Ryan Kwapniowski's FLP Portfolio

Leadership Definitions

 

        Leadership is defined as the action of leading a group of people or an organization. But to me leadership means much more; it's the ability to inspire, motivate, communicate, and respect others while reaching toward a vision and leading others through example. It's a way of life, leadership isn't something that you can one day give up, you can give up a job position, you can give up a board member spot, but you could never give up who you are: a leader. People don't forget what you once were, you are forever held to the values of your leadership qualities. 

        During seminar we met various leaders from the Creighton and Omaha community. One that particularly stuck in my head was Gerry Kuhlman. Gerry Kuhlman spoke about his medical disability of being blind since birth. He has no recollection of colors, shapes, objects or places. He has been an inspiration for the community for years and has worked as an academic advisor for Creighton University for years. Gerry serves as a leader in the Creighton through and talked about how we are all apart of a giant puzzle of life. We all have imperfections such as the indented ends of a puzzle piece, while other have things that they can offer to us, such as the protruding ends, connected together in perfect harmony. He advises us that as leaders, we should be humble, know your short comings, know others situations, and realize the big picture. 

        Another speaker, the Editor in Chief of the Omaha World Herald, Mike Reilly talked about how he came into his position. He spoke of his trials and how his plan from God lead him to where he is today. Mike talked slightly about how the management team makes the news paper run and how due to the reputation of the World Herald he has to keep strict watch on most of his employees. You walk a fine line between friend and boss and while we wish to make everybody happy even the slightest failure can be catastrophic. 

        In my life, I don't plan on using just one approach to leadership. I feel as though I can relate to most all of the 7 different leadership styles and the best way to lead is to acknowledge each of the different styles and lead with a combination of each. 

 

 

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."

                -Unknown