Leadership

Leadership is a quality that is somewhat scarce now and days. Many of us find ourselves compromising and following the crowd rather than leading it. We put our fate in someone else’s hands and hope they know what is best.  There are many different levels and forms of leaders ranging from the President of the United States to a principal at a high school. What does it mean to be a leader? What qualities do they have?  How can we step out of our comfort zone and take charge in a situation rather than sitting back and watching? Leaders are everywhere in this world and are what keep everything running.

To be a leader means that you know how to take charge. You can handle a situation with ease and not break down in the process. These are people who are typically organized, have good time management, and don’t have issues with speaking to others. One of the best kinds of leaders is the ones that know how to make people feel more at ease.  An example would be if a freshman was selected to be a part of the varsity volleyball team. This girl is probably scared out of her mind that she is even entering high school, and to add on that she is being thrown on a team that is predominately juniors and seniors is pretty intimidating. The seniors on the team are the ones that are considered the leaders; they have been in high school the longest and just have more experience than the other players out there. To make this girl feel more welcome, the team will talk to her more than most other players, maybe cheer a little louder and put more emphasis on the fact that that player did something good. They will also include them so they don’t find themselves lost on where to go and what to do.

If you consider yourself a leader, what is your best quality? I personally think that I can talk to pretty much anyone with no problem. I am very approachable and am willing to help others. If you want to stand out as being more of a leader that doesn’t mean that you have to be the loudest students out there. Those students are typically the most annoying ones that everyone doesn’t want to follow and be more like. Leaders are those who know how to listen to those speaking to them, and respond well. They walk with confidence not cockiness.  When being a leader you have to believe in yourself, but don’t let it come off as being egotistical. One of the best ways to come off as confident is having a solid hand shake, good eye contact, and a smile across your face. Be appreciative of others and thank them when the opportunity arises.

Usually the people that we look up to in this world are leaders. We put our trust in them and hope that they are leading us in the right direction.  Have you ever been led astray? That is usually a sign that you are not following the right person and you need to step up and put the leadership qualities that you have, even if it isn’t many, to use. One example of a simple way that you could help a situation and not have to speak to a big crowd or make a life changing decision, would be standing up for someone if something isn’t right. If some kid is being bullied, go up to the person bullying and tell them to stop, what you are doing isn’t right. Give them some perspective and make a difference.

Leaders come in all shapes and sizes. A leader is someone you will follow to a place you would not otherwise go. Be bold and truthful; friendly and confident; willing and able; kind and approachable. Be a leader. It is your time, you only live life once, don’t ruin your chances. (661)