Metaphorical Borders of Difference Essay

As the child of a single parent, I was exposed to challenges that bred instability. Despite the uncertainty of everyday life, my mother’s unconditional love grounded me and reaffirmed a belief that serves as the foundation of my leadership style; it takes just one person to change a life. It is my responsibility to not only provide this unconditional support but make others aware of their own capacity to impact the lives of others. With this said, I will address the metaphorical border of difference of socio-economic status.

My mother has worked hard to provide me a life of privilege no matter how much money was present within our bank account. The hardship in my life has awarded me the opportunity to develop profound connections in unexpected places. As a young black leader, I value different perspectives. This outlook allows me to learn from and add value to transformative experiences. Whether it is through baptizing colleagues in the Jordan River, engaging in discourse with Zen Masters, or visiting my father in a Federal Prison, I have learned that the human condition requires a platform to be heard and accepted.

When working with others from different socio-economic statuses it is important to cultivate an environment of acceptance. This will allow for ideas to be freely expressed making kindness easily accessible. In the context of humanity, the individual who may be homeless on the street has the same value as the CEO at Goldman Sax. Together, our diverse experiences can produce solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.

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The homeless individual may have the idea to eradicate poverty, while the CEO of Goldman Sax may have the connections, experience, and money to make the idea into a tangible solution. Humanity has an obligation to look past one’s socio-economic status and value another’s perspective based on merit and an individual’s character. As a young leader, I have a responsibility not to judge another based on his or her clothes, but the ideas they bring forth and the kindness they spread. Humanities’ collective responsibility is to create a platform for another’s story to be heard and not ostracize those who have the courage to face obstacles unbeknownst to others.

This approach to the metaphorical borders of difference or socio-economic status continually shapes my evolving leadership development philosophy. By embracing others authentically for themselves no matter their race, sex, or socioeconomic status we can empower others to be change agents. I would describe myself as an authentic leader. I am someone who first, through introspection, faces internal conflict in order to become a more genuine person who can lead others wholeheartedly. For instance, to overcome weaknesses or limitations you must understand the ones you have had in the past and present. It is not until you overcome your limits that you can be more accessible as a leader. Those who work with you will know whether or not you are trustworthy or genuine based on the way you view yourself. Everyone has insecurities, weaknesses, and limitations, however, through metacognition leaders are able to better identify areas to improve upon. By acknowledging these internal challenges, you become human and are relatable to your team members.

However, as a leader, you must emphasize, above all, that your goal is to defend and advance the interests of those who follow your lead. Weakness can be overcome, but blissful ignorance will breed conflict and fear. A leader must be aware of the realities not only within himself but within his team members. A leader has a duty to set his team members up for success. A leader must be supported when challenging his followers, but place his team members in positions where they will succeed. Creating a dynamic learning environment such as this requires a space that is rooted in love, acceptance, and non-judgment. Leadership requires one to learn from his followers, just as his or her followers learn from his or her leadership. A dialogue must always be present, which enables a leader to make an informed decision when guiding his team.

As an authentic leader, I emphasize the long-term impact and ethically sound organizational performance. Aware of my strengths such as creativity, writing, interpersonal relations, and macro-thinking, as well as, areas I can improve upon such as, data analysis, quantitative application, and micro-thinking, I can position myself and others to optimize our skillsets in group dynamics. I believe that by having a deep understanding of one’s self and a continuous desire to learn, I can foster an environment of high ethical standards, personal value-mission alignment, and proficiency within the organizations I lead. I place significance on authenticity, gratitude, and, above all, kindness. I use authenticity as a tool to break down barriers that prevent open dialogue. This will foster effective communication amongst my colleagues and team members. By being able to suspend judgment and acknowledge a common mission amongst our individual goals will allow for collective participation and an inclusive environment.

When collaborating with others, communication will determine the rate at which we create a positive impact. As an impact-driven leader, this is key to accomplishing objectives and fostering a healthy learning environment. Throughout my personal experience, I have learned that gratitude is essential in every organization. To work or create an organization that serves others in any capacity is a privilege. By remembering this tremendous gift, I desire to foster a culture of gratitude that will allow my team members and me to overcome challenges by returning to the “why” or the mission statement of an organization, refocusing our intentions, allowing for effective positive change. Kindness is the foundation from which I create the connection in my life and in my career. As a, a rising leader in the nonprofit sector my greatest assets are the people that surround me. Whether for funding, support, or those that make up my team, kindness will determine the longevity of my organization and determine the amount of impact produced. my leadership philosophy aims to foster an environment conducive to discovering creative solutions to complex problems.