Leadership theories have developed from the Great Man Theory, believing that leaders were born, to the more contemporary leadership theories such as transformational leadership, where the leader and the follower both build each other to become better leaders. I find that the situational leadership model of leadership is very practical. Leaders must adapt their leadership styles to not only match the situation, but also to their followers and this is a very challenging thing to do. I relate my leadership capabilities to my education, work experience, and clubs/organizations. As discussed previously, the contemporary adaptive leadership theory defines me as I believe that adaptability helps leaders grow as followers are different and situations constantly change, especially within the hospitality industry. Having the ability to adapt to situations, different cities/states, and to different personalities, the better you will be as a leader to sell your vision and gain followers.
Overall, leadership is a difficult concept to define, and to me, is better fulfilled through a leader’s actions and inspiration. Sam Rayburn once said, "You cannot be a leader, and ask other people to follow you, unless you know how to follow, too." I believe that all leaders must first be true followers in order to develop an understanding of being a leader. My blog tells a story, “Would you follow me as a leader?” I really wanted the theme to flow over to every post, but as not all posts were related to my theme as much, I decided to use birds as a background image. Birds to me are the first thing I think of with the word “follow," as they fly in sync when traveling with only one clearly ahead. I believe that I am now the follower that can stay behind my flock.
I am the leader I would want to follow.
