Benchmark: Leadership Style and Philosophy 1

Benchmark – Leadership Style and Philosophy

H. Hays

Grand Canyon University: EAD 501

April 20, 2022

Benchmark: Leadership Style and Philosophy 2

There are many values that I carry in my character when interacting with others. Primarily, my

faith carries the largest weight. I am a firm believer in Jesus Christ and believe that as His

follower, I should lead as he would lead. I value honesty, a caring heart, commitment, empathy,

and integrity, among others. When interacting with others, I try my best to exhibit these values as

purely as possible. Not only do I truly value others, but I also value their well-being, success, and

sense of self-efficacy.

The leadership styles that I believe most closely align with my values and beliefs are

transformational and servant leadership. These two styles embody the type of leader that I aspire

to be. Transformational leadership is defined by making a connection with others and building

relationships. These connections raise the levels of motivation and morality in both leaders and

followers (Northouse, 2018). Transformational leadership is most often carried out by a

charismatic leader, one who has elevated expectations of followers and promotes a strong sense

of self-efficacy (Northouse, 2018). It is about maintaining a collaborative culture, where leaders,

teachers, community, and other stakeholders work together to create an atmosphere conducive to

learning (Leithwood, Poplin, 1992). Transformational leaders are also supportive, directing their

efforts towards the needs and preferences of others (Rafferty & Griffin, 2004).

Servant leadership is defined by the leader who exhibits selflessness. The servant leader serves

first; they make sure the needs of others are priority over their own needs. They are concerned

most with the well-being of those being led instead of their own (Northouse, 2018). Servant

leaders possess ten major qualities: they listen, exhibit empathy and healing, awareness,

persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment, and building community

(Northouse, 2018). Russell & Stone (2002) cited nine other attributes in relation to servant

leadership. These are: vision, honesty, integrity, trust, service, modeling, pioneering,
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appreciation of others and empowerment. These attributes go hand-in-hand with the qualities of

leadership as listed by Northouse.

As a leader, I will act with integrity and fairness to ensure a school system of accountability for

every student’s academic and social success. I will ensure that I listen to the teachers, staff, and

students so as to create a sense of community and belonging for all. I will also be aware of

everything going on within the school, but also careful not to overtake every situation. I will

delegate and empower educators to perform their best every day. In addition, I will hold high

standards and expectations for myself as well as the teachers, staff, and students in order to

promote increased self-efficacy and motivation. It is important to always be aware of others’

thoughts and feelings, especially as their leader. I will exhibit fairness and integrity by not

playing favorites with the students or staff, as each and every person should be important within

the school community, and they need to be shown how important they are. I will also model

every day the way in which I would like to see the teachers act towards each other and the

students through listening, caring, being involved, and sharing in their daily lives.

As an emerging style and philosophy of leadership, this will most likely adapt and change

throughout my course of study and as I progress as a leader. I am a lifelong learner, and I will

forever be evaluating my leadership style and modifying it as needed. I always want to be like

Jesus, serving others through leadership.

References:
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Leithwood, K. A., & Poplin, M. S. (1992). The Move Toward Transformational Leadership.

Research Library, 8.

Rafferty, A. E., & Griffin, M. A. (2004). Dimensions of transformational leadership: Conceptual

and empirical extensions. The Leadership Quarterly, (15), 329-354.

Russell, R. F., & Stone, A. G. (2002). A review of servant leadership attributes: developing a

practical model. Leadership & Organization Development Journal, 145-157.

Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership Eighth Edition. SAGE Publications, Inc., 218-222, 293-314.