Leadership Plans for Upcoming Academic Year Over

Leadership Plans for Upcoming Academic Year

Over the course of the upcoming academic year, I hope to pursue opportunities that will ground my academic work in educational experiences outside of the classroom. I will become part of an undergraduate research program that will enable me to marry my real-life work in the world with what I have learned about marketing theory in school. I also will join more activities that will enable me to connect with other students of similar interests and aptitudes. One difficulty with working full-time and pursuing an undergraduate degree is that time is often scarce; obtaining a scholarship would free up more of my time to delve deeper into extracurricular activities. I have come to realize how the opportunities afforded to me to network with my peers and future employers are essential. I seek new opportunities to lead and to learn from other student and professional leaders in my field.

Essay 2 - Leadership philosophy

Based upon what I have learned in my marketing classes, I have come to believe that strong leadership is founded on authenticity. Leadership mission statements of organizations must be based upon deeds, not mere words. Great leaders have a vision and inspire others to follow that vision. There is an authenticity to the goals they wish to achieve which transcends egotism. Good leaders understand that it is not 'all about them' but rather about the organization. Followers are willing to challenge themselves to aid great leaders because they know that the leaders are honest, and that the leaders would not ask their subordinates to do something unless it truly 'needed to be done.' I believe in the need for charismatic leadership, but that charisma must be tempered with practicality and pragmatism.

Essay 3 - Effective and inspirational leadership

My greatest leadership role has undeniably been in my work as an event coordinator and marketing specialist. In this capacity, I help clients bring their vision to fruition. Event coordinators are responsible for acting in a leadership capacity throughout the planning of an event that is a major milestone in a client's life, such as a meeting, convention, charity auction, fashion show, or other event that requires the coordination of complex resources. In my role, I lead the client and lead the various components of the event, even while I must serve and follow the client's desires.

Event planners must understand the client's vision and the overall organizational culture and ethos of the client, so the event does not clash with this concept. For example, a hip, youth-oriented company would not necessarily want a golf event at a staid country club to market itself. Finding an appropriate location, entertainment, food, and sponsorship if necessary are some of the duties I must fulfill. I must put clients at ease so they know that I understand them. However, I must also be authoritative in my interactions with vendors and the individuals who make up the components of the event. The food must be served in a timely fashion, the employees at the door must be prompt, well-trained and courteous, and the event must seem to run seamlessly, no matter how much stress there may be behind the scenes. It is my job to show leadership of vision and also tactical vision. Sometimes it feels like event planning requires the stylistic eye of a Martha Stewart, the organizing ability of George Patton, and the diplomacy and tact of a UN ambassador!