The Idea of Leadership
Leadership is different for everyone. Some people are the leaders that lead where everyone can see them, being the face in front of the actions. Then there are leaders that do all the behind the scene work, that people don’t usually notice, but are very much appreciated. I like to consider myself as the the second type of leader, the one who isn’t the face, but gets all the work done with no questions asked. With the leadership positions I have had, I have found that I work much better when all the focus isn’t on me, but to be the one that leads everyone in the right direction, while being a little more silent. Leaders can’t lead effectively by being just in the public light all the time, sometimes the behind the scenes work is what gets things done in a timely matter. I also believe that when it comes to work, the person that is most effective is the one that does their job, not the one dictating what to do, or even being the one that does everything.
Leadership in College
The biggest leadership position I have had that has really shaped me for a career in management in a resort, is my position on the Panhellenic Council as the Vice President of Operations. Through this position, I have learned how important it is to maintain a budget and how to keep track of money spending. I have also learned that minutes are important and that getting correct information out in a good amount of time, is one way to be effective. This position has also taught me to not only lead, but to learn and listen. I will take this into perspective when I work in my career one day, ensuring that I listen to all my employees and take all their opinions into consideration before making any type of decision that will effect them.
Future in Leadership
While I am still trying to figure out what I exactly I want to do in the near future, I have learned many skills from my academics, my leadership positions, and my previous jobs that will help me be successful in what I do. I currently work at a resort in Williamsburg, where I live, and I absolutely love it. While I originally had come in to college with the idea that I wanted to be a teacher, I got into the classroom and realized that it was not for me at all. What I did realize is that I love working in a resort where I get to interact with people, whether good or bad, and help make their days better. One thing I am good at, that I have learned from my leadership positions, is I like to make people happy, especially when it is something so very small. Although I am not the person that is making their trip to my resort the best, I am helping in any way I can, even if it from behind the scenes, just like I do with my leadership positions in college.
Reflection of My Leadership
Everything I have done in my life, whether a previous job or leadership position will help me to be successful in any career I get into. I know that I will be nervous and I won’t be the best once I start the first day, but by knowing I won’t be 100% successful at the start, I know that I can be that successful with a lot of work and dedication to whatever I decided to do. To be successful, I will remember to be principle-centered and make sure that I don’t just focus on one thing. By being well-rounded, it will help me be an expert in the hospitality field.