LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY AND STYLE PAPER
My Leadership Journey and Personal Approach
IFEBADIOFU MATTHEW OKORO
Central Michigan University
MSA: 601 Organizational Behavior and Leadership
Dr. Abby McGuire
September 24, 2023
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, my journey has been shaped by diverse
roles and experiences, allowing me to navigate through challenges and opportunities. This paper
aims to shed light on my leadership background, recounting my experiences as a Maintenance
Engineer/HSE Officer and a Mechanical Engineer in sales. By reflecting on these experiences
and aligning them with various leadership theories and models, I seek to uncover my personal
leadership style and the values that drive it.
My career began as a Maintenance Engineer/HSE Officer, where meticulous planning
and coordination were essential. Through proactive planning and adherence to ISO9001:2015
standards, I spearheaded comprehensive maintenance plans and upheld a culture of safety. I also
learned the significance of effective communication and optimized inventory management.
Transitioning to a Mechanical Engineer in sales demanded adaptability and responsiveness to
market dynamics. Implementing situational leadership, I tailored sales strategies to meet
evolving market demands. Moreover, my tenure highlighted the importance of authentic and
transparent leadership, emphasizing genuine relationships with clients.
Reflecting on these experiences, I resonate with transformational leadership, valuing
collective growth and well-being. My journey highlights a blend of leadership theories,
highlighting the need for a dynamic approach that aligns with organizational goals and individual
values. Emphasizing continuous improvement, adaptability, and integrity, my leadership
approach seeks to foster a culture of growth, understanding, and efficiency.
Drawing insights from scholarly sources and my personal experiences, this paper
provides a comprehensive exploration of my leadership journey and the principles that underpin
my leadership style. Through this journey, I have come to appreciate the art of leadership,
acknowledging that successful leadership is a harmonious integration of theories, experiences,
and personal beliefs.
Personal Values and Beliefs
In my leadership journey, I have come to embrace a set of core values that guide my
approach to leading teams and driving success within an organization. At the heart of my
leadership philosophy lies an unwavering commitment to safety, adaptability, integrity,
continuous improvement, and holistic well-being. These values have been shaped and reinforced
through my experiences in diverse roles, including Lead Maintenance Engineer, HSE Officer,
and Mechanical Engineer in sales (Bass & Riggio, 2006).
As a Lead Maintenance Engineer/HSE Officer, my focus on proactive maintenance
planning and compliance with ISO9001:2015 standards underscore my dedication to continuous
improvement and integrity (Bass & Riggio, 2006). I passionately believe in the importance of
setting high standards and inspiring collective effort to achieve organizational excellence. This
philosophy resonates with transformational leadership, where motivating teams towards a
common vision is key (Avolio & Walumbwa, 2014). Additionally, my unwavering commitment
to fostering a culture of safety aligns with the principles of authentic leadership, emphasizing
transparency, and genuine concern for the well-being of team members (Walumbwa et al., 2008).
In the realm of sales as a Mechanical Engineer, my leadership style is characterized by
adaptability and market responsiveness. Understanding that the business landscape is constantly
evolving, I believe in the necessity to adjust strategies to meet changing market dynamics
(Hersey et al., 2008). This aligns with situational leadership, where adapting to the needs of the
situation is paramount (Hersey et al., 2008). Moreover, my belief in collaboration and teamwork
to secure significant contracts emphasizes the importance of servant leadership, placing the
needs of the team at the forefront for mutual success (Greenleaf, 2002).
Transitioning to the role of Facility Maintenance/HSE Officer, my leadership ethos is
underscored by efficient facility management and proactive safety measures. I prioritize the
needs of the team and the organization, embodying the spirit of servant leadership (Greenleaf,
2002). My commitment to continuous improvement, reflected in efficient operations, aligns with
transformational leadership, where driving progress towards a shared vision is a fundamental
principle (Bass & Riggio, 2006). Additionally, my dedication to holistic well-being and
preventing workplace incidents resonates with the essence of authentic leadership, placing value
on the overall welfare of individuals (Walumbwa et al., 2008).
My personal values of safety, adaptability, integrity, continuous improvement, and
holistic well-being have found resonance in various leadership theories (Avolio & Walumbwa,
2014). Through my experiences in different roles, I have been able to translate these values into
actions that align with transformational, authentic, and servant leadership (Bass & Riggio, 2006).
These leadership models have provided a framework for me to nurture a dynamic leadership
style that adapts to contexts and prioritizes the collective success and well-being of both the team
and the organization (Northouse, 2018). The interplay between my values and leadership theories
emphasizes the significance of a versatile and people-centric approach to leadership in today's
evolving professional landscape.
Transformational Leadership Model: Bridging Philosophy and Action
As an organizational leader, my philosophy is rooted in transformational leadership,
which resonates with my experiences, reflections, and beliefs (Bass & Riggio, 2006).
