Leadership is many things and can appear in many circumstances. I have come to define my own leadership style, and appreciate those of other's, through a wide range of opportunities and challenges in my life time but specifically, at the UW. I have a few philosophies I believe are essential parts of my own leadership style, which are: to lead by example, to treat others how you want to be treated and to always keep a kind and humble heart. My life and actions are centered around these pillars, with the last aspect of my leadership style being that first and foremost, I believe anybody can be a leader. We often hear that some people are born leaders or that some people are natural leaders, and while this may be true, I believe that we often critique somebody's ability to lead based off of incorrect standards. Like the saying by Albert Einstein, "Everybody is a genius. But if we judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree it will live its whole life believing its stupid". I consider that theory to hold true for leadership as well; there are instances that anybody can lead, just as there are circumstances that you are better to follow. The last point I want to make sure and highlight is that in the rush to be a leader and to identify who the leader is, we often overlook and negate the follower. Being a follower is not a bad thing, nor should it be something looked down on. Those you may call a follower are people who have decided that you - 'the leader' - are worthy to be followed, so in return, as a leader, I believe you have the responsibility to nourish the leader within them.
“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” – John Quincy Adams