The College of Business at Ohio University

Matthew J. Witten

Leadership Development Portfolio

10/9/2011

Contents

I. Personal Mission Statement

II. My Leadership Style

III. Strengths

III. Areas of Development

IV. Leaders to Imitate

V. Leadership Experience

VI. Differential Advantages

VIII. Mentoring and Coaching Process

VII. 5-Year Plan

I. Personal Mission Statement

II. My Leadership Style

The leadership style that I most try to emulate is servant leadership through example. I believe it is often ineffective to tell and coerce through power, and that a leader should demonstrate first and then provide the tools for others to perform. This creates high activity and interaction with those being led, and provides a team atmosphere that is conducive to constant learning and cooperation. When I lead I believe it is my job to first show a determination and ability to reach towards the goal, and then empower others to do the same. By serving others I can help show them their worth, and create consistency within the group’s efforts.

III. Strengths

III. Areas of Development

Another quality that I try to focus on is my desire to constantly learn and improve. With this desire comes the need to identify areas in which I struggle and need improvement. For someone to be effective as a leader I believe they must be innovative and aware of their own downfalls and areas that need changed. Some of the things I am doing to improve myself are;

Seeking outside help during a project. One of the things I have learned through life is that often if I want something, I need to be the one who gets it. My parents made me work for whatever I was given, and I am grateful for that. However, that has also sometimes made me less inclined to ask for favors or help. While it is good to do my best to complete projects that I have been given, it is also good to seek advice from those who may know more than me.
Not being too hard on myself. I am a goal-oriented leader and try to continuously improve, which is good, however sometimes I push myself too much. I tend to downplay my achievements and magnify my downfalls in my own mind. While I want to continue to hold high standards for my work and goals, I need to be more forgiving and realistic.
Desire to micromanage. I try to always produce things of superior quality, which means I sometimes can micromanage. To try to avoid this I am trying to develop the ability to delegate better, and realize that things can usually be done many different ways, still providing a quality output.

IV. Leaders to Imitate

I think that everyone should pursue their own leadership style; however there are certain leaders who I believe show characteristics crucial to being a strong leader

1.) John Wooden

2.) Jesus Christ

3.) Henry Ford

V. Leadership Experience

Growing up I had numerous opportunities to try and grow as a leader, from being president of my church youth group to being captain of my high school’s basketball and baseball teams. I enjoy the opportunity to lead, and some places where I have taken on leadership roles so far at Ohio University include;

Emcee for Campus Crusade for Christ

Campus Crusade for Christ has a weekly meeting every Thursday called 180. At this meeting attendance varies from 200 to 400 people, and usually averages around 300. I emcee 180 each week, and keep the meeting going. My purpose purely from the meeting’s standpoint is to allow things to run smoothly, disseminate information, and make people feel welcome and comfortable. However, it also becomes a figurehead role for the organization. Because of this, I have been able to be in touch with many people who want to know more, and can be someone who people see on campus and immediately associate with the organization. This has helped me to learn what it takes to be a leader in a large organization, and to realize that my actions reflect more than just myself. At the same time, it has allowed me to use and learn more about my strengths of care and making others feel welcome.

Network Trip Lead for Select Leaders

In this position I plan a networking trip that my class from the Select Leaders Development Program takes. This includes working with a budget and dates to create a plan that will work for everyone in a certain price range. Last year I coordinated with different businesses including Deloitte, Nationwide, and Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, so that we could meet with them and some of their executives. This has been a great experience because it has given me the opportunity to get to know those in my group better, and we have been able to collaborate and grow closer through the trip. It is also a great way to learn how to plan effectively because of the limited budget we are on and the need to plan efficiently with the business and our contacts. This year I have begun planning a trip for the juniors, which will most likely take place in Charlotte.

