Develop and submit a personal leadership philosophy that reflects what you think are characteristics of a good leader. Use the scholarly resources on leadership you selected to support your philosophy statement. Your personal leadership philosophy should include the following:
• A description of your core values.
• A personal mission and vision statement.
• An analysis of your CliftonStrengths Assessment summarizing the results of your profile
• A description of two key behaviors that you wish to strengthen.
• A development plan that explains how you plan to improve upon the two key behaviors you selected and an explanation of how you plan to achieve your personal vision. Be specific and provide examples.
Sample Answer
Personal Leadership Philosophy: Leading with Integrity and Intentional Growth
I. Foundation: Core Values, Mission, and Vision
My personal leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that effective leadership is an enabling force—one that exists not to command, but to create the conditions under which others can achieve their maximum potential. A leader's primary role is to set a compelling direction, build trust, and remove obstacles for the team.
A. Core Values
My actions and decisions as a leader are governed by the following non-negotiable values:
Integrity: Consistency between words and actions. I believe that ethical alignment and transparency are the bedrock of trust, which is the most critical component of team cohesion and follower commitment (as noted by Kouzes and Posner in their work on exemplary leadership).
Empathy: The capacity to understand and share the feelings of others. This value drives my approach to feedback, conflict resolution, and decision-making, ensuring that human impact is always considered alongside business outcomes.
Growth (Learner Mindset): A commitment to continuous personal and professional improvement. I value curiosity, adaptability, and the willingness to learn from failure, recognizing that the pace of change requires dynamic, rather than static, leadership.
B. Personal Mission Statement
To cultivate high-performing, autonomous teams by championing psychological safety, fostering a clear sense of purpose, and providing the resources and trust necessary for every individual to achieve mastery in their role.
C. Personal Vision Statement
To lead transformational initiatives that result in measurable, sustainable positive change within an organization and its wider community, ultimately becoming a mentor known for developing the next generation of ethical and empathetic leaders.