CONCLUSION

To be honest, my view on each theory I selected has evolved as I progressed through each phase of this project.

When I first considered the Great Man theory I thought it was a very inaccurate theory. A theory that was just a thought that came across the mind of Thomas Carlyle.

What I believe still thought, is that the Great Man theory is an accurate description of what expectations I held for myself coming into college because of the events that occurred before my collegiate career.

I believed everything was going to be great and I was destined for success. I have high regards for the Great Man theory as it put my expectations of myself into words that I didn’t know.

There was a need to be a great man for myself, and my family and I was stepping up to the plate to meet that need (Carlyle). What I didn’t realize at the time was that it didn’t mean obstacles weren’t going to come across my path.

The good part of the obstacles was that challenged me to develop the traits that had brought me to college in the first place. I kept pushing forward after each setback.

Now, I see that becoming an authentic leader is about experiences that leave scars, in a way.

Reflecting on how you came across these “scars” allow you to evaluate what traits you demonstrated and what new traits you developed. These traits make you who you are.

In the words of Goldberg, you explore what tendencies you have and this helps you better understand what approaches you can use in different situations since every situation is different (Fiedler).

Furthermore, Fiedler’s Contingency theory allows both transformational and transactional approaches to be effective depending on the task.

I could perform as a leader who focuses deeply on the development of my followers if we are seeking a strategic breakthrough which corresponds to a transformational style of leadership (Fiedler).

I could perform as a leader that provides information to my customers inquiring about internet services and provide them information based on their needs which aligns with the transactional style of leadership (Fiedler).

In the end, my theories have allowed me to have a new view on how my interactions affect my personal development.

Whether or not my projects were successful in the end I am proud to have been eager to attempt them. In the future, if it’s leading a new initiative, mentoring others, selling products, or working on a project I am confident that failure will not be a concern.

If failure happens, all isn’t lost because we still gain new knowledge. Knowledge of what works, what we did well, and what we need to do differently.

We are all great men and women learning about our traits, tendencies, and pursuing a form of authenticity.

Through authenticity we are not only true to ourselves but to others as well. I want to be authentic. College has given me many opportunities to be true to who I am by challenging me.

My development doesn’t stop here. I have many more life experiences I am going to pursue and to get those I need to continue to go out of my comfort zone.

I want to challenge my readers to seek their own authenticity without fearing failure. When we are pushed to our limits we learn who we truly are deep down.

It is also through failures that we can reach success in the end. I have begun to deeply learn more about the great authentic man within.

It will only be through more challenges that this man will reveal himself. I am look forward to what the future will bring and to the day I reflect again about what authenticity I have developed.