Ashley Burke

Leadership is the ability to lead when no one else can, but to also know the time to step back. A good leader needs to be open to the idea of listening to others; if you cannot follow others, you cannot expect others to follow you.

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Values

1. Creativity: Creativity in leadership gives you to think of some sometimes nontraditional solutions.

2. Dependability/Reliability: If I say that I am going to do something, I will do it no matter what, and I expect the same from others who make me promises.

3. Empathy: It gives you the ability to put yourself into other people's perspectives. This can help you come up with multiple solutions to benefit every party involved.

4. Optimism: No one has ever gotten anywhere when only looking for the negatives in life, if you want to do something you will.

5. Adventure: Adventure is full of risks. If you are afraid to change things whether they are big or small, how will you grow as a person?

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Signature Strengths

1. Strategic

2. Empathy

3. Ideation

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Mantra

I will set my mind on higher things

I will set my mind on becoming a leader

I will work on the small things first

I will keep my sense of humor

I will put things back

I will be willing to play second fiddle

I will be real and not fake

I will listen first and speak second

I will stay focused on the important things

And I will learn more about the one who made me!

This is what is called the ALA Creed. At my sleep away camp that I go to every year (Camp High Harbor), there is a program called the Advanced Leadership Academy. Within this program, you learn important leadership skills, and the final level is LIT Year. LIT Year is basically where you are tested on your abilities to see if you are a good fit for staff at the camp. That is what I did this summer, and this creed has stuck with me ever since. While I have other smaller mantras, this is by far the most important and special to me.

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Contact Me at:

[email protected]