Leadership Philosophy Statement

Developing a Philosophy of Leadership

A leadership philosophy is an articulation of your fundamental view of your leadership practice. This philosophy guides your actions, your behaviors, and your thoughts as a leader.

We can change who we are as leaders by simply changing our philosophy of leadership. Leadership philosophies can change as you grow to understand yourself within the context of leading.

One way to start to develop your leadership philosophy is to read and write about your personal values and beliefs about leadership.

This assignment will help you to develop a leadership philosophy.

You will type your answers in this document and then upload it to the Canvas assignment link.

Values

Personal values are qualities or characteristics that you value. Your values guide your intentions and decisions as a leader. When your personal values are clear and you are conscious of them, you create a solid foundation for leading.

From the list below, pick three core values that you feel describe and guide who you are as a leader. You may choose other values that are not on the list. Place them in the following chart and answer the questions in the matrix.

Achievement Activity Advancement Adventure Affiliation Affluence Authority Autonomy

Balance Challenge Change Collaboration Community Competency Competition Courage

Creativity Diverse Perspectives Duty Economic security Friendship Health Humor Harmony

Integrity Justice Love Loyalty Personal Development Recognition Self-respect Wisdom

Identifying Your Leadership Values

Values List your values here	Personal Definition of Values List here your definition of these values here
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Beliefs

Beliefs are ideas that we hold to be true; they shape our realities and they guide our decisions.

Write about your beliefs and how they influence your leadership. Share with me at least three core beliefs that you think have the most impact on your leadership. For Example, my core beliefs when it comes to leadership are 1) Leaders need to be willing to have conversations and address issue one on one. 2) I believe that leaders need to be open to listening to their followers. 3) I believe that it is very important to develop people and delegate power.

List your beliefs here:

Finalizing Your Leadership Philosophy

Now that you've identified your leadership values and understand what beliefs guide your leadership thinking, you are now ready to write statements reflecting your leadership philosophy. You can write your leadership philosophy below the examples given below.

Feel free to add pictures or artwork to your philosophy. Remember, you can write your philosophy in any way that makes sense to you.

Here are some examples:

Ms. Donovan’s Leadership Philosophy is...

I believe that leadership is a journey that can be developmental for both leaders and followers.

I strive to help people find the best in themselves.

I value integrity in all my interactives with others.

I respect different perspectives and ways of knowing.

I listen with respect and gratitude to others.

I believe I am never finished learning and I am open to the feedback of others.

I think in creating systems through research, input and analysis.

I spend time reflecting on my leadership and its impact on others.

Student example

Bethany's Leadership Philosophy...

I think leadership is something that takes place between a group of people and a leader.

A leader is positive and productive.

I believe a leader is someone who steps up when a situation occurs.

Leaders have respect from what they experience and how they take care of situations.

A leader is someone people look up to.

I always lead with good morals and values.

Personal experiences help me grow as a leader and are something I learn from for the future.