Start Somewhere!

In thinking about starting this blog to generally cast thoughts and questions to peers. The far-fetched idea of how deep this blog could get along with the potential impact it could have for those having the same thoughts but unable to clearly communicate them was phenomenal. Obviously, I have been so dedicated to the elements of leadership and studying the principles of it from various professional sources whom I will not mention. Little is known about access to leadership development opportunities (Haddad, 2020). Therefore, over the past 6 years I have solely dedicated my life to learning as much about leadership as possible. Notice I said learning that has nothing to do with me portraying to be a know it all, but more less a dedicated student of the terminology and principles.

Education is something that some people will frown upon others for getting, whether it is another degree in a subject or pursuit of something larger than themselves. Which my journey in leadership is exactly that, a true mixture of both education and the pursuit to deliver a value driven approach to leadership. From the countless conferences and other networking events that I have been able to attend, the driving theme is that it did not start overnight. An increasing number of studies point to student gains from participation in leadership development opportunities (Haddad, 2020). None of the big name leaders that we admire and emulate woke up one day and knew everything. They had to study the craft and pour in countless hours daily to it thus going beyond the average call for duty.

I had the privilege of meeting John C. Maxwell at Church of the Highlands where the Pastor is Chris Hodges during the Grow Conference. From that brief 30-45 second exchange I was inspired to do more for others more so than before. As that is what truly pushed me to start this journey of blogging while dedicating it to the profession of law enforcement while trying to highlight elements of leadership. Komives, Owen, Longerbeam, Mainella, and Osteen (2005) mentioned the development of individual leadership identity that can lead to established self-awareness and self-development, which increases self-confidence, application of new skills, and enhanced motivations. Hopefully by making this leap WE can change some of the cultures and norms that are heavily entrenched within the profession. I understand it is going to be tough, but I am dedicated to the plan to turn this blog into something more than I imagined with the help of others.

References:

Haddad, B. (2020). ACCESS TO LEADERSHIP EFFICACY: Those Who Start Early Finish Ahead. Journal of Leadership Education, 19(2), 76–85. https://doi.org/10.12806/V19/I2/R6

Komives, S. R., Owen, J. E., Longerbeam, S. D., Mainella, F. C., & Osteen, L. (2005). Developing a leadership identity: A grounded theory. Journal of College Student Development, 46(6), 593-611. https://doi:10.1353/csd.2005.0061