The Importance of Leadership Skills in College by Lynette

The Importance of Leadership Skills in College by Lynette - March 2015 Scholarship Essay

A leader is able to create a vision and motivate people to complete that vision. Developing leadership characteristics is especially important in college because students are figuring out who they are, so they are ripe for developing leadership characteristics at this time. In addition, because college is a highly interactive environment so students must be able to work together on group projects, live together in dorm rooms or apartments, and ‘play’ together in sports, social activities, and other such endeavors. All of these flow more smoothly when an effective leader is involved. Thus, leadership skills such as communication, commitment, and honesty are necessary for success in college.

George Bernard Shaw said, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” In order for communication to be successful, all of the parties involved need to understand the information in the same way. One must know what they want to say, how they want to say it, how to address others, as well as how to listen. To achieve success in college a student must be able to relay to their professor any questions or difficulties that they have. Students need to discuss questions with peers and be proficient and helpful in group work. This is a successful communication style of a leader.

An exemplary student-leader is committed to their studies, success, relationships, activities, and themselves. Commitment is essential for a leader and for being successful in college. Intelligence does not serve someone in the same way as being committed does. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard. College is not easy, so students have to push themselves. A leader would see the value for the long run in a college education and act accordingly.

Honesty is a leadership skill which is necessary for optimal success in college. Leaders need to be honest with themselves. They need to know what they are able to handle and whether they are handling it. Leaders also need to be honest with others. Honesty is a fundamental basis for any relationship. It shows a person’s trustworthiness and creates strong, respectful relationships as well as self awareness and comfort. Thus, honesty is important in college because it builds and sustains relationships.

A leader is able to create a vision and motivate people to complete that vision. In college, leadership skills such as communication, commitment, and honesty are particularly important because activities will flow better. It is the time to develop yourself and work towards making the world a better place, one step at a time.