Treasurer for Christian Business Leaders

This position has probably stretched me the most in terms of leadership. Christian Business Leaders (CBL) is a business organization that promotes leadership focused on principles and the Christian faith. During my freshman year, the organization incurred some problems and some of the executive board members quit, and the group fell apart. It was going to be eliminated completely, until a few people decided to give it another try. During the following year I was challenged to lead, and we have begun the process of rebuilding the organization. Starting last year, we had five consistent members, no leadership besides the president and me, and no real outline for what the organization should do. For this reason we started outreaching and planning events, as well as figuring out what we wanted the mission of the organization to be. Through much planning and connecting with members, we now have 15 consistent members and more starting to come, as well as guest speakers, group socials, an upcoming college-wide event, and a networking trip planned for the end of the year. On top of this, three sophomores have stepped up and decided to take on leadership roles for next year. This process has been very time-consuming and challenging, yet extremely rewarding. It has been great to see the organization grow and plan its direction, and I am more than excited to take over as president next year.

Each of these opportunities has given me a chance to grow and is continuing to teach me new things. I have learned how much it takes to smoothly coordinate something, how to use the abilities of the people around me to best benefit the group, and probably most importantly the need of communication and understanding. Everyone has different lives and problems, and it is important to help someone perform, while still keeping that person’s individuality in mind. I have also learned that a leader is not simply a task or a title, but rather a lifestyle. To be a successful leader, one must act as a leader at all times. This is not to say that person will be perfect, but their life should show that they hold certain principles like integrity and care to be crucial to their identities as a person and leader.

VI. Differential Advantages

The main things that I believe separate me from others are my passion, exceptional communication skills, desire to improve, and ability to seize opportunity in any situation. First of all, my passion for life and its endeavors is something that I bring to everything. Many people have great determination, but that is just a part of my passion. I get things done when told, and I pride myself on being a “go-to guy” when something needs to be done. But beyond that, I also take great joy in doing things to the best of my capabilities. If I take on a responsibility it is going to not only get done, but be completed well. As much as I love the reward of a completed project, I also have taught myself to constantly see the intrinsic rewards in work. It is my philosophy that if you are going to spend time on something, whether it is work or play, you might as well do it to the fullest.

The next characteristic that I think sets me apart is my communication abilities. I have never been afraid to talk and I enjoy interacting with people. However over the years I have learned that talking is much less important than listening. I believe communication is much more than conversation, but rather reading into someone’s feelings and reasoning. I think my communication is good not only because I speak directly and listen carefully, but because I understand that my view of things may be different than the view of the person I am speaking with. I have learned that sometimes it is better to take an extra minute to really communicate instead of glossing over possible miscommunications.

As I stated earlier I think a true leader can never be stagnant. I believe that I can never know enough and that it is important to stay innovative and aware, especially with the constantly changing landscape of technology and business. By staying humble a leader can learn much more.

What I think differentiates me the most is my ability to find opportunity in everything. I think of it as optimism with action. No matter what happens, there is always a chance to seize an opportunity, whether it is in life or business. The important thing is to not allow a downfall to ruin you, and to actually act upon optimism. Life is mostly what you make of what you are given, not what you are given. Bad things will happen to me, but they are just new ways to look at things and new opportunities. For example, a failed project turns into a chance to learn and developsomething new, a sick day gives you a chance to catch up on emails and read something new, and so on. There is always a silver lining.

VIII. Mentoring and Coaching Process

The Select Leaders coaching (faculty advisor) and mentoring (older peer) programs are extremely useful as a developing leader. The program allows for two different perspectives, and just general advice that is crucial to continual learning.

What I have learned from this is how crucial both peers and supervisors perspectives are. I always want constructive criticism, and both the mentoring process and coaching process have provided that. The mentor process has also provided a great friend, who I can look to for basic advice, and also networking help as I look for internships and jobs. It also allows me to give back, by providing my insight to help him as he starts his career. Also, the coaching process gives perspective from someone who has more experience, and he has given me great advice based on what he has been through. These relationships provide advice in both life and the professional realm, and help me to improve and grow.

VII. 5-Year Plan