Capstone Sa

What?

 

Congruence refers to one’s ability to think, behave, and feel with consistency and authenticity. Congruent individuals are able to act consistently with their beliefs, morals, and values. As such, congruence is closely linked to consciousness of self, as leaders, and individuals in general, who know themselves better are better able to conduct themselves with originality and consistency.

 

I learned the meaning of congruence especially by my academic experiences throughout my undergraduate studies at Virginia Tech. Being able to maintain a consistent routine has allowed me to find out who I am as well as it helped me standing out for my work, my abilities, and the causes I am passionate about. As a leader, being able to conduct my work in accordance with my morals and the values I have acquired throughout life shaped me into a stronger, more creative, and competent servant. Furthermore, being true to my morals, values, and feelings has allowed me to discover my flaws and the many areas in which I need to improve which has humbled me as a leader to ask for help, for example, in many different occasions.

 

So What?

 

Congruence is an important social change value because it fosters trust amongst leaders and followers. It is important for leaders to have the support of their followers just as much as it is important for followers to feel supported in their needs. For this reason, consistent leaders, who can show originality, honesty, and true concern regards the problems afflicting his or her community are certainly more successful leaders.

 

Another important nuance of congruence as a social change value is that it promotes self-knowledge. Leaders who are better aware of themselves are better able to dedicate themselves to generating original, unique solutions to the social task at hand. Furthermore, leaders who know their true motivation, their flaws, and their abilities are able to seek help and improve themselves continuously which definitely promotes the development of leadership and change as a whole.

 

Now What?

 

As part of my efforts to develop myself as a congruent leader I plan of learning more and more about myself such that I can continue to be true to the causes which move my heart and my social action. I also plan on continuing to dedicate myself to the study of leadership such that I can become a better citizen who stands for the lessons I learned in the many classes I have taken as part of the leadership and social change minor but also so that I can apply the learning I have acquired from other experiences I have had while being an undergraduate student.

 

Congruence is very important to me and I am confident that this social change value impacts the way leadership is practiced and taught. The ability to be consistent and true to who I am, to my beliefs, and to the causes for which I stand are the main message I take away with me as I finish this minor and which will certainly impact my works as a leader, citizen, and professional in the future.