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Reflection paper

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REFLECTION PAPER

Abstract

Wisdom is essential in leadership. The book of proverbs educates on the need for heeding to

instruction. Lecture 10 of this course has significantly impacted on my life as individual and

as a leader. Proverbs is a traditional approach to education, and only the determined get the

meanings. Wisdom is expressed by the wise, who understand it. This course is essential as it

teaches various ways of understanding knowledge. My leadership journey began early in life.

The defining moment of my superintendence happened when I was fixed between doing the

right thing and favoring a relative. Though it was a tough decision, it shaped my subsequent

leadership practices. Today, I value impartiality in making leadership decisions. Various

values and principles aid in leadership. Integrity, respect, and honesty are values embedded in

my personal life. They were instilled in me by my parents. I possess principles such as

expression, acceptance, and confidentiality. I also set boundaries for leadership and family,

an aspect that enables me to promote fairness. My strength and passion is a commitment to

leadership and public speaking. I acquired these virtues as I continually participated in church

activities. As a public speaker and a leader, I want to make a difference in the world by

spreading anti-corruption messages. It is true that when wicked people are in power, the

people groan.

Keywords: leadership, decision, strengths, passion, values, principles, integrated life

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Reflection paper

Introduction

Lecture 10, Introduction to the Book of Proverbs has significantly impacted

dramatically on my understanding of leadership, wisdom and the role of individuals in using

intelligence in everyday life. The proverbs of Solomon call for the importance of appreciating

knowledge, heeding to instruction and becoming a role model. Proverbs is a traditional

approach to teaching, and only the determined get the meanings. One of the objectives of the

chapter is to know how to interpret proverbs. Proverbs become meaningful when adequately

understood. The purpose of the book of Solomon is to impart instruction and wisdom, receive

judgment, wisdom, justice, and equity, and perceive the words of knowledge and offer

discretion and expertise to the young people. As a student, being in this class has made me

reflect on my principles and learned a lot on leadership.

The defining moment in my leadership journey

Most leaders have a particular moment when they had to make tough decisions. Such

situations are the defining moments of leadership. Since my high school years, I have always

been the leader of my local church youth group, a group that comprises of those aged

between 15 to 30 years. Often, I had never experienced any circumstance that necessitated

making a tough or a decision that affected me as the leader. In the group, one of the members

was my younger sister. During March last year, the youth were involved in participating in a

singing competition. Out of the 30 youth members that I lead, only 16 people were required

to attend the event. My sister was very determined to participate though she did not meet the

expectations. I had to make an impartial but unpleasant decision.

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I was obligated to make a decision that excluded a relative from the competition. My

decision to ban her was a strategy to adhere to the team’s laid out policies and regulations.

Though it was an unpleasant decision that affected my emotions as a brother, it was a

defining moment of leadership. I exercised fairness and became a role model to the others. In

this case, wisdom prevailed. The book of Proverbs 16:10-15 explains the role of a king in

administering justice (Yost, 2013). Justice is the foundation of stability. The moment gave

me an opportunity to maximize the potential of those I led and permit them to unravel their

wisdom. My father always told me of the importance of impartiality when making decisions

(Yost, 2013). Heeding to his counsel made me succeed, as noted in Proverbs 15:22.

My values, principles, and boundaries

In leadership, ethical decision making entails ensuring the well-being of others.

Decisions are made based on values and beliefs that surpass self-interest. A leader cannot

correctly comprehend his or her values unless tried and pressure (Williams, & Denney,

2010). Though it is easy to list values and principles, it is sometimes complicated to adhere to

those values for the benefit of others. I attribute my leadership to the beliefs and values that

my parents instilled in me when I was growing up. Values such as honest, respecting other

people and integrity were instilled in me as a young child. These are values that determine

my personality. My parents often instructed me to honor other people, not to tell lies and also

exhibit the correct moral principles. Integrity is sensitized in Proverbs 16:13. These values

are embedded in me as an individual.

