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I have always taken on the leader role. My mother tells me that I do this because I am the oldest of three and I like to boss people around. As I got older, I realized that it wasn't bossing people around, but instead giving them an example to follow. I am very extroverted. My husband will be the first to tell you that it is intimidating because I am so outgoing. It's not that I feel the need to talk, but the need to listen to others and get to know them better. By no means would I consider myself a follower. It isn't that I need to be the leader, but I recognize myself as being a unique individual that has very strong opinions. Many people struggle to lead people like me.

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Many of the leaders that I know share the same characteristics. They are good listeners, hard workers, caring, genuine, trusting, open, honest, and there when you need them. Good leaders lead by example so others want to follow.

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The names that come to mind are Eric, Brian, and Dave. All three of these people show genuine love and respect for the people around them. They trust that people know how to do their jobs and encourage them to be independent instead of making them feel small by watching over unnecessarily. Having people around that trust me is a huge deal. I know how to do my job and I need you to know it too. Another trait that stands out is the amount they care. Each have seen me with different health issues, especially during pregnancy. It was scary for me but I found relief in knowing that they were looking out for me.

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I struggled to think of who my role models are. In all honesty, I have never really thought much about it.
Dalai Lama
What do you feel is the best way to resolve conflict while keeping the peace between the two groups?
Answer: Well, I feel that being open and honest can lead to an agreement that both sides agree on. Being understanding of one anothers views and values can lead you down a path of peaceful resolutions.
What makes you a great leader?
Answer: I believe that being a good leader means being understanding and loving of all people regardless of their views. It is important to love one another for who we are as individuals.
Angelina Jolie
Why did you make a shift from being a successful actress to being a humanitarian that fights for the rights of the unheard?
Answer: Being able to make a difference while having a global identity seemed to be the right thing to do. What I say is often heard so why not stand up for those that are not heard.
What makes you a good leader?
Answer: My ability to take a side and stand up for what I believe in regardless of the popular opinion. If you believe in something, stand up for it, even if you are the only one standing. Be strong and trust your opinions.

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When I think of who are my role models, I think of Mother Teresa and Abraham Lincoln. Both of these people lived through great hardship and had the courage to keep on going to do great things. Abraham came from poverty and rose to be a great advocate of others living under much worse conditions. Mother Teresa worked with the poorest of the poor, making sure that they lived and died with dignity, following the works of mercy and relying on God to help her. I would like to ask them what they prayed for when under great stress. I think they both would have said they would have prayed for others who suffered greatly before themselves. Mother Teresa would also have said that she always prayed for God to work through others. I try to imagine what they would do or say when I am under stress.

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Leadership characteristics that I admire in people are those that include being honest, great listeners, hard working, and have a genuine concern for people and all God's creation. They have a positive outlook and set a good example.

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Even though I am the "quiet one" in my three different group of friends, I realize that they look to me to organize our next gathering.  When I was voted President 3 years in a row for our sorority group because they thought I made a great leader. When I was on my church's Parish council,  I took on many tasks that involved scheduling for different events because they knew I was organized and would get the job done quickly.  I don't know if this counts as being a leader, but for many years I have enjoyed hosting several different gatherings with family and friends throughout the summer months and then sit back and watch the guests having a great time.
How I lead is by planning ahead, communicating with others the plans in a timely manner, giving reminders, being organized, being willing to help out whenever I can, and being a good listener.

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The names of the people that have been good leaders in my life are Carole, Margaret, Rita, Joe, and Kayla. All of them made it known how wonderful people were , what a great job they were doing. They always looked for the positive in situations. They were never too busy to lend a helping hand, give a listening ear, or provide a shoulder to cry on.

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My first thought was to choose Martin Luther King Jr, who was a great leader.  But I decided to go with Mahatma Gandhi.  Both worked to change unfair laws in peaceful ways.
Mr. Gandi,  I understand that you were not a great student  and that you failed your first case as a lawyer.  How did you have the courage to peacefully work to improve the life of the people in India who were being treated unfairly?
Mahatma Gandi:  I may be small in size but I am Indian and saw how my people were being treated.  It was unfair and I knew that using violence was not the way to get laws changed.   I used my time that I was imprisoned to read and learned how to make changes without violence.  A great leader  really listens and focuses on the truth and what is right.   A great leader sets good examples for others.  A great leader always strives to be the best person they can be.

Mr. Abraham Lincoln,  Why did you persist in running for presidency?  You lost four elections before you got the job.
Abe: Since I was a young lad, I could not walk away from something that not right. I always will stand firm when it is something I believe in. It was not right that people were treated unfairly just because of the color of their skin. A great leader will stand up for someone who needs help. A great leader will speak for others when they cannot speak for themselves. A great leader will "fight" for what is right and fair for all.

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By reflecting on the groups that I belong to, I realized that I am more of a leader than I thought I was. Usually within groups I tend to be more of a follower. However, as I increase my participation in various groups and establish more confidence in myself, I find myself taking on more of a leadership role.

