Running head: PHILOSOPHY 1

Personal Leadership Philosophy

Wendi D. Sparling

Azusa Pacific University

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Personal Leadership Philosophy

Foundation for my personal leadership philosophy is influenced by a heart for people and

a faith that seeks to serve (Keith, 2013). My is a desire to humbly, faithfully, respectfully, and

with integrity promote flourishing with those who have been entrusted to my sphere of influence

(Keller, 2012). Leadership is not limited to a role or job title, but in the whole of experience in

interacting with others (Keller, 2012). Accolades are not required, but there is appreciation in the

knowledge that I been involved in the journey (Keith, 2013). A life with purpose is a life lived

without excuses. My purpose as a leader is lead with authenticity and love for people

unabashedly and without excuses.

Leaders are committed to confident authenticity. Accomplishing the unfathomable takes

strategic initiative and faith. There is vulnerability in casting vision, admitting mistakes,

accountability, recognizing limitations, and pursuing truth (George, 2015). Leaders learn when to

be silent, when to speak and acknowledge that outcomes are not always favorable or popular, but

are committed to what is considered just. Difficult decisions should be made through

intentionality, compassionate listening and considering diverse perspectives, but leaders know

their values and when to uncompromising hold to truth. (George, 2015). This is not done in self-

interest, but in seeking what is best for all involved.

Leaders cultivate creativity. Creativity dares to imagine an unknown future. Innovation,

problem-solving, and developing ideas and people all involve pursuing unrealized potential.

Remaining teachable requires a growth mindset that acknowledges personal intellectual and

experiential limitations in the pursuit for truth (Palmer, 1983). I believe that everyone should be

encouraged to be actively engaged in wonder with eager expectation and appreciation for the

beauty shown in creation and in people (Keller, 2012). Collaboration celebrates creativity in the
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individuality in perspectives and knowledge (Sawyer, 2017). Community shares those

experiences with one another, creating stability and encouragement (Chittister, 1990).

Participating in interactions with other people part of the human experience. Creativity is

celebrated in those relationships.

Leaders pursue worth and possibility. Leadership is in the earnest pursuit, the journey,

that releases one another into the fullness of self-discovery and truth.
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References

Chittister, J. (1990). Wisdom distilled from the daily. Living the rule of St. Benedict today. San

Francisco, CA: HarperOne.

George, B. (2015). Discover your true north (2nd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.

Keith, K. M. (2013). The case for servant leadership (2nd ed.). The Greenleaf Center for Servant

Leadership.

Keller, T. & Alsdorf, K.L. (2012). Every good endeavor. Connecting your work to God’s work.

New York, NY: Penguin.

Palmer, P. (1983). To know as we are known. Education as a spiritual journey. San Francisco,

CA: Harper & Row.

Sawyer, K. (2017). Group genius. The creative power of collaboration. New York, NY: Basic

Books.
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