As I grow and develop into a better 4™ Class Midshipman, I cannot help but to reminisce on my past successes and failures. Understanding talents versus strengths and the ebb and flow of leadership as a relationship has taught me things I didn’t know about myself; further developing my reasons for coming and committing to the Unites States Naval Academy. Leadership is an evolution through a cycle. Experience, time, and situation are all factors that determine your level and when you advance. John Maxwell described it in the best way; first, you hold the position, then you are granted permission, ultimately leading to successful production and the development of your followers, ending with earned respect. I experienced these levels first hand in high school. [Maxwell]
As a freshman, I was ambitious seeking leadership and learning opportunities everywhere I went. It first started with the Technology Student Association. I showed my ability to succeed in STEM competitions and earned the position of secretary. Being a freshman, not many new me and the upper class were expected to follow my lead. I was a positional leader. People followed me because they had to. I took advantage of the situation to shape and define my leadership style evolving to the next level: permission. I saw as the year progressed, my peers began asking me for advice and actually taking it. I began connecting and serving those I lead and developed long lasting relationships. [Clifton]
At the end of my freshman year, I was a state finalist. Suddenly, I became a mentor for all those who wanted the same or more prestigious. I began leading by example and doing my best to develop others to become the best they could be. I became the first sophomore to ever become the Vice President of the organization. Through this organization I gained vital leadership skills that ultimately developed me into the Commander of my high schools AFJROTC detachment. At the same time I learned the value understanding my own talents and strengths as well as those in my surroundings.
Commonly, talents and strengths are described as what you are good at, but it is much more complicated than that. Talent is the desire and strength is the ability. Talents are patterns of behavior that empower you and help you achieve success. They are more than just academic or physical, they are conceptual and abstract. While a strength on the other hand is more quantitative and finite: the consistent successful results in a given area. In Lesson 4, in Preparing to Lead, the authors describe the relationship between a talent and a success best, “As you develop strengths by building on your greatest talents, achievements will naturally follow.” [Clifton]
The confidence and leadership that I developed, as a freshman and sophomore in high school, prepared me to open my mind to my own talents and strengths. Junior year commenced and a new program joined our school, AFJROTC. Immediately I was drawn by the success of cadets and their drive to lead. I wanted to, not only be a vital part of the organization, but to lead it. Within the first month I rose to an officer position in the corps. There I discovered the four domains of strengths; executing, influencing, relationship building, and strategic thinking. Each vital to my success as a Flight Commander; I needed to understand the how to get things done, solve a problem, then implement the solution; Help my team influence others to become better versions of themselves; bring the team closer and develop long lasting relationships; and focus on the future and what could be. I had to understand what domains I fell into and my team members in order to promote success and preserve the integrity of the team. This understanding ultimately push a career of leadership into the strength category. [Rath]
Now that I am a Midshipman at the service academy that I began dreaming about as a junior in high school the lessons I’ve learned have come full circle. This academy is a place where leadership is not only taught, but a priority. The ultimate goal of every midshipman here is to commission and lead Sailors and Marines into battle. That is why I chose to become a part of this family. In my high school career I started knowing nothing about my talents, strengths, or oven potential to become a great leader, and advanced to the top of my class. The second I drive into Gate 8, I was on the same playing field. Here I am back down to the first level of leadership, constantly striving to develop and evolve into higher levels, hoping to ultimately reach high success and achievement as well as the respect of peers. That is what has committed me to excellence. I have the potential to be successful, to make a pattern consistent, and to become a leader based on respect earned and not position held. This is the only place I have the ability to convert my potential into kinetic energy.
Works Cited
- Maxwell, John C. The Five Levels of Leadership: Proven Steps to Maximize Your Potential. New York: Center Street, 2011.
- Print. Clifton, D.O., Anderson, E., & Schreiner, L. A. (2006). StrengthQuest: Discover and Develop Your Strengths in Academics, Career, and Beyond. New York, NY: Gallup Press.
- Rath, ‘T., Conchie, B. (2009). What Makes a Great Leadership Team. New York, NY: Gallup Business Journal
