Throughout this semester we have covered many topics relating to leadership, and in the process have seen the many forms that it can take. For me, it has become more and more apparent how fluid leadership is; by this I mean it takes its form dependent upon the situation. For example, a leadership theory suiting a small group of knowledge workers at Apple Inc. will not work for a large group of manual laborers at Ford Motor Company. Because of the difference between the skills, knowledge and personnel in these two situations, not one leadership method would work the best for both. While books like Good to Great by Jim Collins describe practices and traits of the “greatest” leaders, the people studied may not have been so successful in another field; they were just in the best situation for them.
In the end, it comes down to there being not one universally great type of leader. However, people do have the ability to become the best leader that they can be. I believe that this comes down to following your passions. Regardless of the skills and traits you may have, you are not able to fully reach your leadership potential if you are not in the situation best suited for you. By following your true interests you will fall into a job that you will excel at, from which comes the greatest potential for true leadership.
For myself, I know that my passion is in helping people. This is the reason why I got into hospitality and have found success in the industry. However, I will be following my interests in helping people on another route after graduation by working in the emergency services field. With my passion for helping others in a job that allows me to do this in the most meaningful way possible, I believe that I will be able to become the best leader that I can be.
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