Transformational leadership aligns with my values of safety, continuous improvement, integrity,
and employee well-being (Avolio & Walumbwa, 2014). This model emphasizes inspiring and
motivating individuals to achieve their fullest potential and work towards a shared vision (Bass
& Riggio, 2006). Drawing from my experiences as a Lead Maintenance Engineer/HSE Officer
and Facility Maintenance/HSE Officer, I have identified actionable strategies to implement this
leadership model effectively.
One actionable strategy is to instill a strong safety culture within the organization (Avolio
& Walumbwa, 2014). By consistently emphasizing safety protocols and encouraging open
communication regarding safety concerns, employees feel empowered to actively engage in
creating a safer work environment. This aligns with my belief in prioritizing the well-being of
individuals. Another strategy is the proactive development of maintenance plans and efficient
facility management (Bass & Riggio, 2006). By inspiring the team to meticulously plan and
coordinate maintenance activities, we can optimize operations and minimize disruptions. This
resonates with my value of continuous improvement and aligns with transformational
leadership's principle of setting high standards to encourage growth. Additionally, conducting
regular training sessions aligns with my belief in nurturing employee skills and growth (Hersey
et al., 2008). Empowering team members through hands-on training enhances their confidence
and contributes to their overall development, reflecting the essence of transformational
leadership.
These strategies intertwine with transformational leadership principles by inspiring a
shared vision of a safer, more efficient workplace (Avolio & Walumbwa, 2014). Encouraging
employee growth and aligning actions with organizational values and beliefs creates a
harmonious work environment. Transformational leadership serves as a cornerstone for my
approach as an organizational leader (Bass & Riggio, 2006). By prioritizing safety, continuous
improvement, and employee well-being, I aim to inspire and motivate individuals to strive for
excellence. Implementing strategies such as promoting safety culture, efficient maintenance
planning, and comprehensive training align with this leadership model, fostering a workplace
where growth and collective achievement are paramount. The goal is to create a positive impact
on both individuals and the organization.
Developing My Leadership Philosophy and Honing My Leadership Practice
In reflecting on my leadership experiences and aligning them with established leadership
theories, I have gained valuable insights to further shape my evolving leadership philosophy and
practice (Northouse, 2018). Transformational leadership, with its emphasis on inspiring a shared
vision and fostering a culture of safety and excellence, resonates deeply with my experiences as a
Lead Maintenance Engineer/HSE Officer (Bass & Riggio, 2006). Implementing proactive
maintenance plans and adhering to standards aligns well with this approach.
Servant leadership, which prioritizes the needs of the team and emphasizes collaboration,
aligns with my role as a Facility Maintenance/HSE Officer (Greenleaf, 2002). Guiding and
training team members and ensuring a safe working environment embody this philosophy.
Situational leadership, allowing for adaptability and tailoring approaches to specific
contexts, strongly relates to my experience as a Mechanical Engineer in sales (Hersey et al.,
2008). Adapting sales strategies to market dynamics and client needs underscores the importance
of situational awareness in leadership.
Authentic leadership, emphasizing transparency, integrity, and staying true to oneself,
deeply resonates with my beliefs and experiences across various roles (Walumbwa et al., 2008).
Maintaining accurate records, providing effective training, and promoting safety align with the
tenets of authentic leadership.
Moving forward, I will integrate these insights into my leadership philosophy. I will
strive for a balanced approach, drawing on the strengths of different theories as needed
(Northouse, 2018). Continuous growth, empathy, integrity, and adaptability will be at the core of
my leadership style, underpinned by a genuine commitment to the well-being and development
of my team.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my leadership journey, shaped by diverse roles and aligned with prominent
leadership theories, has crystallized into a philosophy centered on safety, adaptability, integrity,
continuous improvement, and holistic well-being (Bass & Riggio, 2006). Grounded in the
transformative power of inspiring a shared vision and prioritizing employee growth, my
leadership approach intertwines multiple models, ensuring a dynamic and people-centric strategy
(Northouse, 2018). With a commitment to continuous learning and integrating various insights, I
aspire to cultivate a leadership practice marked by growth, empathy, and unwavering dedication
to the advancement of both individuals and the organization.
References
Avolio, B. J., & Walumbwa, F. O. (2014). Transformational leadership and work-related
attitudes: The moderating effects of collective and individual self-efficacy. Journal of
Organizational Behavior, 35(3), 327-342.
Bass, B. M., & Riggio, R. E. (2006). Transformational Leadership (2nd ed.). Psychology Press.
Greenleaf, R. K. (2002). Servant Leadership: A Journey into the Nature of Legitimate Power and
Greatness (25th Anniversary Edition). Paulist Press.
Hersey, P., Blanchard, K. H., & Johnson, D. E. (2008). Management of Organizational Behavior:
Leading Human Resources (9th ed.). Pearson.
Northouse, P. G. (2018). Leadership: Theory and Practice (8th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Walumbwa, F. O., Avolio, B. J., Gardner, W. L., Wernsing, T. S., & Peterson, S. J. (2008).
Authentic leadership: Development and validation of a theory-based measure. Journal of
Management, 34(1), 89-126.