Lessons in Leadership by Elena

Lessons in Leadership by Elena - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

As I have made my way, sometimes trudging, sometimes sprinting, through my high school career, the various leadership positions in which I have found myself have influenced my life more than I had ever imagined they would when I applied for them. From being president of my youth group to co-president of my local interact club to editor-in-chief of my school’s yearbook, the wide range of skills I have gained from leading different groups of people toward different goals have affected my academic performance as well as my personal life. From learning how to assert myself calmly and firmly to learning to bear the responsibility that comes with an authoritative position, I have found these lessons crucial in my high school, and I expect college, years.

The balance of directing a group of people without causing anarchy to break loose, with mobs wielding torches and pitchforks taking to the streets in an effort to dismantle their leader, but still enforcing rules firmly and fairly, is a delicate one. Even in something as simple as a group project, the role of the group leader to fairly delegate parts of the assignment without caving and doing it all by him or herself is essential to the success of the group. I believe that this is where the fundamentals of good leadership become useful, if not entirely necessary, to success in any level of education, but particularly college. With the goal of “being treated like an adult,” one that most people (or at least I) have yearned for since pre-adolescence, finally accomplished, the pressure to effectively lead yourself and other people suddenly jumps off of those around you, landing squarely and heavily on your back. An inability to balance this responsibility could be disastrous, both for the group being led and the leader.

Some of the most important lessons I have learned about effective leadership have come from watching others’ failures. Darwinistic as it may sound, I fully believe in learning from the mistakes of others and using them to promote yourself (in cases that don’t result in life or death; I do not condone stealing another’s food when he or she goes to the bathroom just to better yourself). The yearbook editor who came before me intimidated, and consequently alienated, his staff. Having the disadvantage of not having known him since his diaper days as I had, his snarky and cruel comments were lost on them, resulting in offense rather than amusement. Each time he stumbled, although I was there to catch him as his friend and assistant editor, I made a mental note to myself to try not to do what he had just done. I found the benefits in treating those of whom I was in charge with respect and patience, giving them the benefit of the doubt, and making a conscious effort to forge personal relationships with them instead of holding myself aloof. I cannot imagine how I would have published two books without these skills, just as I cannot imagine successfully making it through a single semester of college without them. Creating an image of yourself as a relatable leader as well as an assertive one is absolutely essential in the success of any group, as it fosters trust and respect among those involved.

Through my experiences in various leadership positions, I can confidently predict the necessity of leadership skills to success in higher education. Having the ability to effectively and calmly direct a group of people can lead to major accomplishments that may otherwise be unavailable.