5482Phil

Gracia (1992) defines philosophy (I) as a set of ideas or beliefs, concerning anything that an ordinary person may hold; (II) as a view of the world, or any of its parts that seeks to be accurate, consistent, and comprehensive; and (III) as a discipline of learning. I am Marquita O. Rodgers, a conscientious individual who goes that extra mile. I am devoted to students, colleagues, social responsibility and life-long learning. I am a positive, self-motivated, compassionate and reliable individual with a devotion to student growth and development and success. I am supportive of those individuals whose diversity is frown upon by the masses and I am open-minded and understanding of those who are not. I am ethical, oriented, caring, sincere, and knowledgeable about the world in which I live. I am humorous. I am trustworthy. I am fair. I am determined. I am a challenger. I am a leader; an educator; an advocate; a helper; a role model; a mentor; a friend.
 * 1) Activity whereby a view of the world or any of its parts that seeks to be accurate, consistent, and comprehensive, is produced.
 * 2) Formulation, explanation, and justification of rules by which the production of a view of the world, or any of its parts that seeks to be accurate, consistent, and comprehensive, is produced (philosophical methodology).” (in MacKinnon & Associates, 2004, p.4)

As a leader, educator, advocate, helper, role model; mentor and friend, I will: ú Create the best possible environment for myself and others so that we together can each contribute to the greater success of our goals. ú Remain open-minded to the ideas and suggestions put forth by the creative individuals I work with and work to implement ideas that can contribute to improving the process, product, and ourselves. ú Be willing to work through stumbles, setbacks and failures, and remain focused on the greater goals. ú Allow others to assume leadership roles and “step back”; in doing this I recognize that others have strengths greater than my own. ú Always remember the “bigger” picture, greater goals, and what is best for everyone involved (and then act to accomplish these above my own goals/needs and myself). I am not perfect; nor do I claim to be. I am me. There is no other like me. No one else possesses the same vigor as I do. I am only one person; one person who can and will make a difference. I am Marquita O. Rodgers, equal opportunity advocate.

As I look to define leadership, I am drawn to a quote by Marian Anderson, “Leadership should be born out of the understanding of the needs of those who would be affected by it.” This quote speaks to the adaptive nature of the art of leadership in that (1) organizations/teams are living systems (Wheatley, 2005), (2) organizations/teams are capable of purposeful collective action (Bensimon & Neumann, 1993), and (3) leaders tailor their approach based on their organizations/teams (Heifetz, 1994). In my definition of leadership, Gracia’s second and third tents of philosophy exhibit the role leadership possesses within my philosophy of student affairs, as the intent of my view is to be accurate, consistent and comprehensive.

In respect to my philosophy on student affairs and leadership, I resolve to continue to cultivate my leadership skills with the following three guiding principles: (1) providing direction to those whom I supervise and those to whom I answer to, (2) communicating my expectations, coordinating duties, and supervising and evaluating my staff, and (3) motivating those who I work and interact with. These principles, in turn, serve as the basis for my personal philosophy of leadership. As a leader I will (1) exhibit professionalism in the workplace, (2) serve as a professional role model, (3) observe and adhere to the four factors of leadership: follower, leader, communication and situation, (4) know and take into consideration: myself and others, and (5) become acquainted with my responsibilities in the position and the organization. As a student affairs practitioner I recognize that these five qualities are essential in my being able to educate, advocate for, and service the needs of students.

Taken together, I realize my personal mission statement and personal philosophy on leadership are essential to the continued understanding, awareness and appreciation of the profession of student affairs and to its success as a viable and indispensable service for students and institutions; as such I will continue to be an equal opportunity advocate for all.

References Bensimon, E. M., & Neumann, A. (1993). //Redesigning collegiate leadership: Teams and teamwork in higher education.// Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press. Chemers, M.M. (1997). //An integrative theory of leadership.// Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum. Heifetz, R.A. (1994). //Leadership without easy answers.// Cambridge, MA: The Belknap Press of Harvard University Press. Iverson, S. V. (2006). //Leadership in Higher Education Organizations.// Leadership in Educational Organizations: Kent State University, August 30, 2006. MacKinnon, J.D., & Associates (2004). //Rentz’s student affairs practice in higher education.// Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Publisher, LTD. Wheatley, M.J. (2005). //Finding our way: Leadership for an uncertain time.// San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publisher.