Understanding Self: Leadership Autobiography Assignment

Imagine that someone interested in writing your biography is interviewing you. What could be stated that you want the world to know about you?  What are the “a-ha” moments that have led you to be the person you are today?

For this assignment, you are not encouraged to write your life story. Rather, you are to capture three stories that have had a profound impact on you and are guiding forces in your current actions.

Each story should include the following components:

– a brief description of the “event”

– what sense did you make out of the experience (lessons learned)

– how you are/have changed as a result of the experience

Last, there should be a one-page reflection of how the three stories have shaped and changed you in the context of leadership.

Some questions for you to consider while exploring include the following – these are to help you think about what you want to write. You do not have to answer all the questions, simply use them as a guide.

What is your family history? What are your family traditions and customs? How have these factors influenced your life and perceptions, values, and philosophy of leadership? How do you define leadership? What are your social identities (i.e. race/ethnicity, ability, religion, gender, social class) that influence your actions in the context of leadership? When was the first time you realized your
leadership potential? Do you see yourself as a potential leader?

Are there any influences outside of your family that have shaped your values and philosophy of leadership? What about the imperfect moments or mistakes that shaped the content of your character? How have mentors and critical incidents transformed you?

Formatting requirements

The whole paper should be between four-five (4-5) pages, double-spaced, 12-pt font. Remember to use APA 7 formatting for your paper: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/apa_changes_7th_edition.html

APA-specified title page should include:

• the      title of the paper,
• the      name of each author of the paper,
• the      affiliation for each author (typically the school being attended),
• the      course number and name for which the paper is being written (use the      format used by the school or institution (e.g., ENGL 106),
• the      course instructor’s name and title,
• the      assignment’s due date,
• a      page number flush right (which also appears on the following pages).

Note also that student papers now lack a running head.