Part I
It is apparent that understanding self is vital in becoming an authentic leader. Self-awareness assumed a strategic role in Sally Helgesen’s story of leadership. Through self-awareness, Sally was able to establish her abilities and weaknesses. This offered her a chance of capitalizing on her strengths while checking on her failures. In essence, Sally gained confidence with herself through self-awareness. The author of the story highlights that Sally initially doubted her ability in becoming an authentic leader. However, this changed with time, as she eventually gains the confidence with her potential to take up the challenging role of leadership (Northouse, 2013).
Sally presents an authentic leadership since she is well versed with the area of her practice. Although Sally doubted her ability in taking up a leadership role as a Social Scientist, her successful works in the field affirm her high ability and expertise. The author notes that most of her publications realized an overwhelming attention and won reputable awards. Essentially, Sally’s leadership is authentic because she has extensive experience in her professional, the knowledge she has accrued from her rigorous researches.
Taking on the “mantle of leadership” was essential for Sally’s leadership. The undertaking is important because Sally acknowledged the fact she was a leader, thus preparing herself to face the challenges that characterized her position. Taking on the mantle of leadership is related to the leader’s authenticity because it enables one to acknowledge his or her responsibilities and expectations to work hard in attaining them. In essence, Sally had already developed a high profile that she needed to work hard to maintain. The society no longer views her as a mere writer, but as a reputable Social Scientist expert (Northouse, 2013). Every leader reaches a point in his or her career where embracing the leadership role becomes essential. This happens because one’s responsibilities increase as one develops in his or her career.
Part II
I am Haitham Alghamdi 23 years old male from Saudi Arabia. I moved from my mother country to United States in the year 2008. I finished my language school and started college in 2010, before joining university in 2012. I am presently pursuing a bachelor degree, majoring in Accounting BBA. I present unique entrepreneurial and statistical skills, the aspects that have motivated me to pursue a course in Accounting BBA. Furthermore, I am an enthusiastic and self-motivated person who finds self-satisfaction in being successful in his undertakings. I am highly motivated to be a successful accountant and business consultant in the future. My plans include starting a family and enrolling for a Masters degree after completing my Bachelors course. A Master degree will offer me a chance of advancing my knowledge and skills in Accounting, offering the opportunity of taking up more advanced duties.
I have observed that my country, Saudi Arabia ranks behind economically due to lack of enough and skilled personnel to foster development. I will return to my country to fill this gap after completing my studies. Saudi Arabia, which is a third world country, needs its own people to develop. Saudi Arabia is a country with high economic potential; however, it has competed poorly in terms of economic development because lack of experts has resulted to under-exploitation of the available avenues. With the skills attained from my studies, I intend to make a difference by changing this state. I will utilize my expertise in improving the welfare of the people in my country. Furthermore, I am motivated to establish a successful career and authentic leadership by employing the learned concepts.
References
Northouse, P. G. (2013). Leadership: Theory and practice. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.
