Personal Values Of Leadership: My Personal Code Of Ethics

My personal code of ethics is constructed by a set of ideas and standards that are guided through the use of knowledge and personal beliefs. Each individual is raised with unique values and experiences that internalize personal identity. Our identity is guided and shaped through the interactions from parents, community, teachers, and peers. Leadership identity is no different. Educational leaders should be given the opportunity to take the time to develop their own personal codes of ethics based on life stories and critical incidents. (Shapiro & Stefkovich, 2011, p. 23) Understanding our values and beliefs are the basis for successful leadership. As Shapiro and Stefkovich (2011) state, “a professional ethical code cannot be established without

This has stuck with me throughout my life and I have utilized my code of ethics through the various positions I have held as an educator. Though I might have professional differences with co-workers, I try to look at the situation objectively, without judging by personality or other aspects of personal life. As Shapiro and Stefkovich (2011) state, “development of professional codes involve consideration of community standards, including both the professional community and the community in which the leader works.” (p.24) Even though they were discussing professional ethics, I took this into consideration while developing my personal ethics. I thought about the community in which I work. It is diverse; many different races, religions, etc., so it was important for me to remember that these will be my students and the parents that I will have to have meetings with. I want to remember what my parents embedded in me years ago which is to treat everyone with respect and

I believe that these go hand in hand because you cannot be a good person or leader without utilizing both. I’ve learned these hard working skills from my mother as she is the hardest working woman that I know. My father passed away when I was 6 years old leaving my mother to take care of two young children on her own with most of her family in another country as she came to America when she was in her 20s. Where some would have folded under this pressure, having little support and little income, my mother worked two jobs and strived to make our lives the best that she could. Seeing her perseverance throughout my life inspired me to be the kind of person my mother was and still is