Being a Consistent Leader in an Everchanging World: A Reflection on Leadership

The Role of Adaptability in Leadership

A strong leader has the power to impact the lives of the people they lead, and this requires the ability to adapt their leadership style to meet the evolving needs of their team. To lead effectively, I believe it is crucial to build personal connections with my team members. Understanding what motivates them, what their goals are, and how I can support them in reaching those goals allows me to foster a more adaptable and responsive leadership dynamic. Over the past 4.5 years, I have been committed to refining my approach and embracing continuous improvement as I adapt to new challenges.

Adapting Leadership Styles for Success

Effective leaders must be able to adjust their approach to fit both the challenges of their roles and the unique needs of their teams. My leadership journey began in 2020 when I joined the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University, a military-style leadership organization. Throughout my time in the Corps, I had the opportunity to take on various leadership roles, each with its own challenges, which helped me grow in my ability to adapt and lead effectively.

Early Leadership Experience with Adaptability in Leadership

During my sophomore year, I held two leadership positions: Fire Team Leader and Clerk. As the Clerk, my responsibilities centered around managing the group’s finances, ensuring we operated with fiscal responsibility. My duties as a Fire Team Leader were more demanding as I had to oversee the training of three freshman cadets, a task that required a tailored approach given the unique needs of each cadet. Due to the challenges posed by COVID-19, our sophomore class was small, which meant I had to take on extra responsibilities. Typically, a Fire Team Leader manages only one or two cadets, but with a reduced class size, I was tasked with overseeing three. I quickly realized that each cadet required a different leadership approach: one needed a tougher, more structured style, another responded better to a gentler hand, and the third required varying styles depending on the situation. This experience taught me the importance of adapting my leadership style to fit the individual needs of those I lead.

Adapting Leadership Styles

During my junior year, I held two leadership positions again: Platoon Sergeant and Chaplain. This year proved to be particularly challenging, as my roles often conflicted with each other. As Chaplain, my responsibility was to support cadets who were struggling mentally by being approachable and helping them with their troubles. On the other hand,  as a Platoon Sergeant, I was expected to maintain discipline and enforce a more rigid, authoritative structure. My Chaplain duties often took precedence because creating a supportive, safe environment was crucial in the high-pressure context of the Corps. This year taught me that the most effective leaders are not just those who enforce rules but those who can balance authority with empathy and support.

Integrating Adaptability into Leadership

As I entered my senior year, I once again found myself balancing two leadership roles: Executive Officer and Major Unit Chaplain. This transition reinforced that leadership is not only about directing others but also about fostering an environment where team members feel heard, understood, and supported. I found that I had more success when I took the time to listen to others, rather than simply dictating what needed to be done. This experience demonstrated the importance of adaptability, communication, and collaboration in leadership.

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Continuous Growth as a Leader

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a leader is that leadership development is an ongoing process. There is always room for improvement, and the most effective leaders are those who never stop learning and evolving. After completing my time in the Corps, I enrolled in a leadership course specifically focused on the Natural Resource sector, an industry I’m considering for my future career.  This class reinforced the idea that leadership is not a destination, but a journey. While I feel confident in my leadership abilities, I know there is always room to learn more about myself and leadership. While I feel confident in my leadership abilities, I am aware that there is always more to learn about myself and the people I lead.

Leadership in Adaptability in Today’s World

After 4.5 years of diverse leadership experiences, I have refined my leadership style and am eager to continue growing as a leader. I have learned that my approach centers on building authentic relationships with the people I lead, ensuring they feel heard and valued. By engaging in open conversations and listening to their concerns, I can create an environment where people feel comfortable and motivated to contribute. I have also learned that when people feel included and respected, they are more invested in their work and more likely to perform at their best. Although my leadership journey is far from complete, I am proud of the progress I have made and am excited for the continued growth that lies ahead.