Leadership Philosophy

I first wrote these words more than six years ago as I finished my coursework at Gonzaga University. I’ve reflected on them many times in the interceding years and I’ve never felt the need to change them. In more than half a decade since, I’ve learned more about the application of leadership and organizational design than I imagined, but my philosophy hasn’t changed.

I believe:

• Leadership is an action, not a role. Leadership is accessible to anyone, without regard to education or position within an organization.
• Leadership must be authentic, that is, it must be built on honest relationships and ethical foundations.
• Leaders are equal in status, but differ in responsibility from those they lead. Each member of a team or organization deserves the highest level of respect and care, irrespective of their organizational status.
• Authentic leadership requires knowing and caring about those you lead and prioritizing their development over all organizational or personal needs.
• The highest calling of a leader is to serve the people they lead.