Other values that promote ethical decision making include individualization,

acceptance, confidentiality, expression, and self-determination. Regarding individualization, I

always consider my ability to questions ideas rather than conforming to other people’s

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expectations. I also respect and accept people's uniqueness in culture, beliefs, race, and

lifestyle among others. The acceptance value is crucial in exercising justice (Carroll, &

Prickett, 2008). As an individual and a leader, respecting other people’s information is a

priority. The expression value entails giving people an opportunity to showcase their

creativity and opinions. Such values promote loyalty amongst people. In leadership, value-

based leadership is essential. Leadership is not only about emulating a role model but also

exhibiting personality. It must be founded on the true nature of an individual. Knowing my

values has helped me in handling various situations successfully.

Principles are universal and encompass human behavior. They govern the interaction

between individuals in society. But, people come up with their beliefs that guide them in life.

When faced with a problem, they refer to those principles and come up with a solution. My

ideas direct my daily life. I always believe in unity. Teamwork is an essential resource for

me. Often, I embrace teamwork when revising coursework. Collaboration enhances my

communication skills and confidence and offers room to appreciate diversity (Carroll, &

Prickett, 2008). I also take responsibility for my mistakes. Not everything can be done

correctly. In some cases, failure becomes an option though not the last solution. I admit

mistakes as they strengthen me to work harder.

Role modeling is also an essential principle in life. I prefer doing something for others

to emulate. Such a policy explains my practice of servant leadership. I also practice humility,

and I am not intemperate as advised in Proverbs 16:14-15. Despite different opinions and

relations from people, humility helps me to appreciate every encounter. Boundaries explain

why some leaders succeed while others fail. I set limits for family and leadership.

Relationships do not influence decision making. Any decision I make considers the needs of

all involved, regardless of their differences. Letting emotions influence decision making leads

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to injustice and bias. In youth leadership, for instance, I do not allow the presence of relatives

to interfere with my decisions. Not breaking boundaries has helped me achieve success in

youth leadership. Often, leaders break boundaries for self-interest, something that interferes

with their objectives.

How I discovered my strengths and passions

Different persons possess unique talents. Such talents are utilized in various ways

(Williams, & Denney, 2010). My individual story is an example of how our actions help us

identify our passions and strengths. When I was ten years, I highly participated in church

activities, ranging from drama, to dancing and even reading choral verses. Those around me

often applauded me for my confidence and excellence in discharging the assigned roles. My

involvement in the activities heightened when I was appointed as the youth coordinator of my

church. I never knew I had the confidence to speak and be heard until I was pushed to do it. I

also developed an interest in religious activities and teachings. What I achieved in my

childhood years instilled in me the strength to lead and participate in leadership activities. I

also evaluated my soft skills and found that they aligned with my brawniness.

One of the strengths I developed was commitment. Excelling in assigned roles

required dedication and selflessness. During my continued execution of duties as a youth

leader, I discovered that public speaking was my passion. I attribute the guidance and

opportunities I was granted to my discovery of this fervor. The breakthrough came at a time

when I profoundly exercised my values and principles in leadership and religious activities. I

now know that past and present experiences shape our talents and passions. Many people

struggle a lot to find their strengths and passions. It took longer to discover my enthusiasm

and live accordingly. Despite the drawbacks that I face, I usually overcome because I pursue

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my passion. I concentrate on my strengths rather than weaknesses. I also practice public

speaking frequently to master and perfect the related skills.

How I build an integrated life

I usually experience the exhausting struggle between family, education and spiritual

growth. I have considered a connection between the three to ensure that none of the three is

left unattended. In today’s world, people try to create a balance between work and family

(Bonem, 2012). When I was working as a Coca-Cola retailer after my High school, I saw the

need to live an integrated life. During this time, the best way to handle the situation was to

ensure that I did not carry unfinished business work at home. I took time to spend with my

family each day after work. I also set apart one hour of prayer. As a result, I had a balance

between work, family and spiritual life.

As a student, I usually have a schedule of lectures and personal study hours. I utilize

the time appropriately. Each morning and night, I take 30 to 40 minutes to pray. I also ensure

that I communicate with my family members each day before I retire to bed. Talking to my

parents and siblings keeps my moving and ready to conquer the next day. My parents are a

source of motivation. Living an integrated life is possible. It all depends on how an individual

plans his or her daily activities (Bonem, 2012). Family, work, education and spiritual life are

all prominent. Individuals should have a balance.

