What is Leadership? by Carrie Mackenzie

What is Leadership? by Carrie Mackenzie - March 2025 Scholarship Essay

Leadership is often seen as a position of power and authority, but it’s about helping others toward a common goal and direction with care and understanding. A true leader inspires and motivates others to work together, achieving more than they could alone and working alongside each other. Leadership is about working as a team. It also involves not just making decisions but also helping others to achieve goals and their vision.
A good leader isn’t about just giving orders and direction. It’s about having a vision, clearly communicating, and making people feel valued and appreciated. A great leader listens to everyone’s ideas and encourages teamwork. They create an environment where everyone contributes and makes the team stronger together.
I saw great leadership in action during a numerous cheerleading practice. Our team was struggling due to losing a couple of athletes due to injuries and sickness. Our leader stepped in and listened to everyone’s thoughts. Instead of telling us what to do, Coach asked for input and helped rework the entire routine based on each person’s strengths and skills. She motivated regularly, offering support and encouragement. Her leadership made us work more efficiently, and we ended up making an incredible routine that got 3rd place in regional.
This showed me and my peers that leadership is about more than just giving orders. It’s about creating a positive environment where people can work together, share ideas, and grow as a united team with the same goal in mind. A good leader helps people feel valued and gives them the confidence to do their best and keep trying. Never Get up!
In the future, I hope to lead as effectively as my Coach. I want to be a leader who listens to others, helps people, and keeps the team focused on the final goal. I believe that by being kind, supportive, and communicating clearly, I can encourage my future peers to reach their full potential and work together to achieve success.
In conclusion, leadership is about inspiring and helping others, not just being a dictator. A good leader makes people feel valued, helps to reach their goals, and work as a team. In the future, I plan to lead by being open, supportive, and focused on helping others succeed. Famous quote by Zig Ziglar, “You can get everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want!”