DEVELOPING YOUR PERSONAL MODEL OF LEADERSHIP - Term Paper Example

A leader’s success is measured by how positively or negatively he or she has impacted on the lives of the subjects (Chemers, p. 67). I have admired the leadership styles of many leaders, past and present, but the main leadership influence in my life is George Washington. Though I cannot exactly emulate Washington’s personal and leadership character traits, his type of leadership will be the template upon which my leadership skills and abilities will be honed. In fact, it is these leadership traits that made George Washington the first president of the United States of America.

George Washington, was born as the first child, on 22nd February 1732, to Augustine Washington and Mary Ball Washington. Despite losing his father and many other siblings at an early age, his innate leadership skills were evident when he took over the management of his father’s estates and generally ran his family matters (Cornwell, p. 146). Washington’s leadership prowess was tested several times as he rose through various ranks in the independence wars. He served diligently in the American Revolution (1775-1783).

As the commander-in-chief, he strategized the whole war, with the approval of the congress. He was also charged with recruiting, organizing and training the army. In a nutshell; he is credited with the victory of the American Revolution. Even after independence he went ahead to become the first president of the United States of America and undertook a supervisory role in the drafting of its very first constitution and in the laying of the many norms upon which the modern government of the US is based (Cornwell, p. 342). Looking at his life, especially his accomplishments, one cannot miss the personal attributes that a good leader should possess.

First among these virtues is courage. Leaders must be courageous in all they do. Second, George Washington displayed humility despite all the power and influence he had. He was also a visionary. In addition to these, he was hardworking, diligent and focused. Above all, he was a God fearing and prayerful family man. These are the virtues I admire in a leader. These are the values I take from George Washington. Coming from a modest background, my dream in life is to get to a position where I can help the less fortunate in society, a position of leadership where I can positively impact the lives of my countrymen.

I yearn to change my country for the better of the future generations. As I pursue this dream, the values I want to hold close to my heart are hard work and humility. I will always work hard and be humble in the process, all the while thanking God for the achievements that come my way. The main assumption if given a leadership position is that all my subordinates will rally behind me in striving to achieve personal and organizational growth and other objectives. I believe leadership is divine, and the people normally place their hopes in the leader that all their problems will be solved.

Thus, as a leader, I will always try not to betray the trust of my subordinates for the sake of personal selfish gains. Finally, my expectation of the world is that it becomes a safer home for all humanity with equal rights, opportunities, and freedom for everybody as far as the pursuance of happiness is concerned. These are my aspirations as a leader. Given a chance to serve