How My Friend Describes Me - Essay Example

I have sought out ways to develop and strengthen my leadership qualities. I believe that in business, leadership is essential. Even in small business environments the need to have sound direction and goals are critical. While groups can collaboratively develop these ideas, it takes a strong and effective leader to ensure they are implemented. My life has focused on developing experiences that will aid me in becoming this leader. Currently, I am the President of De Anza UNICEF and am also the Indonesian Student Organization’s Event Organizer. I believe my role at UNICEF, where I am required to plan and organize events and ensure the harmony of group members, is a great experience for future positions in the business world where it might be necessary for me to organize corporate gatherings and facilitate contract negotiations.

My friends also describe me as a stubborn person. They feel that I do not want to listen to others’ opinions. They contend that if I have an opinion, I will defend it whether it is right or wrong. I entirely disagree. I perceive myself as a malleable person and I also believe I consider others’ opinions. If I defend my opinion, it means that I am confident about its validity. I believe that if I am stubborn about my ideas it is regarding my ambition and desire to see projects through to their full potential. However, I realize that candidness towards other people’s ideas is very important in business. Without being open to other people’s ideas and perspectives, it is impossible to successfully collaborate. In business, effective collaboration is built on the open trust and freedom of expression of all group members. Through this open environment, the group is then able to compare ideas and attain a goal that would be impossible with the sole efforts of an individual.

Even as I ultimately see myself as a leader, I think it’s important to consider Franklin Roosevelt who said, “A good leader can't get too far ahead of his followers.” While I hope to function as a strong beacon of direction for my friends, I realize that it’s important to not forget the essential similarity of all humankind and that the great thing about having friends is the chance to share the great journey of life with someone that understands. Read More