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The best leaders that I know share a lot of the same characteristics. They are effective problem solvers, they are always willing to lend a helping hand, they are great listeners, and they are overall positive people. These are all qualities that I strive to obtain on a daily basis, especially when I am stressed out.

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As I reflect on the great leaders that I have known, I find that they possess many of the same characteristics. These characteristics (honesty, conviction, commitment, integrity, hard work ethic, motivational, etc.) are probably seen in most great leaders. However, I believe that it is important to recognize that not all great leaders possess the same characteristics. Depending on the circumstances, people involved, emotions, purpose, etc., certain qualities may need to be present and/stronger than other qualities. As a result, people can be seen as leaders for many different reasons. My goal is to be a leader for my students and colleagues. I truly want what is best for them and I believe that my assistance can help them on their journey of life.

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When I reflect on the groups that I belong to, I realize that I tend to take on leadership roles within these groups.  I am an extrovert who likes to plan things, take charge, be organized and be in the "thick of things".  I am also very loyal, trustworthy, and loving.  I will go above and beyond for those I care about and causes I feel strongly about.  I do believe that many of these qualities will help me as I strive to be a better leader and mentor.

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Understanding the weight associated with being in a position of leadership is quite daunting to me. I think this fear is good for anyone who is entering the position or approaching a position of leadership. I tend to assume that good leaders are natural- they don’t have to work hard on developing skills and tools to provide others with resources of success. This has got to be a lie. Through this first module I’ve come to understand and further assess my beliefs in this.

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Within all these people I’ve noticed the traits that help them to take time to truly care about those working around them- be it in a higher or lower job capacity. They’ve all impacted the way I interact with others. Through showing me that compassion doesn’t equate to weakness or coddling I’ve been able to further understand the delicate balance we must play in support and encouragement.

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This is such an interesting topic. Gosh, to pick only two! Here I go:

Theodore Roosevelt: I’m so interested in your involvement and wide fingerprint on conservation in our country. You really had a way of saving our most beautiful natural resources for future generations. What drove you to get involved in the progressive era?

Expected answer: I’ve loved the out of doors since I was a boy. Growing up sickly brought me to a lifestyle of strenuous activity and physical labor. When I got involved in politics it was my love of nature that drove me to save and share the wonders of our beautiful nation. It is in my biggest dreams and hopes that this national treasure known as our National Parks System continues to grow, influence our people, and remind us of the boundless inspiration of mother nature.

Teddy’s answer to the leadership question: To be labeled a great leader is to not understand my hardships. It is through these internal quests to better oneself that we are to leave a nation more grand than that which we can imagine. By looking back on the history of our nation, our great military strategy and the leaders that have come before me I can only hope to build upon what is already here- in the best interest of all.

Frida Khalo: Your take on the self-portait has changed the art world forever. Your use of colors, bold and brilliant visual representations of feeling, and the convergence of your culture with your personal aesthetic is no less than invigorating for all who look to understand, not just to see your work. How did you mean to affect other artists and their development into the visual arts?

Expected answer: My art is my personal expression. Although I am flattered by your description I think you give my planning process too much credence. I paint to live, I live to paint. Without this, I would die. My wings would be cut, and I could not fly.

Frida’s answer to the leadership question: In what way am I considered a leader? All I do is express myself in a way to get these feelings away from my center. If others find comfort in this-then let it be so. As for being a woman in a position of leadership. Why not? There should be more of this.

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When reflecting on people that I have worked with or for, two individuals stand out.  The first is a former principal of mine and the second is my current principal. I enjoy(ed) working with both of these individuals and I believe that I am a better teacher because of their leadership. The qualities and characteristics that they both possess(ed) are similar. They are/were extroverts, hardworking, caring, knowledgeable, down to earth, and willing to do what is/was necessary to provide the best education possible for students and the best working environment for teachers. Their examples have shown me what a successful, strong, and passionate leader looks like. I only hope that someday, I can be half as good a leader as they are .

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Two inspirational leaders that quickly came to my mind were Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rosa Parks. Both of these individuals were passionate about civil rights and determined to see equality among all races. I admire the strength, bravery, drive, and confidence that they possessed when taking a stand for what they believed in. As a result, I inspire to be more like them when I am advocating for my students. I also desire to be able to motivate my students and colleagues as they motivated their supporters. Both of these leaders possessed qualities and characteristics that made them successful in their endeavors. I believe that I also possess some of these qualities and characteristics as well. I just need to continue channeling my efforts into becoming the best leader possible.

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This activity had me thinking hard. At first I had no idea who I was going to choose as a person (past or present) that was influential to me. Of course I have friends and family who are very influential, but I wanted to dive deeper to see if there was anyone in history whose story had a positive impact on me. I eventually came up with Mother Teresa and St. Gianna (who happens to be my confirmation saint).

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This activity helped me to hone in on the influential people that are in my life. It helped me to realize that I am very blessed! By focusing on the positive characteristics of those around me, it instilled in me a drive to want to work towards becoming the best version of myself. It also helped me to remember to stay positive!