NJHS Essay Category: Leadership

By: Layne Wells

Mr. Maguire and Mrs. Suessen 8th Grade Class of 2011 March 4, 2011

No institution can possibly survive if it needs geniuses or supermen to manage it. It must be organized in such a way as to be able to get along under a leadership composed of average human beings." ~Peter F. Drucker Peter Drucker was an influential business author, strategist, and consultant. His ideas on management, operating large corporations, and leadership have been published in more than thirty books. Drucker was an immigrant, from Austria, and was raised to think that only people from powerful families can be successful. He later proved this wrong, and became one of the most moving speakers of his time. Peter Drucker has been an inspiration to President George W. Bush and Stewart D. Friedman. Aside from celebrities, Peter Drucker has been inspiring to middle class folk, as well. Such people include my father, John Wells. My father has worked from the bottom to the top for 26 years; he is now successful and a leader for many people. Though he has been discouraged, my father has found that, in order to be an effective leader, it is essential for a person to be able to communicate, they must be passionate about their practice, and he/she must be humble. John Glenn Wells was born in a small town on the eastern border of Ohio. He was the youngest in a family of eight and was often forced to spend time alone. He spent his early years collecting golf balls and going to school. His father and two older brothers were construction workers, and it appeared that John would become one, too. John surprised everyone when he went to Ohio State for Dentistry. After dropping Organic Chemistry as a class, he went to the only available class: Business and Economics. He was only there for one week when he realized that he enjoyed Business far more than Dentistry. Dad started out as a room service waiter in the

Hilton Cincinnati. Two years later, he was promoted to Food and Beverage Director. In the next five years he kept a smile on his face, married my mother, and became General Manager of the Hilton Waikoloa. My sisters and I were born in the next ten years, so we moved to a larger home in Barrington. Dad never showed any awful expression to his occupation; even last year when his hotel was in danger of striking, he pulled through. His motivation and passion inspire me to do the best that I can.

Communication is not just a way we speak. Talking and signaling are just one fraction of the large plain of communication. There are many things that a leader must remember for followers to feel comfortable and motivated. A leader must display a sense of confidence and control (or lack of) to others. A leader should share their feelings about the situation. It is important to show a sense of purpose and commitment, so that others feel the same drive for a common goal. It is also important for the followers or employees to feel comfortable around a leader. My father strives to know names and a little background of the people he will speak to. Chances are that people would feel more relaxed around someone who addresses the group like a team, not as children. Its a hard thing to do; a leader should show some guidance and control, but they also should try to respond like a friend.

Much like Peter Drucker and at least 60% of our United States presidents, my father grew up from humble beginnings. He was the youngest of six and was thirteen years younger than his oldest brother, Richard. Just to prove my point, my grandmother bought four dozen potatoes to last the family four days. Now that my father is the boss of a hotel, he is responsible for motivating his team-members. At each bi-weekly gathering, my father reminds employees of two things: modesty and loyalty. His past had a large effect on him, and my father uses his

experiences to lead others. Let the customer be your leader, for a while. Grin and bear it, if you must. Treat them as though they are better, are some example words of advice for each week. By being modest and humble, hotel guests feel like royalty. Isnt that what youd want on vacation? Though it sounds backwards, you have to act inferior to be a leader.

For 26 years, John Wells, my father, has been a loyal, passionate, modest leader. There are many unsung soldiers around the world. There are policemen, sanitation workers, soldiers, teachers, caregivers, parents, students, and even hotel managers from Steubenville, Ohio. Good leaders defy odds. My father enjoys his work, he is a wonderful communicator, and he is the most dedicated person I have ever seen. In today's rapidly changing world, leadership prevails everywhere. It is playing a more important role, not only in our personal life, but also in our professional life. Leadership has a great impact and influence on people, everywhere.