The difference I have sought to make in the world

Various things around the globe should be changed. I want to make an impact on the

leadership of the world through public speaking and book writing. One of the social injustices

committed globally is corruption (George, & Sims, 2007). It is experienced in all nations and

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almost of government departments. Persons desire to leave a legacy by being the richest and

the most famous in the world. But, as a leader and a public speaker, I want my passion and

skills to impact the world. The book of Proverbs 28:28 asserts that when corruption rules,

good people sink. But when the corrupt are eliminated, it is safe for the people to re-emerge.

But when the wicked are in authority, the people groan. There is no better way of eradicating

corruption rather than sensitizing all masses on its dangers.

As a public speaker, I want to be heard in significant conferences as I educate the

masses to stand up and fight corruption. I will also put anti-corruption ideas in writing and

distribute them to every reachable person. I want to change the face of humanity, society and

world leadership. I want the world to condemn corruption and eliminate it at all costs.

Nothing is impossible with education. If the masses are persuaded and the young generation

informed about the evil practice, it is possible to a next generation that does not practice

corruption. Leadership with bribery is self-centered and does not regard the interests of the

people. The proverbs of Solomon 29:2 also highlight that when the righteous people rule,

people are happy. I will ensure that my values of honesty, respect and integrity are widely

passed to the people and the upcoming generation.

What I have learned about leadership from this course

Previously, I did not know that wisdom was the basis of making value-based

decisions. Though I made right choices in the past, I did not understand more about

leadership. But, after learning the chapter on wisdom, relating to the proverbs of Solomon, I

now appreciate the importance of leadership and ethical decision making. Prudence calls for

servant leadership, role modeling and impartiality in authority (Winblad, 2009). Presently, I

know that it is difficult to fathom wisdom because wisdom is expressed by the wise. I also

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learned that understanding aligns with the fear of God. A critical aspect of leadership I have

learned in this course is humility. I will continue to exercise this principle in future. Proverbs,

15:33 highlights that humility precedes honor. For me to be recognized as a perfect leader, I

will have to exercise humility by accommodating others' opinions.

I have also learned that despite the drawbacks, of life, I should always fight a right

course. Better things do not occur naturally. Being able to withstand pressure is an important

leadership principle. Leadership comes will all manner of difficulties in not only making

decisions but ensuring that people respect and regard the leadership. I will always ensure that

the right things prevail. Through this course, I have appreciated the essentiality of seeking

advice. Seeking out information on crucial matters is crucial. Having the correct people

around can lessen the burden of leadership. Finally, I have learned about the significance of

authenticity in leadership. I will share my vision and live according to my values. I will

ensure that my team is self-monitored because wisdom exists when there are no regulations

or laws.

Conclusion

The proverbs of Solomon as learned in lecture 10 of the course are important in life.

The chapter focuses on the use of wisdom in everyday day life. Solomon appreciates the

importance of heeding to instruction, humility and the fear of God. Knowledge is the

foundation of good leadership. The defining moment of my leadership journey was when I

was obligated to make a decision that was impartial. I disregarded the wishes of a relative and

upheld integrity and honesty as a youth leader. Also, my strengths and passion are a

commitment to leadership and public speaking. I derived this power from participating in

church activities. I discovered my public speaking skills during my leadership journey as a

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youth leader. Since then I uphold values of integrity, honor, and honesty. I want to have a

global impact using public speaking, leadership, and book writing to end corruption.

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References

Bonem, M. (2012). In pursuit of great and godly leadership: Tapping the wisdom of the

world for the kingdom of God. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Carroll, R. P., & Prickett, S. (2008). The Bible: Authorized King James Version. Oxford:

Oxford University Press.

George, B., & Sims, P. (2007). True north: Discover your authentic leadership. San

Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Williams, P., & Denney, J. (2010). The leadership wisdom of Solomon: 28 essential

strategies for leading with integrity. Cincinnati, Ohio: Standard Pub.

Winblad, Per. (2009). The Wisdom of Leadership. Bch Fulfillment & Distribution.

Yost, R. A. (2013). Leadership Secrets from the Proverbs: An examination of leadership

principles from the book of Proverbs. Eugene: Wipf & Stock Publishers.

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