My leadership philosophy Andrew Cornes

REflection The leadership practice that resonates most with me, and what I have been trained in for my past leadership roles is the concept of servant leadership. Being drumline captain and playing tenor drums, I was able to lead and build relationships on a large (21) and small (3) scale. Having these different, dynamic situations helped me grow in the aspects of my servant leadership philosophy.

Mission Statement “Servant leadership begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve first.”(pg.226) My biggest value of servant leadership and my philosophy would have to be LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Making sure that I was prepared, positive, and giving 100% effort during all band activities was an integral part to my leadership position.

Additional thoughts I was happy and not surprised when I saw the servant leadership chapter in our textbook, and I think reading it helped me further my knowledge in that area and reinforce my own leadership values. The chapter says many different times throughout the chapter that putting followers first is an important part of servant leadership, and I think along with leading by example that putting the needs of your followers before your own is what sets these leaders apart from others. I feel like this method of leadership was very fulfilling for me in the past, and if I am able to apply this to my future leadership positions, I certainly will.

Question The paradoxical nature of the title servant leadership makes some wonder why this style is valued because some see putting yourself under your followers does not make you a leader. I do see this as a valid argument, and sometimes taking the approach of servant leadership can diminish the leader’s authority, at least from what I have experienced and seen within my time as a leader.