Personal Note On Relational Leadership

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SLC has introduced a new perspective on a wide variety of topics. The recurring theme of relational leadership allowed me to critically analyze myself and the extent of which I personally live up to its intended benefits. Perhaps the biggest realization for me throughout the course of the semester was my strength in leading ethically but my inability to diversify. As the past leader of a religious youth group, I believe that I have done well in staying true to ethical leadership, however I have also seen how differences in belief and culture can make individuals feel, especially if they are an odd one out.
I admit that I am very limited in my capacity to empower others and also be inclusive at the same time. As a leader, I prioritize my ethics and seek to persuade others to not only agree with my ideas, but also to feel empowered by them. To me, my moral code and leadership style should work in harmony, not contradict. I, too, have Jesus as a personal anchor that serves as the core of my leadership values. However, this can generate issues when I am placed in a leadership position of a more diverse groups. For example, when doing my project with my group, we had to consider the population of the NC State student body that practiced different religions than that of Christianity when advertising for a Christmas themed cause. I find it challenging to empower others that do not conceive a similar mindset as me, because it becomes harder for me to find an anchor and purpose that applies to them.
To understand my weakness is to understand myself as an overall leader and grant me the chance to improve myself. Knowing that I have limited methods of empowerment will hopefully allow me to develop a means of working towards a great...

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...y comfort zones. I can aid the current leaders of my youth group, my predecessors, by sharing my newfound insight so that they, too, can continue to grow and develop a more inclusive community that preserves its ability to empower the soul. Communication must be kept up with, and I know that I can personally do my part to prioritize my activities so that I can set aside time for others who need me.
As for the village, I know that even if I am not a member next year, I will not stop being a leader. It has already given me a system for easy networking and relational connections that will be a huge advantage in the future. However, I know that there are still individuals in the village that I can grow closer with. By going outside of my regular friend groups, I can work towards accommodating to differing beliefs and personalities and being a relational leader to all.

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