Reflection Paper

One thing I noticed about myself, my personality helped my image a great deal. Starting at a young age, I had more of a “Protector Personality” as a youth. I wasn’t afraid to stand up to anyone, unlike my peers. By stepping in on disputes my friends and classmates were having, I became somewhat of a hero and big brother, even though I was the same age as they were. Being good at sports or board games (checkers, chess, etc.), I stood out from everyone else.

When captains and team leaders were to be picked. My classmates always looked towards me. Understand, early in grade school, I did not want to front and centered. I wanted someone else to take the lead. Even at a young age, I discovered that the leader had to do most of the talking. I was great talking to those my age. I was still learning how to speak around adults. Once that shyness disappeared, my leadership abilities started to soar.

Failure is not an option. Most parents today take that stance with their children. That includes me as well. Most failures come from not attempting to do your best. I’ll just coast the rest of the way. Just getting by. Doing just enough to pass. These were my pitfalls in my early years and are still valid today. I must motivate myself to put maximum effort towards tasks today. Doing my best is an action, not a reaction to accomplishing what needs to be done.

I encourage my grandson and other youths to maximize their time, they must first learn to manage it. There’s a time to play, and a time to uplift their minds. My pitfalls still dwell in my time management. I linger in my decisions to get started. I wait to the last minute to begin what should have been started days ago. Procrastination is my enemy from within. As I read more about successful leaders of today. I one common factor they all share. The sooner you start, the sooner you can learn what you don’t know. Also, the sooner you start, the sooner you will find out what are good at and do well.

Pitfalls that I encountered, as I remembered were taking my popularity too serious. Because I was well known throughout the neighborhood and surrounding communities. I didn’t work as hard as I should have. I allowed my famous status to campaign for me. Status in the eyes of those who really don’t know you can be misleading. What they think they see of you out in public, isn’t the real you behind closed doors. I preyed on this popular image and didn’t work as hard as I should have.

When trying to be a positive example to your staff and workforce. One must look deep within themselves, on what type of leader they wish to be. When sitting in the top chair, friend and foe are watching your every move. My top core value is Honesty. Honesty and truthfulness plays a very important role in your leadership endeavors. Can your team believe in you with what you are telling them?

Leaders must walk the walk with what they are selling. If I am being told to work hard, give that extra effort. I would want to see my boss during the same. I want to see my leader practicing their words. Honesty in your work habits, and how one lives their lives in public. Feeling positive on the inside, helps lead you in your efforts. Never having to worry about known bad practices. I would never have worry about looking over my shoulder.