A Leader's Legacy: Overview of Chapters 1-3

After reading the introduction, and first few chapters of A Leader's Legacy, by Kouzes & Posner, I have learned about the many different definitions of leadership.  The riveting opener in the introduction, quoting, "When we move on, people do not remember us for what we do ourselves.  They remember us for what we do for them," definitely sums up the theme and basis for this novel (10).  I do want to make a difference in the world, I don't want to live on accomplishing nothing, and being satisfied with flying under the radar for the rest of my life.  But in order for one to make a difference; commitment and self-sacrifice is of the utmost importance.  The readiness to suffer in order to make a difference in someone else's life, is a quality determined leaders must be prepared to make.  I know it's not life-changing, but I made the decision to enroll in the G.L.A.D workshop, and devote my Wednesday afternoons to learning about how to become a great leader, not only in the Greek community, but thoughout campus and throughout life.  But I must be willing to take the necessary steps, and be willing to overcome challenges in order to do so.
In the next chapter, the author(s) elaborate(s) on how the best leaders are teachers.  I definitely agree with this philosophy, and since I am considering teaching for my future career path, I know that from past experiences, the teachers I've had and the professors I have now, have impacted me positively and served as role-models for me over the years.  One must gain respect and trust from a classroom, but it is not solely given, it is earned. Every week in GLAD, we look up to the directors who present every week and look to them for advice in regards to managing our own lives.
In the final section, readers learn that credibility is the foundation of leadership.  It relates to a commitment and the willingness one is able and eager to put into a leadership role.  From a behavioral perspective, credibility is about doing what you say you will do.  If one never seeks feedback from their behavior, how will they know how their behavior affects others?  The author continues on to describe that the best leaders are in tune to what's going on inside themselves as they are leading and to what's going on with others.  Narcissism and acting conceited will get you nowhere in a leadership position.  A leader is considerate of others, not solely relying on self-absorption and their needs and desires, but what is important to others.  A leader needs to be aware of what's going on around them, and to be constanly observant.  It is a guarantee, that while leading a group of people, there are bound to be problems, disagreements and conflict.  The authors rely on setting up a system for getting regular feedback and paying attention to that feedback in order to move an organization forward more effectively so that the leader can have a positive impact on the group.
In conclusion to these sections, I have gained much more of an insight into becoming a leader, and I'm looking forward to taking more classes each week during GLAD and gaining more knowledge on the subject matter so that I may improve my everyday life and chapter as a whole in my Greek organization.