"Leadership skills required" is a phrase that I've been listening for quiet some time and repetitively. Whether it is applying for a job, or applying for a scholarship, or just in class; it has come to my attention in more than one occasion. But, what do I understand about leadership? How important is it in life? and, how do I learn this kind of skill?
Recently in class, the Professor allowed his students to formulate a plan to help us improve our grades after a test. He suggested to divide the class into smaller groups to work effectively and come up with a positive plan. One of my classmates got up and suggested writing all the ideas on the board. By doing this we will be able to come with more ideas than working in smaller groups and also working them out faster. See, he came up with leadership skills. For me, to have leadership skills is to be able to guide, to influence other people, to be an example to others, to be able to show the rest how to do something. It is exactly what my classmate did.
Not long time ago, I was filling up a job application. Under the requirements for the job it mention the need for being able to posses and practice leadership skills in the job. Why if I was not applying for a managerial position? Later, I learned that leadership is a key business "differentiator". All companies are looking for ways to develop their products or services, their relationships with other businesses, and the market share as well. In order to fulfill all these strategies you need to become somebody else and not just another one from the group. Sometimes I think that leadership is some sort of ability you are born with, not necessarily a skill. But if I didn't born with it, how can I exploit myself to achieve those qualities of effective leadership? Confidence and charisma are some of its qualities, therefore they are very important in life. Without confidence I will always be scared of trying better choices personally and professionally. Without charisma I won't be able to behave with people different to me.
Leadership is a fundamental behavior that I must try to learn all the way through life.
Recently in class, the Professor allowed his students to formulate a plan to help us improve our grades after a test. He suggested to divide the class into smaller groups to work effectively and come up with a positive plan. One of my classmates got up and suggested writing all the ideas on the board. By doing this we will be able to come with more ideas than working in smaller groups and also working them out faster. See, he came up with leadership skills. For me, to have leadership skills is to be able to guide, to influence other people, to be an example to others, to be able to show the rest how to do something. It is exactly what my classmate did.
Not long time ago, I was filling up a job application. Under the requirements for the job it mention the need for being able to posses and practice leadership skills in the job. Why if I was not applying for a managerial position? Later, I learned that leadership is a key business "differentiator". All companies are looking for ways to develop their products or services, their relationships with other businesses, and the market share as well. In order to fulfill all these strategies you need to become somebody else and not just another one from the group. Sometimes I think that leadership is some sort of ability you are born with, not necessarily a skill. But if I didn't born with it, how can I exploit myself to achieve those qualities of effective leadership? Confidence and charisma are some of its qualities, therefore they are very important in life. Without confidence I will always be scared of trying better choices personally and professionally. Without charisma I won't be able to behave with people different to me.
Leadership is a fundamental behavior that I must try to learn all the way through life.
Stefania,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. I believe no matter what jobs or careers we may choose leadership will ultimately determine how successful we become. It’s very admirable that you are always trying to seek leadership from whatever you choose, whether it is sitting in a class room or at work. As college students that something we should all be doing right now (now that we are in college), and leadership is something that we will constantly have to work at, to keep getting recognition at work or a job promotion etc. From your profile, you indicate that you’re a mom, being a mom is exercising leadership skills as well. So I would say give yourself some slap… you might have more leadership qualities than you realize.
Ray Narine