The Leader in Me

As I was surfing the internet which I usually do every night, I have come across a saying from John Quincy Adams that says, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” It occurred to me what kind of leader I want to be. Leadership to me is a passage of discovery, not only for myself, but a discovery of other person’s potential that I also may learn from them. As a teacher, I want to instill to my students the hope for success and a belief in them, empowering them to accomplish their goals, and helping them manifest their highest potentials while they toil towards a vision that adds value to the world at large. I want to use this opportunity to make a positive difference in society and to give guidance to those that will follow, the younger generation. As a mature individual and as a mentor, it is my responsibility to be sensitive to their needs and make an important impact in their lives so that it will also flow through the lives that they may lead in the future.

I want to say over and over again that leadership is not about position, but action and quality of your character. Character is about self-leadership. Once you lead yourself well, others may want to follow. It is the foundation on which leader's life is built. It all starts with the character, because leadership fastens on the basis of trust. If people don't have confidence that is trust based in you, they will never follow. Doubts will creep to them like a robber and steal the only chance for them to pursue a better direction – following that is essential to leading.

The Leader I Admire

“ Leadership is NOT about changing the mindset of the group, but in the cultivation of an environment that brings out the best and inspires the individuals in that group. It is NOT the ability to influence others to do something they are not committed to, but rather to nurture a culture that motivates and even excites individuals to do what is required for the benefit of all. It is NOT carrying others to the end result, but setting the surrounding for developing qualities in them to so they may carry each other.” - by Arthur F. Carmazzi

Over the course of reality, humanity has witnessed many noteworthy individuals who are conscientious for shaping the world as we know it. A leader with exceptional aptitude to influence other people and also determined to accomplish his or her targeted objectives will be permanently embedded in history.

One of the most important qualities of a good leader is a sturdy set of moral values. It is a reference when one is faced with tough decision-making. A leader with moral values gives his or her followers the assurance that the decisions they make will be enviable. A good leader is always committed to his team as well as his work. He discriminates both his professional and personal life. The intention should always be to perform better than the last time, at the same time staying focused on the very goal.

Taking account all the aforementioned qualities of a leader, I have come to realize that they are all referred to the leader that I admire most. He is Ramon Magsaysay, the third president of the Republic of the Philippines. His life had great impact not only to his country but on many people in many lands. He was one of the outstanding leaders of his time. History has witnessed his greatness and popularity. He was committed to true public service and was able to bring the government closer to the people. He renewed the people’s heart with patriotism and the love of country.

“I believe that government starts at the bottom and moves upward, for government exists for the welfare of the masses of the nation.” - Ramon Magsaysay



Ramon Magsaysay earned the admiration, respect and love of people because he was a simple, modest man, who cared for all people as individuals and believed in their dignity and importance and because he had the courage of his convictions. His purpose was to pave way for improvement among Filipinos and he approached the task with noble devotion. He was certain that government, to last and to be sound, must have integrity and reflect the will of the people. He worked to build a nation in which all people were free and lived in honor and peace with one another. His spirit will continue to be an inspiration. He is an embodiment of a type of leadership which we badly need in our country today.

An ideal leader is someone who has the driving force, skills, style and an air of positivism even when faced with pressures and difficult circumstances.
Becoming a better leader and a better person is a never-ending pursuit, but a worthy one nonetheless. Ramon Magsaysay’s genuine and humble governance, courage to act when action is called for, and solid self-confidence has empowered every Filipino to embrace the dreams, thoughts and excellence of others rather than being overshadowed by selfish goals. Taking him as my inspiration is just like crafting new designs for personal innovations that are eminently more attractive and yet achievable and sustainable. This must give way to an enlightened strategic self-development.