What is a leader? How does one achieve true leadership status? These questions and many more pertaining to the nature of leadership have perplexed scholars and philosophers for centuries and will continue to be debated for generations to come. The simple dictionary definition suggests that a leader is a guide, an example, and a manager. Chancellor Jack Hawkins says that leadership is "the management of hope." Another published definition says that leadership is a relationship between a central figure (i.e. a leader) and a group where the central figure moves the group to achieve a mutual goal (Gardner 1). Robert Greenleaf, a noted businessman and writer of leadership literature believes that a leader is a servant that aspires to leadership, making sure that other people have their highest needs met (Spears 2). Despite these variations and the countless other definitions for leadership, they all covey to me the same basic message of what makes a leader. I believe that, based upon my life experiences and the leadership philosophies of others, a leader is someone that inspires and mobilizes peers and subordinates to attain some collective goal that will improve the quality of life.
             A leader can be in charge of millions, thousands, hundreds of people, or can influence just one other person in the form of a mentor. In my life, I hope to be a leader for many different people in many different situations. For example, not only would I want to be a leader at work, but also a leader in the community in which I live. After all, if I help to improve the quality of life for those around me, it will improve my life as well. I will use Christian ideals and democratic principles to ensure peace and equality among my followers. I will encourage participation, compromise, and a desire to succeed in everyone that I work with.
             At the heart of every leader is a set of beliefs that drives them in everything they do. Dr. Pullen, dean ...