage myself in discussions in order to fully understand another person’s culture to the best of my ability. By living into my vision of how diversity should play a vital role into school life, I hope to create more leaders as a result.